Datasets:

ufukhaman

/

uspto_balanced_200k_ipc_classification

like 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. FIG. 1 shows an inventive floor element essentially in a transportation state. When in use, the element 1 has a generally flat, rectangular shape and is comprised of a thin aluminium foil 10 of corresponding size and a thickness that is less than 200 m, preferably a thickness of 100 m. The foil 10 is carried by a floor sheet 11 , e.g. a cellular sheet, particle board, plaster board, or a technical equivalent. The sheet 11 includes through-extending, mutually parallel slits 12 , which are also parallel with the longitudinal edges of the sheet 11 . The slits divide the sheet 11 into mutually parallel, longitudinally extending strips 13 , wherewith the side strips of the sheet suitably have a width corresponding to half the width of the inwardly lying strips. The slits 12 are bridged by foil portions 15 whose width is adapted to the thickness of the sheet 11 and to the outer diameter of the conductor to be placed in the foil portions or sections 15 , such that the foil 15 will tightly embrace the bottom half of the conductor circumference and to enable the conductor to be placed between the top and bottom main surfaces of the sheet. As evident from FIG. 1 , the sheet 11 may include a through-extending transversal slit 16 in the longitudinal centre region of the sheet, wherewith the connecting foil portions 17 forms a hinge means for both parts of the floor element. The gap between the strips 13 is bridged on the rear side of the sheet with a two-way tape reinforcement 77 or some corresponding device, wherein said tapes 77 define a maximum distance between the strips 13 to which the foil width 15 is well-adapted to embrace a pipe/a conductor whose diameter corresponds to the greatest width between the strips 13 . It is, of course, possible to mount a fully covering foil on the underside of the sheet as an alternative to adhesive tape 77 at the gap between each pair of strips 13 . The adhesive tapes 77 shall suitably have such flexibility as to enable the width of the element to be minimised, by bringing the side edges of mutually adjacent strips 13 together, for instance during transportation. After having folded out the element 1 shown in FIG. 1 , said element can be placed in a correct position on a sub-floor and the sheet parts 13 fixed to said floor with centrally stretched adhesive tapes 77 . A heating cable/heating conductor/cooling conductor can now be readily pressed down correctly into the channels that are exposed when the spacing holders are removed. As will be evident from FIG. 2 , the adhesive tapes 77 can be replaced with adhesive foil that covers the corresponding main surface of the floor element. Naturally, it is necessary to slit the foil at the hinge join 16 , 17 . FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment in which the foil portions 15 are folded together and laid flat on one main surface of the sheet 11 , whereas the strips 13 on the sheet are brought laterally into contact with each other. A rigid element transportation state is achieved with the aid of pieces of adhesive tape 34 , 35 that bridge the channels 12 on the main surface distal from the AL-foil, said channels 12 being eliminated by pressing the strips against one another, and by folding the element double about a transversal slit located at half the length of the sheet for instance, although not penetrating the AL-foil 10 . After folding out the sheet 1 about the hinge means 16 , 17 and cutting through the tapes 34 , 35 at the location of the channels 12 , the sheet can be placed on a supportive surface and the strips mutually separated to open the channels 12 , wherewith the conductor can be developed and the foil portion 15 pressed down into the channelling. As will be evident from FIGS. 7 and 8 , the conductor 4 is normally laid in a meandering fashion, wherewith mutually adjacent, straight and parallel conductor sections 45 are placed in mutually adjacent, corresponding foil-clad channels in the element 1 . The curves or bends 41 of the conductor 4 are also placed in the channels 32 in the plate 30 . It will be seen from FIG. 7 that the channels 32 are generally semicircular in shape, so that the ends of the channel 32 connect with adjacent channels 12 in the sheet 1 . Although the invention has been described above with reference to a floor structure for the sake of simplicity, it will be obvious that the invention is not limited to this particular application, but can also be applied with the use of the inventive element and inventive plate on wall surfaces, ceiling surfaces and other surfaces with the intention of delivering heat or of removing heat from said structures. FIGS. 6 , 9 and 10 show that the sheet 1 of FIG. 1 can be produced by advancing arrays of laterally spaced lamellae along a feed path, wherein the lamellae are spaced mutually apart ( FIG. 9 ) with the aid of spacer elements 81 in a first part of said path. In the illustrated case, said spacer elements 81 have the form of wheels of specific width, wherewith a flat AL-foil 10 is adhered to one main surface. The lamellae 13 are then brought together laterally to a smaller distance apart with the aid of spacing elements 82 , which in the illustrated case have the form of wheels that also function to press the aluminium foil down into the channels, whereafter pieces of flat adhesive tape 77 are applied to opposite sides of the strips 13 across the channels 12 , so as to define a largest channel width that corresponds to the diameter of the conductor. The first mentioned width of the channels is chosen to enable the conductor to be embraced around half its circumference by the AL-foil, while providing room for the conductor between the main surfaces of the sheet at the same time. In the case of straight channels that lack heat conducting foil but where such foil is desired, a conductive tape can, in principle, be produced in accordance with FIG. 5 , detail 15 . The tape can be obtained either with adhesive and a paper backing, or solely with adhesive on the whole or parts of the underside of the formed foil, preferably on the two edge portions outwardly of the folded region. The double-folded part will be smaller than the nose width and can thus be used particularly easily. The conductive tape will automatically assume a U-shape and embrace the conductor at least around half its circumference, as the conductor is pressed or trod down into the channel. The invention being thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be recognized by one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

5F

24

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A basic structure and a basic working principle of an embodiment are described below in combination with the first embodiment andFIGS. 1A and 1B. The first embodiment As shown inFIG. 1A, a multifunctional membraneless boiled water electrolysis machine comprises: a container21for containing water; a container cover20, wherein the label number22refers to a water level indicating line; an electric heater15capable of heating or boiling water; an electrolysis power supply9; and an electrolytic cell10with a water inlet and a water outlet. An electrolytic cell partition plate11divides the electrolysis water tank17into a region for an electrolysis electrode assembly18as the electrolytic cell10and an electrolytic cell water outlet region19. The electrolysis electrode assembly18for electrolyzing water is mounted in the electrolytic cell (details about an internal structure thereof referring toFIG. 1Band the following relevant description thereof). The water in the container21can be pumped into an electrolysis water tank17and the electrolytic cell10by an electric pump24through a water outlet pipe25at a bottom of the container and a water outlet pipeline23of the electric pump. An electric heater16is mounted at a vertical part of a pipeline23. The water enters the electrolysis water tank17and the electrolytic cell10from a water inlet15(formed at the top of the water pipeline23) of the electrolysis water tank17after being heated (capable of being controlled without being heated). The electrolyzed water flows from the upper part of the electrolytic cell into the electrolytic cell water outlet region19and flows from the water outlet of the electrolysis water tank17i.e., an apparatus water outlet28. Wires6and7connect electrolysis power supply9to different electrodes of the electrolysis electrode assembly18. The electrolysis electrode assembly in the drawing adopts a technical solution of membraneless water electrolysis with high efficiency so as to achieve certain water electrolysis indexes. Referring toFIG. 1Band a description thereof for details. FIG. 1Billustrates an internal structure and an associated portion of an electrolysis assembly18(comprising an electrolytic cell and an electrolysis electrode assembly). Portions described inFIG. 1Aare not repeatedly described again here. The label number10refers to an electrolytic cell, and the label number8refers to an electrolytic cell wall. The water from the pipeline23enters a space26through the water inlet15in the lower part of the electrolysis water tank17, and the space26is isolated by a sealing ring29and is not directly communicated with other spaces of the electrolysis water tank17, so that the water can enter a lower space11of the electrolytic cell10only and is electrolyzed by the electrolysis electrodes1and2in a gap3and a gap4. The electrolyzed water flows out of the upper parts of the gap3and the gap4, enters an upper space12of the electrolytic cell10, then flows out of the upper part of the electrolytic cell wall8, enters the electrolysis water tank17, flows over a water storage baffle plate27to flow into the water outlet region19of the electrolysis water tank17once the stored water exceeds a water level line5, and flows out of the apparatus water outlet28for use. InFIG. 1B, the electrolysis electrode assembly is formed by two electrodes1and2of different polarities. The electrode1is has a shape of cylindrical walls each defining a hole thereof. Three holes are schematically defined as shown in the figures. The cylindrical walls are mechanically fixed; the walls of holes are mutually electrically connected with one another to form the electrode1, and the electrode1is connected with the electrolysis power supply9through the wire7. The electrode2has columns. Three columns are schematically shown in the drawing. The columns are mechanically fixed and electrically connected with one another to form the electrode2, and the electrode2is connected with the electrolysis power supply9through the wire6. The electrode1can be correspondingly inserted with the electrode2, each column of the column electrode2can be inserted into the corresponding hole of the electrode1shaped of cylindrical walls each defining a hole, and an electrode gap3is defined between the column surface and the cylindrical hole-wall surface in a tubular shape. Three gaps3formed by the three columns of the electrode2and the three holes of the electrode1are schematically shown inFIG. 1B. Each gap distance can be selected within a certain range as desired, for example, in a range smaller than 5 mm and greater than 0 mm. If necessary, the gap3can be smaller, for example, smaller than 1 mm and greater than 0 mm for enhancing the electrolysis effect of the water and the impurities in the water. Higher water electrolysis efficiency and indexes can be acquired using the apparatus to electrolyze raw water with low conductivity, such as purified water, distilled water and the like. Under the condition that the electrode gap is fixed, the probability and the quantity of the impurities and the water molecules electrolyzed are in proportion to the electrode surface areas of the gaps. Therefore, maximization of electrode surface areas of the gap3can increase the electrolysis efficiency. InFIG. 1B, the electrolytic cell wall8has a material suitable for being used as the electrolysis electrode, is connected with the electrolysis power supply through the wire7to become a portion of the electrode2and defines an electrolysis gap4between the electrolytic cell wall and the electrode1, thereby the electrolysis effect of the apparatus is increased. Label numbers11and12denotes the lower space and the upper space of the electrolytic cell10respectively have a certain volume, so that smooth flowing of the water in the electrode gaps is facilitated. Since in the water electrolysis process, the water molecules in the gaps can produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas after being electrolyzed; the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas can flow upwards along the electrodes of the gaps so as to drive the water in the gaps3to flow upwards, and flows out from an upper port of each gap3into the space12, which results that water continuously flow into the electrode gaps for supplementation from the external of a lower port of each gap3, i.e. from a space11. Apparently, if the spaces11and12are too narrow, the flowability of water in the electrode gaps may be influenced. The water flowing from the water inlet15of the electrolytic cell flows into11cannot be electrolyzed in the gaps at an expected flow rate, which will decrease the water electrolysis efficiency. In conclusion, a smaller gap, larger electrode surface areas of the gap3, and a certain water flowability in the gap3are reasonably selected, thus at such three aspects of technical solutions coordinated and simultaneously considered, the electrolysis efficiency can be obviously increased. Since the apparatus is used for electrolyzing flowing water, generally speaking, if the spaces11and12outside the ports of the gap3are wide enough, water flowability in the gap may be easily satisfied so as to obtain higher electrolysis efficiency and water electrolysis indexes. Table 1 and Table 2 are actual detection data of an experimental apparatus of the present invention. Table 1: actual detections data of electrolysis boiled water of embodiment 1 of the multifunctional membraneless boiled water electrolysis machine of the present invention Structural characteristicsGaps betweenelectrodes of differentTest itemspolarities = 0.6 mmReducedORP(mv)−612waterHydrogen631indexescontent (ppb)Electrolysis current0.6(A) Note: electrolysis voltage of 8V, raw water: ORP=+408 mv, hydrogen content=0, normal temperature It can be seen that water electrolysis index levels meets the requirements for practical products. Table2is actual detection data when the areas (i.e., the height of the electrodes) of the electrolysis electrode gaps3inFIG. 1AandFIG. 1Bare double increased. Table2: actual detection data of electrolysis boiled water of the multifunctional membraneless boiled water electrolysis machine in the first embodiment of the present invention Structural characteristicsGaps betweenelectrodes of differentpolarities = 0.6 mm(the area of the gapsbetween the electrolysiselectrodes is increasedTest itemsby one time)ReducedORP(mv)−879waterHydrogen921indexescontent (ppb)Electrolysis current1.2(A) Note: electrolysis voltage of 8 V, raw water: ORP=+402 mv, hydrogen content=0, normal temperature It can be seen that the electrode surface areas (i.e., the height of the electrodes) of the electrolysis electrode gaps3is double increased; the water electrolysis indexes are remarkably improved and exceed an index of an isolating membrane water electrolysis machine, while the electrolysis efficiency exceeds that of the isolating membrane water electrolysis machine by tens times and even a hundred times. It strongly verifies accuracy and great practical significance of the new principle and the new method of water electrolysis proposed by the applicant. The electrolysis electrode assembly of the multifunctional membraneless boiled water electrolysis machine of the present invention is not limited to a specific structure adopted by the first embodiment. Any electrolysis electrode structure which can electrolyze boiled water and reach the required water electrolysis indexes in principle can be used. On an aspect of control, electrolysis of boiled water, warm water and normal-temperature water is easily realized to prepare the electrolyzed water with various temperatures. The present invention can conveniently obtain a larger quantity of high-performance electrolyzed water with various temperatures. The electrolyzed water not only has the efficacy of preventing and helping treating various diseases on a drinking aspect, but also can be used as washing water for washing pesticide and fertilizer pollution on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables, washing faces, beautifying the faces, bathing, cleaning skin and the like.

2C

2

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Disclosed is a band-like apparatus cleaning device for removing foreign materials and cleaning the band-like apparatus before the foreign materials become significant on the surface of the band-like apparatus. Described is a cleaning device for a band-like apparatus, comprising a hollow rotating roll supported so as to turn along the traveling direction of the band-like apparatus. The roll has a plurality of apertures with cleaning fluid jet nozzles arranged at the inner side of the plurality of apertures to shower the band-like apparatus. The cleaning device cleans the band-like apparatus by jetting cleaning fluid at the band-like apparatus from the cleaning fluid jet nozzles. The cleaning device also comprises a plurality of blade plates located adjacent to the roll axis of the rotating roll. The plurality of blade plates are able to freely reciprocate in the roll axis direction. A band-like apparatus cleaning device according to the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings in the following. FIG. 1(A),FIG. 1(B)andFIG. 2show a rough configuration of a band-like apparatus cleaning device10, and the band-like apparatus cleaning device10is mainly composed of a hollow rotating roll21, a cleaning fluid jetting device31, a sliding device41and a blade device51. This band-like apparatus cleaning device10is provided in each of a wire part, a press part and a dry part in a paper making stroke, and is made so as to clean away foreign materials such as an adhesive material, fiber and the like stuck on a band-like apparatus11such as a wire belt, a press belt, a canvas belt and the like. And as shown inFIG. 2, the hollow rotating roll21supports a hollow supporting shaft24so as to be capable of freely turning by means of bearings23mounted on left and right sliding stands42of the sliding device41. And the hollow rotating roll21rotates in the traveling direction of the band-like apparatus11(direction of arrow inFIG. 1(A)) in a state of having the band-like apparatus wound partially round the hollow rotating roll21, the band-like apparatus being given a specific tension, and has a number of apertures for shower25formed along the circumferential direction. At this time, the hollow rotating roll21is provided with a plurality of apertures for shower25formed along the roll rotating direction at certain pitches P in the axial direction of the roll. Hereupon, the hollow rotating roll21is provided with a cutwater ring27more inside (at the roll side) than the bearing23supporting the hollow supporting shaft24and thereby prevents lubricant of the bearing23and the like from being splashed over the band-like apparatus11wound partially round the hollow rotating roll21. Although the hollow rotating roll21may be forcibly driven, it may be turned being dragged by the band-like apparatus11moving in its traveling direction with a certain slippage relative to the band-like apparatus11. As a material for the hollow rotating roll21, special stainless steel is adopted, but any kind of materials being proof against a high-temperature and high-humidity environment in a dry part and being rich in corrosion resistance may be used. And the cleaning fluid jetting device31has a fixed roll32arranged so as to have a certain space inside the hollow rotating roll21and is fixed through a hollow supporting shaft33by a supporting stand34mounted on a sliding stand42of the sliding device41. A cleaning fluid jetting nozzles35is attached to the fixed roll32within an embracing angle of the band-like apparatus wound partially round the hollow rotating roll21and is arranged closely to and at the inner side of an aperture for shower25. In such a way, by arranging a cleaning fluid jetting nozzle closely to an aperture for shower25, it is possible to decrease a fluid jet pressure necessary for keeping a certain cleaning capability and also reduce the amount of cleaning fluid used. Decrease of a fluid jet pressure prevents wear and clogging of a cleaning fluid jetting nozzle35and thereby makes it possible to prolong the life of the band-like apparatus cleaning device10. Further, in a cleaning fluid jetting device31at this time, nozzle groups36each being composed of a plurality of cleaning fluid jetting nozzles35are file-arranged along the longitudinal direction of each aperture for shower25(aperture group26) at each pitch P corresponding to each aperture for shower25(aperture group26) of the hollow rotating roll21in the roll axis direction of the hollow rotating roll21. And the cleaning fluid jetting device31inserts cleaning fluid jetting tubes37into the fixed roll32from an opening of the hollow supporting shaft33and connects cleaning fluid jetting heads38composed of square tubes and the like to these cleaning fluid jetting tubes37, and a plurality of cleaning fluid jetting nozzles35are connected in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning fluid jetting heads38. This cleaning fluid jetting head38extends from the left or right end of the fixed roll32to the middle part of the fixed roll32. And the fluid jet pressure from a cleaning fluid jetting nozzle35connected to each position in the longitudinal direction of each cleaning fluid jetting head38is made to be equal to each other in the longitudinal direction of each cleaning fluid jetting head38by reducing gradually the cross-sectional area of each cleaning fluid jetting nozzle38as being closer from the left or right end of the fixed roll32to the middle of the fixed roll32, and the like. And the sliding device41is made so as to mount a sliding stand42on guide rails44extending in the axial direction of the hollow rotating roll21, the rails being provided on a stand43and let this sliding stand42support the hollow rotating roll21and the cleaning fluid jetting device31. This sliding device41is made so as to screw-engage a feed screw46to be driven by a motor45supported by the stand43with the sliding stand42and make the hollow rotating roll21and the cleaning fluid jetting device31reciprocate within a range exceeding the pitch P of the aperture group26and nozzle group36as one body in the roll axis direction of the hollow rotating roll21by turning the motor45forward and backward. And as shown inFIG. 3, an aperture for shower25of the hollow rotating roll21is formed into a long and narrow shape and two parallel slit portions28are provided so as to intersect the aperture for shower25. Since the slit portions28are pushed into the band-like apparatus11due to such shock as vibration or the like in a process in which the band-like apparatus11is traveling on the roll surface of the hollow rotating roll21, the band-like apparatus11comes to move in a zigzag direction. As a result, foreign materials which have come into the inside (minute gaps between warp and woof) of the band-like apparatus11result in, as shown inFIG. 4, being rubbed and kneaded out by so-called rubbing and kneading action at point M and then being scraped away to the outside by so-called scraping-away action at point K. That is to say, thanks to these two actions (rubbing and kneading action and scraping-away action), the band-like apparatus11can extend gaps between warp and woof, collect foreign materials being about to come into the inside of the band-like apparatus11on the surface of the band-like apparatus11and thereby remove a more amount of foreign materials. Due to this, it is possible to improve the degree of ventilation of the band-like apparatus11, prolong the life of the band-like apparatus11, reduce a troublesome maintenance work by reducing the frequency of replacing periodically the band-like apparatus11, and reduce the labor cost and the running cost. And since the degree of ventilation is improved, it is possible to make the water of a wet paper web exhale sufficiently through meshes of the band-like apparatus11and increase the drying efficiency of paper. In this case, since when the width W of an aperture for shower25is made broader the band-like apparatus11comes to be more liable to move in a zigzag direction and more liable to receive a rubbing and kneading action and a scraping-away action, it is possible to remove more foreign materials from the surface of the band-like apparatus11. In the present invention, therefore, experiments were performed with regard to the relation between the aperture for shower25and the degree of cleaning. First, varying the diameter (face length) of a hollow rotating roll21, experiments were performed using rolls for press and canvas with regard to the relation between the slit width of an aperture for shower25and the degrees of cleaning and wear of a band-like apparatus. As a result, with regard to a roll for press, as shown inFIGS. 5 to 8, it has been found that the degrees of cleaning and wear are the most preferable in comprehensive evaluation in case of 8 mm in slit width in S300, in case of 10 mm in slit width in S400, in case of 10 mm in slit width in S500, and in case of 12 mm in slit width in S600. On the other hand, with regard to a roll for canvas, as shown inFIGS. 9 to 12, in consideration of the machining cost of the roll, it has been found that the degree of cleaning is the most preferable in case of 20 mm in slit width in S300and S400, and in case of 22 mm in slit width in S500and S600. In a word, from the viewpoint of degree of cleaning, it has been found that it is preferable to set the slit width in a range of 8 to 12 mm with regard to a roll for press and set the slit width in a range of 20 to 22 mm with regard to a roll for canvas. That is to say, the degree of cleaning was11hours and the degree of wear was 83% in case of 8 mm in slit width using S300with regard to a roll for press. And the degree of cleaning was 13 hours and the degree of wear was 79% in case of 10 mm in slit width using S400. And the degree of cleaning was 14 hours and the degree of wear was 81% in case of 10 mm in slit width using S500. And the degree of cleaning was 14 hours and the degree of wear was 79% in case of 12 mm in slit width using S600. On the other hand, with regard to a roll for canvas, the amount of adhesive foreign materials stuck therein being an index of the degree of cleaning was 540 g in case of 20 mm in slit width using S300, the amount of adhesive foreign materials stuck therein was 920 g in case of 20 mm in slit width using S400, the amount of adhesive foreign materials stuck therein was 750 g in case of 22 mm in slit width using S500, and the amount of adhesive foreign materials stuck therein was 550 g in case of 22 mm in slit width using S600. Hereupon, “S300” is a band-like apparatus cleaning device of 314 mm in roll diameter and 1500 mm to 3400 mm in roll surface length, “S400” is a band-like apparatus cleaning device of 400 mm in roll diameter and 3500 mm to 4900 mm in roll surface length, “S500” is a band-like apparatus cleaning device of 500 mm in roll diameter and 5000 mm to 6200 mm in roll surface length, and “S600” is a band-like apparatus cleaning device of 600 mm in roll diameter and 6300 mm to 7400 mm in roll surface length. Next, experiments with regard to the relation between the shape of a slit and the degree of cleaning were performed varying the slits in shape. As a result, as shown inFIG. 13, an aperture for shower provided with three cross-shaped slits was the best in cleaning performance in S300, S400and S600, while an aperture for shower provided with three inclined slits was the best in cleaning performance in S500. By this, it is possible to jet a cleaning fluid jettingted from cleaning fluid jetting nozzles35connected to cleaning fluid jetting heads38at positions where the cleaning fluid jetting nozzles correspond to a nozzle group36to which the respective cleaning fluid jetting nozzles belong from apertures for shower25of the hollow rotating roll21to a band-like apparatus11by a cleaning fluid jetting device31, while making the cleaning fluid jetting device31and the hollow rotating roll21reciprocate as one body in the roll axis direction. Accordingly, it is possible to clean a band-like apparatus11over the whole width of it, and to make the steam being a cleaning fluid jetted from a cleaning fluid jetting device31remove and collect foreign materials from the inside of the band-like apparatus11on the surface of the band-like apparatus11. And since it is possible to clean the band-like apparatus11over the whole width of it and remove foreign materials, the moisture profile of paper is made stable. That is to say, no undried portion appears in a sheet of paper and paper being good in quality is obtained. And as shown inFIG. 1(A), a blade device51is provided with two blade plates52, and a save-all53is provided under the blade plates52. Light fibers (paper powder) and the like are made to fall in the save-all53at the entrance side of a blade portion54but foreign materials stuck on the band-like apparatus11which have not been made to fall even by slit portions28of apertures for shower25of the hollow rotating roll21as described above are scraped away by the blade plates52. This blade device51scrapes away foreign materials stuck on the surface of the band-like apparatus11by pressing the edges55of the blade plates52against the surface of the band- like apparatus11at a certain pressure. The scraped-away foreign materials stay on the surface of the band-like apparatus11pressed by the edges55, adhere to one another at the back side of the edges55of the blades52, and expand and grow in the shape of a strip of paper. Therefore, it is possible to securely remove the foreign materials stuck on the surface of the band-like apparatus11without scattering them around. And the band-like apparatus11is not worn by the scraping of the blades52, and further the warp of the band-like apparatus11is not degraded in strength. As shown inFIG. 14, the edge of a blade plate52has a shape capable of efficiently expanding and growing foreign materials into the shape of a strip of paper, namely, the two blade plates52A and52B have notches56A and56B corresponding to pitches P of the apertures for shower25of the hollow rotating roll21, and the two blade plates52A and52B are mounted so that these notches56A and56B are arranged alternately zigzag. Due to this, when a band-like apparatus cleaning device10operates, if it is a flat single plate having no notch, the whole device vibrates and a band-like apparatus11is made wavy and results in vibrating up and down in a process of carrying the band-like apparatus11, and parts where the band-like apparatus11comes into contact with and no contact with the blade plates52appear. As a result, parts from which foreign materials are scraped away and not scraped away by the blade plates52appear, but by providing such notches in the blade plates52, the band-like apparatus11is made to come into contact with the blade plates at locations57without fail. Therefore, by installing blade plates52so that notches56A and56B of the blade plates52A and52B are alternately arranged, it is possible to bring the blade plates52uniformly into contact with the whole surface of the band-like apparatus11. And by providing such notches in the blade plates52, it is possible to concentrate the actions of heat and contact pressure at the contact parts between the edges55of the blade plates52and the band-like apparatus11, efficiently expand and grow foreign materials, remove the expanded and grown foreign materials in a state where they are formed into a strip shape, collect the foreign materials in a state where they are scattered in the save-all53, and prevent a drainpipe of the save-all53from getting clogged. And a blade device51of a band-like apparatus cleaning device10according to the invention is not limited to the case of providing two blade plates52A and52B as described above, but may be provided with three blade plates52A′,52B′ and52C′ at specified pitches, as shown inFIG. 15for example. That is to say, it is enough to provide a plurality of blade plates52so that they form a flat single plate having no notches when they are superposed one over another. And the shapes of apertures for shower25and slit portions28are not limited to the shapes as described above, but such shapes as the pitch, width and length of an aperture for shower25and the number of slits and the like may be determined depending on a kind of the band-like apparatus11and an embracing angle of the band-like apparatus11wound partially round the hollow rotating roll21, and the shape of them may be, for example, a shape where three slit portions28are provided perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of an aperture for shower25as shown inFIG. 16, a shape where three parallel slit portions28are provided at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal direction of an aperture for shower25as shown inFIG. 17, or a shape where slit portions28are crossed in the shape of X as shown inFIG. 18, so that a rubbing and kneading action and a scraping-away action as described above efficiently exert on the band-like apparatus11. Thereupon, experiments were performed with regard to the relation between the blade projection pitch and the degree of cleaning, varying the number of blade plates52. As a result, as shown inFIG. 19, the largest amount of foreign materials (about 1500 g) could be collected in case of using three blade plates and a blade projection pitch of 20 to 40 mm, preferably, 30 mm as shown inFIG. 19. And the degree of cleaning was the most preferable in case of the blade projection pitch of 25 mm as shown inFIG. 20. And since a band-like apparatus11can be cleaned uniformly over the whole width of it by providing a plurality of blade plates52provided with notches as described above to form a flat single plate having no notches when they are superposed one over another and further providing a flat blade plate, a flat blade plate having no notches may be provided. And although the present invention adopts stainless steel as a material for a blade plate52, any kind of materials being proof against a high-temperature and high-humidity environment in a dry part and being rich in corrosion resistance may be used. And in a band-like apparatus cleaning device10, a band-like apparatus11may be wound partially round a hollow rotating roll21setting a dirt-resistant surface of the band-like apparatus11as the inner face to be in contact with the hollow rotating roll21, and may be wound partially round the hollow rotating roll21setting a surface of the band-like apparatus11as the outer face of the band-like apparatus11to be in no contact with the hollow rotating roll21.

3D

21

G

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 2, a synthetic aperture radar system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of antenna elements 11 arranged in a one dimensional or two dimensional configuration, receivers (Rx) 12 connected to the respective antenna elements 11 for receiving radio waves therethrough, AD converters 13 connected to the respective receivers 12 for analog-to-digital conversion, and a plurality of digital beam forming units 14 for receiving a plurality of digital signals simultaneously transferred from the A/D converters 13, performing discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and discriminating the radio waves received from different directions to output them. Thus, the antenna elements 11, the receivers 12, the A/D converters 13 and the digital beam forming units 14 constitute a digital beam forming (DBF) antenna 20 which is capable of simultaneously forming a plurality of receiving beams directed in different directions without any scanning operation. The present invention utilizes such digital beam forming antenna 20 as receiving means, pulse compression units 5 being provided for the respective outputs of the digital beam forming units 14 (four units being provided in this embodiment). An azimuth compression section 6 is also provided with first Fourier transform units 61 for the respective pulse compression units 5, and there is further provided a spectral synthesis unit 65 for synthesizing the spectra of the respective outputs of the respective first Fourier transform units 61, and the output of the spectral synthesis unit 65 is supplied to a complex multiplication unit 63. The operation will now be described. A transmission signal having a beam width 4.theta..sub.B which is four times that of the conventional system, as shown in FIG. 3, is radiated from a transmitter 1 through a transmitting antenna 2. On the other hand, the signal reception is carried out using the digital beam forming antenna 20, and, as shown in FIG. 4, four narrow beams No. 1-No. 4 (beam width of .theta..sub.B ) for reception directed to respective small areas of a target object to be observed are formed and echo signals from the respective small areas are simultaneously received. The respective echo signals received are processed by the corresponding pulse compression units 5 to enhance their range resolution. The received signals for the respective beams have different center frequencies, as shown in FIG. 5, but all have the same bandwidth B. Therefore, the pulse repetition frequency PRF is sufficient, i.e., PRF=B, to avoid a reduction in the observation distance. The outputs of the respective pulse compression units 5 are supplied to the respective first Fourier transform units 61 of the azimuth compression section 6 and subjected to the pulse compression and Fourier transform to obtain four spectra of bandwidth B which are, in turn, synthesized by a spectral synthesis unit 65 to a spectrum of bandwidth 4B and azimuth compression is performed to provide such a resolution .DELTA..gamma. as represented by the following equation and enhanced by the number of the beam, i.e., four times that of the conventional system. ##EQU4## FIGS. 6(a) to (c) show the concept of expanding the Doppler frequency bandwidth by the spectrum synthesization. In this manner, the utilization of the digital beam forming antenna 20 using a plurality of narrow beams in the receiving means narrows the Doppler frequency bandwidth in the respective beams during the pulse compression and makes it possible to prevent a reduction in the observation distance, and the spectral synthesis of the plurality of beam outputs can expand the bandwidth of the signals to be subjected to azimuth compression, thereby providing a high resolution. Although the embodiment has been described in which the cross-range resolution is enhanced without reducing the observation distance, the present invention can be applied for enhancing an observation distance without reducing the cross-range resolution, or for enhancing both the cross-range resolution and the observation distance, which may be determined by setting the number of beams, etc., depending upon the application of the radar system. As described above, the present invention is advantageous in that the receiving means is provided with the digital beam forming antenna for A/D conversion and digitally processing the echo signals received through a plurality of the antenna elements to permit the simultaneous formation of a plurality of beams for reception directed in different directions to provide pulse compression means for each of the outputs and the azimuth compression means is provided with first Fourier transform units for each of the outputs and also with a spectral synthesis unit for synthesizing the spectra of the respective outputs to provide an output to the complex multiplication unit, thereby enhancing the cross-range resolution and the observation distance.

6G

01

S

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of a Partial Hydrolyzate of Alkoxysilane Oligomer Two kinds of a partial hydrolyzate of alkoxysilane oligomer of (I) and (II) were prepared at the mixing ratios of raw materials and the reaction conditions, shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of the Silica Sol Liquid (2-1) 13.8 g of 2-ethylhexanoic barium (C 7 H 15 COO) 2 Ba was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 g of iso-amyl alcohol and 26.2 g of iso-amyl acetate to make a 5 weight % solution, which was calculated as BaO. Next, 20 g and 50 g of the partial hydrolyzates of alkoxysilane oligomer shown in Table 1 (I), were added and mixed with 20 g, 40 g, and 50 g of the solutions respectively. Furthermore, in the liquid A and the liquid B, 1-butanol was added to adjust the concentrations. Then, the silica sol liquids of A, B, and C shown in Table 2 were prepared. (2-2) 24.0 g of 2-ethylbutyric barium (C 5 H 11 COO) 2 Ba was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 70 g of 1-butanol and 6 g of acetylacetone, and refluxed to make 10 weight % solution, which was calculated as BaO. Next, 40 g and 80 g of the partial hydrolyzates of alkoxysilane oligomer shown in Table 1 (II) were added to mix with 20 g and 50 g of the solutions respectively. Furthermore, in the liquid D, iso-amyl alcohol was added to adjust the concentration. Then, the silica sol liquids D and E shown in Table 2 were prepared. (2-3) 0.5 g of barium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 10 m was dispersed in 100 g of a partial hydrolyzate of alkoxysilane oligomer shown in Table 1 (I) to prepare the silica sol liquid F in Table 2. In the reaction vessel for the preparation, the equipment having the stirring propeller was used to prevent the precipitation of the barium carbonate powder. EXAMPLE 3 Formation of the Coated Layer Five kinds of the silica sol liquids, (A-E), shown in Table 2, were sprayed to coat the surfaces of quartz glass crucibles single crystal silicon production, and the single crystal, and the coated layers were formed by baking the coated liquids at 850 C. for 30 minutes, wherein the crucibles were made by an arc fusion with rotating mold method, which is generally used in the process to produce the crucible for pulling up a single crystal. In this case, the quartz glass crucibles were surface treated by using the liquids F and H. Sample No. 6 was made by spaying the silica sol liquid F to coat the surface of the crucible to be burned at 850 C. for 30 minutes. In addition, Sample No. 8 was made by a conventional coating method. This is, the liquid H, where barium hydroxide octahydrate was mixed with water, in which, the mixing ratio is 3 g of barium hydroxide octahydrate in 1-liter of water, was sprayed on the crucible to heat at 300 C. with carbon dioxide gas. EXAMPLE 4 Strength of the Coated Layer The mechanical strength of the coated layer formed by using the liquids A, F, and H, shown in Table 2, was evaluated according to the specification standard (JIS 5600-5-4). This evaluation was done using a scratching method with a marketed pencil (trade name Mitsubishi UNI). The results are shown in Table 3. Regarding the coated layer formed by using the liquid A of the present invention, the strength of the layer was high since the layer was glassy, and scratching did not appear with the pencil. Moreover, regarding the coated layer formed by using the liquid F, although the barium carbonate powder was contained, the silica component became a binder, so that the strength of the layer was high, and scratching did not appear with a pencil. On the other hand, regarding the coated layer formed by using the conventional liquid H, scratching appeared using a pencil of 3H hardness. From these results, it was confirmed that the coated layer of the present invention had remarkably stronger mechanical property than the conventional layer. EXAMPLE 5 Washing Test Washing tests were carried out on the quartz glass crucibles, (No. 1, 6, 8) in Table 2, which, were coating treated. The tests were conducted on the following processes. (1) Washing with pure water and drying. (2) Washing with pure water and drying after washing with dilute hydrochloric acid. The adhesion amounts of the residual barium on the surface after each washing test, are shown in Table 3. Regarding the quartz glass crucible of the present invention (No. 1), barium was not removed, and the adhesion amounts were not changed in the water washing process (1) and the acid washing process (2). Moreover, regarding the quartz glass crucible of the present invention (No. 6), although the form of barium was the barium carbonate, which was same as the conventional, one, since the barium carbonate was dispersed in the silica sol liquid and coated and baked, the coated silica became the preservation layer. So the barium was not removed in the washing process (1) and the acid washing process (2) like the quartz glass crucible (No. 1). On the other hand, regarding the conventional quartz glass crucible (No. 8), since the barium carbonate was not baked, the barium was washed away a little in the water washing process (1), and the barium carbonate was washed away completely in the acid washing process (2). EXAMPLE 6 Test of the Dislocation Free Ratio The pulling up tests of the silicon single crystal were carried out by using quartz glass crucibles having transparent coated layers (No. 1 to No. 5), and the quartz glass crucible where the barium carbonate powder was dispersed in the partial hydrolyzate of the alkoxysilane oligomer (No. 6). The dislocation free ratios of the pulled crystals, are shown in Table 4. (The dislocation free ratio is defined as kilograms of dislocation free single crystal per kilograms of polysilicon charged to the crucible.) Moreover, for the comparison, the same pulling up tests were also conducted on quartz glass crucible (No. 7), in which the surface was not modified and there is no crystallization promoter layer on its surface and to the quartz glass crucible (No. 8), in which the crystallization promoter layer was formed by a conventional method. The dislocation free ratios of the single crystal are shown in Table 4. In addition, the thickness of the crystallization layer of the crucible after pulling up the single crystal was measured. The thickness of the crystallization layers is shown in Table 4. As shown in the results in Table 4, regarding the quartz glass crucible of the present invention, the crystallization layers having the sufficient layer thickness were formed on the surface of the crucible also with comparatively a little amount of barium, and a high dislocation free ratio could be obtained. On the other hand, regarding the quartz glass crucible of the comparative example No. 7, the dislocation free ratio was remarkably low. Moreover, regarding the quartz glass crucible of the comparative example No. 8, where barium carbonate was adhered by the conventional method, although this quartz glass crucible has the almost same adhesion amount of barium as used of the present invention, the crystallization layer after pulling up the single crystal was thin in the crucible, and the dislocation free ratio was remarkably low. EXAMPLE 7 Burning Temperature The silica sol liquid (No. 1) shown in Table 2 was sprayed to coat the surface of a quartz glass crucible for pulling up the single crystal, and a coated layer was formed by baking said coated liquid at the temperatures shown in Table 5 for 30 minutes. The mechanical strength of the coated layer was evaluated according to the specification standard (JIS 5600-5-4). This evaluation was carried out using the scratching method with a marketed pencil (trade name Mitsubishi UNI). Furthermore, washing tests were also conducted. The washing tests were carried out by measuring the adhesion amount of the residual barium on the surface after washing with pure water and drying. Moreover, for comparison, the same tests were conducted on a quartz glass crucible which was not baked after coating. These results are shown in Table 5. As shown by these results, regarding the coated layer baked at a temperature of more than 600 C., scratching did not appear when using a pencil of hardness 6H, and the adhesion amount of barium in the coated layer after washing was not changed. In addition, regarding the coated layer baked at 400 C., although the thin trace of the scratching was sometimes appeared with a pencil of hardness 6H, cracking did not appear with a pencil of hardness 5H, and the decreased adhesion amount of barium by washing was remarkably low. On the other hand, regarding the coated layer baked at 200 C., since the baking was not sufficient, scratching appeared with a pencil of hardness 3H, and the adhesion amount of barium decreased to less than half by washing. In addition, regarding the coated layer, which was not baked, since the layer was soft due to being in the gel state, scratching appeared using a pencil of hardness 2B easily, and the coated layer was almost washed away in the washing test due not being baked. EXAMPLE 8 Multi-pulling Test Regarding the quartz glass crucible having the coated layer of the present invention (No. 3), the crystal layer was formed uniformly on the inside surface of the crucible with the crystallization promoter contained in the coated layer, and the releasing of cristobalite did not occur. Therefore, even when the pulling up of a single crystal was repeated 4 times, a high dislocation free ratio, which was the level of 80%, was kept. As a result, the crucible life was prolonged. On the other hand, regarding the conventional quartz glass crucible having weakly adhered barium carbonate powder, (No. 8) in Table 2, the cristobalite was deposited non-uniformly and partially as the pulling up was repeated. Then, the frequency of the release of cristobalite to the molten silicon increases so that the dislocation free ratio was decreased gradually. In addition, regarding the crucible, in which the pulling up the single crystal was repeated 4 times, the cristobalite layer was not identified on the surface of the crucible. By the way, regarding the conventional quartz glass crucible having the adhered barium carbonate powder (No. 8), it is necessary that the amount of adhered barium is more than 20 g/cm 2 for obtaining the multi-pulling effect, which was the same as the present invention. When such an amount of barium is adhered on the surface of the crucible, it cannot be avoided to give the bad influence to the quality of the single crystal silicon. Regarding the quartz glass crucible having the coated layer of the present invention (No. 3), the crystal layer was formed uniformly on the inside surface of the crucible with the crystallization accelerator contained in the coated layer, and the releasing of cristobalite was stopped. Therefore, even when the pulling up of a single crystal was repeated 4 times, a high dislocation free ratio, which was the level of 80%, was kept. As a result, the crucible life was prolonged. On the other hand, regarding the conventional quartz glass crucible having weakly adhered barium carbonate powder, (No. 8) in Table 2, the cristobalite was deposited non-uniformly and partially as the pulling up was repeated. Then, the frequency of the release of cristobalite to the molten silicon increases so that the dislocation free ratio was decreased gradually. In addition, regarding the crucible, in which the pulling up the single crystal was repeated 4 times, the cristobalite layer was not identified on the surface of the crucible. By the way, regarding the conventional quartz glass crucible having the adhered barium carbonate powder (No. 8), it is necessary that the amount of adhered barium is more than 20 m/g for obtaining the multi-pulling effect, which was the same as the present invention. When such an amount of barium is adhered on the surface of the crucible, it cannot be avoided to give the bad influence to the quality of the single crystal silicon. EXAMPLE 9 Other Crystallization Accelerator 2-ethylhexanoic acid salts of Mg, Ca, and Sr were added to the partial hydrolyzate of the alkoxysilane oligomer shown in Table 2 (I) to prepare a silica sol liquid. The silica sol liquid was sprayed to coat a quartz piece having 10 cm square, and the transparent coated layer was formed by baking said coated liquid at 850 C. for 30 minutes. The adhesion amount of the metal was adjusted, so that it became 1 g/cm 2 , which was calculated as an oxide. Next, the transparent coated layer was put into an electric furnace to bake at 1450 C. for 5 hours in argon gas at 1 atmosphere pressure. Then, it was confirmed that the uniform crystallization layer could be formed by also using all said metals. Effect of the Invention A quartz glass crucible has a transparent coated layer containing a crystallization promoter on the surface, and since the coated layer forms an integrated structure to the surface of the crucible, there is no abrasion, and the adhesion state of a crystallization promoter, such as barium, contained in the coated layer, is kept uniformly. Therefore, the cristobalite formation on the surface of the crucible during pulling up the single crystal is completely uniform, so that an excellent dislocation free ratio can be obtained. Moreover, there is no problem that the coated layer is abraded in contact with the handling instruments or persons, in the working process after making the crucible, during from the inspection to the shipment, and the working process in the user side of the crucible. In addition, there is no conventional problem that the fine barium carbonate powder is scattered whenever the case containing the crucible is opened. TABLE 1 Oligomer (I) Oligomer (II) Starting Raw Material Ethylsilicate40 150 g Ethylsilicate40 67.5 g and Used Amount Solvent and Used Ethylalcohol 400 g Ethylalcohol 1.1 g Amount Catalyst and Used 60% concentration 60% concentration of Amount of Nitric acid 0.6 g Nitric acid 0.7 g Additional Amount of 45 g 36.4 g Water Reaction Temperature 45 C.-3 hours 45 C.-3 hours and Time Silica Solid Part About 10 wt. % About 25 wt. % TABLE 2 Silica Sol Liquid Adhesion BaO SiO 2 Amounts of No. Kinds Oligomer Solutions Containing Metal Salt Dilution Alcohol Amounts Amounts Metal Oxide 1 A (I) 20 g 5 wt. % Calculated as BaO 20 g Butanol 60 g 1 2 0.6 2 B (I) 20 g 5 wt. % Calculated as BaO 40 g Butanol 40 g 2 2 0.8 3 C (I) 5 g 10 wt. % Calculated as BaO 50 g 5 5 1 4 D (II) 40 g 10 wt. % Calculated as BaO 50 g Isoamyl 10 g 5 10 5.2 5 E (II) 80 g 10 wt. % Calculated as BaO 20 g 2 20 9.5 6 F (I) 100 g Carbonic Acid Ba Powder 0.5 g 0.4 10 2.1 7 G Non-Surface Treatment 0 8 H Conventional Ba Carbonate Powder 1 (Note) (I) and (II) of Oligomer is same as Table 1. Amounts of BaO and SiO 2 are in wt. %. Isoamyl is Isoamyl Alcohol, Adhesion Amounts of Metal Oxide is in g/cm 2 TABLE 3 Sample No. 1 6 8 Silica Sol Liquids A F H Hardness of Coated Layer No Cracking No Cracking Cracking (Hardness by Pencil) by 6H by 6H Appeared by 3H Ba Amount Before Washing 0.6 2.1 1.0 (1) Ba Amounts After Water 0.6 2.1 0.3 Washing and Drying (2) Ba Amounts After Acid 0.6 2.1 0 Washing, Water Washing, and Drying (Note) Ba amounts is g/cm 2 TABLE 4 No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Dislocation free 81 83 85 83 80 81 35 55 ratio % Crystallization 80 77 83 95 90 103 0 10 Layers After Pulling up m TABLE 5 Baking Not- Temperature Baked 200 C. 400 C. 600 C. 800 C. 1000 C. Hardness of Crack- Crack- No No coating ing ing Crack- Crack- Layer Appear- Appear- ing ing ed ed by 5H By 6H by 2B by 3H Washing Test Ba Amounts 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Before Washing Ba Amounts 0 0.2 0.5 0.6 After Washing and Drying TABLE 6 Dislocation free ratio % Number of Times of Pulling up 1 2 3 4 Coated Crucible (No. 3) 85 85 83 83 Conventional Crucible Having 55 50 47 42 Ba Carbonate Powder (No. 8) Japanese application 2001-318032, filed on Oct. 16, 2001 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

2C

30

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention proposes a novel method to fabricate the FLASH device and the structure of the same. The aspect of the present invention includes that the device has a spacer floating gate and the control gate is also shaped with the spacer profile. Further, the control gate will be self-aligned on the floating gate during formation. The detail description of the method will be seen as follows. Turning to FIG. 1 , it shows the cross sectional view according to the present invention. The first procedure of the present invention is to form the LOCOS for isolation. The steps for forming the LOCOS are illustrated as follows. A substrate 2 for forming the semiconductor device according to the present invention suitably includes a single crystal wafer 2 with a <100> or <111> crystallographic orientation. Other substrate material may be used. In a preferred embodiment, a silicon dioxide layer (not shown) is formed to a thickness of about 150 to 400 angstroms. However, the silicon dioxide layer is suitably formed using thermal oxidation. The temperature for this process may be about higher than 900 centigrade degrees. Alternatively, the silicon oxide layer can also be formed using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, with a tetramethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) source, at a temperature between about 600 to 800 C. and a pressure between about 0.1 to 10 torr. Further, the silicon oxide layer also acts as a cushion between the silicon substrate 2 and a subsequent silicon nitride layer for reducing stress during subsequent oxidation for forming isolation. Subsequently, a silicon nitride layer (not shown) is formed on the silicon dioxide to a thickness of about 500 to 1000 angstroms. After the silicon nitride layer is formed, a photoresist is patterned on the silicon nitride layer to define active areas. The silicon nitride layer and the oxide are etched using the photoresist as an etching mask. Any suitable process can deposit the silicon nitride layer. For example, low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), or high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDPCVD) may be used. In the preferred embodiment, the reaction gases used to form silicon nitride layer 6 are SiH 4 , NH 3 , N 2 , N 2 O or SiH 2 Cl 2 , NH 3 , N 2 , N 2 O. In the preferred embodiment, the silicon nitride layer is etched using CF 4 plasma as the etchant. The photoresist is then removed. Then, a thermal oxidation process is performed using the silicon nitride layer as a mask at a temperature between about 1000 to 1100 C. to form isolation 4 in the substrate 2 . Therefore, the conventional LOCOS structure is formed for isolation. Then, the nitride and oxide are both removed. Turning to FIG. 2 , a further pad oxide 6 and the nitride layer 8 are respectively formed on the substrate 2 . Subsequently, the nitride masking 8 is next pattern on the substrate 2 by using conventional lithography procedure. The method for forming the nitride 8 and oxide 6 are illustrated as previously mentioned procedure. Successively, a polysilicon layer 10 is formed along the surface of the nitride masking 8 . The next step is performed to anisotropically etch the polysilicon layer 10 , thereby forming conductive spacer 10 a lying on the sidewall of the opening of the nitride masking 8 as the floating gate. Preferably, the conductive spacers 10 are formed of doped polysilicon layer or in-situ doped polysilicon. A portion of the oxide layer 6 is also removed to expose the substrate 2 , a shown in FIG. 3 . Referring to FIG. 4 , a TEOS-oxide spacer 12 is formed on the conductive spacer 10 a by using conventional deposition and anisotropical etching. The oxide for forming the oxide spacer 12 may be formed using other known oxide chemical compositions and procedures. For example, the TEOS-oxide layer can be silicon dioxide formed using a chemical vapor deposition process, with a tetramethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) source, at a temperature between about 600 to 800 degrees centigrade and a pressure of about 0.1 to 10 torr. The TEOS-oxide spacer 12 is utilized to limit the doped-ion regions. In another case, the dielectric spacer 12 may be omitted and the procedure for forming the structure is optional. After the TEOS-oxide spacer 12 is formed. A blanket ion implantation with n type conductive dopants such as arsenic and phosphorus are respectively doped into the substrate 2 using the TEOS-oxide spacer 12 as masking. Therefore, the n type highly doped source region 14 is formed adjacent to the floating gate structures 10 a . The energy and dosage of the arsenic implantation are about 50 to 70 KeV, 4E16 to 6E16 atoms/cm 2 , respectively. Further, The energy and dosage of the phosphorus implantation are about 40 to 60 KeV, 2E15 to 4E15 atoms/cm 2 . Please see FIG. 5 , a further TEOS-oxide layer 16 is formed on the nitride masking 8 and the TEOS-oxide spacer 12 , followed by etching the TEOS-oxide layer 16 to remain the residual oxide on the top of the TEOS-oxide spacer 12 . If the dielectric spacer 12 is omitted, then the oxide plug formed by the TEOS-oxide layer 16 will be located on the floating gate 10 . Next, the nitride masking 8 and the pad oxide 6 is removed as shown in FIG. 6 . In a preferred embodiment, the silicon nitride material may be removed by the using a heated solution of phosphorus acid. The silicon oxide layer 4 may be removed by HF solution or BOE (buffer oxide etching) solution. Please turn to FIG. 6 , a gate dielectric layer 18 is then formed on the substrate 2 after the removal of the nitride masking 8 and pad oxide 6 . This step can be omitted, namely, is optional. As shown in FIG. 6 , a dielectric layer 20 is formed along the surface of the floating gates as a tunneling dielectric layer (or called inter-gate dielectric layer). Preferably, the tunneling dielectric may be composed by oxide, nitride, silicon oxynitride, ON (oxide/nitride) or ONO (oxide/nitride/oxide). A further conductive layer 22 , such as doped polysilicon layer, is formed on the tunneling dielectric layer 20 as a control gate. Finally, turning to FIG. 7 , etching processes is introduced to define the control gate 16 . It should be noted that the control gate is self-aligned on the floating gate without the masking and alignments procedure. The next procedures are to form the interconnection and doped regions. These steps may be achieved by various methods. One of the methods will be introduced as an example rather than limiting to the present invention. Turning to FIG. 8 , an isolation layer 24 is formed on the cell structure for isolation. A contact hole is formed in the isolation layer 24 and the memory cell is separated by the etching for forming via hole. Then, doped region 28 is formed by ion implantation through the contact hole into the substrate 2 . Conductive plugs 26 are subsequently formed in the isolation layer 24 by using the conventional manner. The structure of the FLASH device includes a first dielectric layer 6 formed on a substrate 2 . A floating gate 10 a with spacer profile formed on the first dielectric layer 6 . A dielectric spacer 12 is formed on the floating gate for isolation. A second dielectric layer 20 is formed along the approximately vertical surface of the floating gate 10 a and the dielectric spacer 12 and a lateral portion of the second dielectric layer 20 laterally extends over the substrate adjacent the floating gate 10 a . A control gate 22 is formed on the lateral portion of the second dielectric layer 20 that laterally extends over the substrate and the control gate 22 is attached on the second dielectric layer 20 . Some parameters of the preferred embodiment for the present invention are illustrated in Table 1 and Table 2 as follows. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the foregoing parameters of the present invention is illustrative of the present invention rather than limiting the present invention. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrative of the present invention rather than limiting the present invention. Having described the invention in connection with a preferred embodiment, modification will now suggest itself to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention is not to be limited to this embodiment, but rather the invention is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. TABLE 1 FLASH memory device parameters p-substrate 8 12 -cm tunnel oxide thickness 70 100A floating gate thickness 1500A ONO thickness 250 500A control gate thickness 5000A source/drain implant As75, 50 70 Kev, 5E15, tilt 0 deg P31, 40 60 Kev, 3E15, tilt 0 deg TABLE 2 FLASH memory cell operation conditions MODE bias conditions programming erasing reading control gate 8 V 4 V 3 V 10 12 V 2 V (word line) source 4 V 8 V 6 V 0 V 4 V Drain (bit line) 0.8 SV 0 V 0 V

7H

01

L

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With respect to FIG. 1, a combination manual and electric door opener 10 having door 12 hingedly connected to a door frame 14 is shown. The door 12 has a hinged side 16 and a latched side 18. The door 12 typically has a knob 20 located near the latched side 18 for manually unlatching the door to pivot about the door frame 14. A bracket 22 is affixed to the door frame 14 adjacent to the hinged side 16 of the door 12. The positioning of the bracket 22, as will be indicated later, is crucial to the generation of optimal leverage by the door opener 10 when opening the door 12. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an electric motor 24 is pivotably attached to the bracket 22 by a pivot pin 26. As shown in phantom in FIG. 3, the pivot pin 26 allows the motor 24 to pivot with respect to the fixed bracket 22 when opening the door 12. The electric motor 24 has a rotary output shaft 30 which extends longitudinally from the body of the motor 24. The output shaft 30 of the electric motor 24 is connected to a threaded rod 32 by means of a coupling 34. The coupling 34 secures the threaded rod 32 in abutting contact with the output shaft 30. As a result, the threaded rod 32 is a longitudinal extension of the output shaft 30. A threaded nut 36 is threadably received on the threaded rod 32 so that threads of the threaded nut 36 engage the threads of the threaded rod 32. The threaded nut 36 has a hollow cylindrical shape and extends only partly along the length of the threaded rod 32. A first arm 44 of a cam lever 40 has one end pivotably connected to the threaded nut 36. A second arm 48 of cam lever 40 connects to other end of the first arm 44 and extends at an angle with respect to the first arm 44 so that it is parallel to the plane of the door 12 when the door 12 is in a closed position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring to FIG. 4, the first arm 44 of the cam lever is pivotably connected to the threaded nut 36 by a vertically disposed pivot pin 50 attached to the threaded nut 36. A snap ring 52 is received in an annular recess provided in the pin 50 to lock the one end of the first arm 44 of the cam lever 40 to the threaded nut 36. Washers 38 are provided on opposite sides of the first arm 44 to permit the one end of the cam lever 40 to freely pivot relative to the threaded nut 36. Referring to FIG. 5, a capped pivot pin 54 pivotably connects the cam lever 40 to a top 56 of the door frame 14. The capped pivot pin 54 is disposed through an aperture provided in the cam lever 40 at the junction between the first and second arms 44 and 48 respectively and is secured to the top 56 of the door frame 14 by a plug 58. The plug 58 has a truncated conical surface which wedges open an end 59 of the capped pivot pin 54 to lock the capped pivot pin 54 in an aperture 55 provided in the top 56 of the door frame 14. A screw 57 displaces the plug 58 to wedge open the end 59 of the capped pivot pin 54. Alternatively, a threaded bolt, may be used in place of the capped pivot pin 54 as is known in the art. A washer 62 is disposed between a cap 60 of the capped pivot pin 54 and the cam lever 40 to permit the cam lever 40 to freely rotate and pivot during opening and closing of the door 12. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, a roller 64 is fastened to the end of the cam arm 48 by means of a shaft 66 and second snap ring 68 as shown in FIG. 6. The roller 64 engages the surface of the door 12 and opens the door 12 as the door opener mechanism 10 is activated. A small amount of pre-travel, preferably about one-eights of an inch, exists between the roller 64 and the door 12 and assists in opening the door 12. The electric motor 24 is bi-directional permitting both opening and closing when assisted by appropriate spring biasing means (not shown), of a door 12 as a result of the translational motion imparted to the threaded nut 36 by the rotation of threaded shaft 32, the pivotal motion imparted to the cam lever 40 by the translation of the threaded nut 36 and consequently to the roller 64 engaging the door 12 by the pivotal motion of the cam lever 40. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, a restraining bracket 70 is mounted to the door 12. The bracket 70 is divided into a mounting portion 72, an extending portion 74 and an angled end portion 76. The mounting portion 72 is mounted to the door 12 by a pair of bolts 78 which extend through apertures in the mounting portion 72. The extending portion 74 extends from the door 12 beneath the roller 64 and the cam arm 48. The angled end portion 76 extends perpendicularly and upwardly from the extending portion 74. The angled portion 76 and the door 12 surround the roller 64 and the cam arm 48 and define a channel 80 within which the roller 64 travels. The purpose of the restraining bracket 70 is to maintain contact between the roller 64 and the door 12 and to prevent the door 12 from being swung open by the wind and away from the door opener 10. Accordingly, contact is ensured between the opener 10 and door 12 during both opening and closing of the door. As shown in FIG. 1, a junction box 82 is secured to the door frame 14 at the hinged side 16 of the door 12. Electrical lines 84 and 86 connect the junction box 82 with a first sensor 88 located on the electric motor 24 and a second sensor 90 located on the door 12 adjacent the knob 20. A door latch 92 mounted in the door 12 at latched side 18 engages a latch plate attached to the door frame 14 to prevent the door 12 from freely opening. A portable control 94, capable of being carried by a user, generates a radio signal 96 simultaneously received by the first sensor 88 and second sensor 90. In response to the radio signal 96, the sensor 88 activates the electric motor 24, and the sensor 90 activates a latch actuator 98 to retract the door latch 92 from engagement with the latch plate attached to the door frame 14. Thus, the electric motor 24 will pivot the cam lever 40 simultaneously with the door latch 92. In this manner, the door 12 may be effectively opened. A timing mechanism, such as an electronic timer container within the junction box 82 or a limit switch terminates the electrical power to the motor 24 once the door 12 has pivoted to an acceptable degree, usually approximately 90.degree., with respect to the door frame 14. When it is desirable to close the door 12, activation of the portable control 94 causes the electric motor 24 to rotate in the opposite direction until the door 12 is closed and deactivates the latch actuator 98 so that the retractable door latch 92 re-engages the latch plate attached to the door frame 14 to latch the door 12 in a closed position. Having described my invention, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as defined in the scope of the appended claims.

4E

05

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a hinge structure in accordance with the present invention is shown comprised of a bracket1, a first pivot set2, and a second pivot set3. A third pivot set4may be provided and pivotally mounted in the bracket1. The bracket1is directly stamped out of sheet metal. According to this embodiment, the bracket1is a-shaped metal member having a horizontal top panel11and two vertical side panels12and13respectively downwardly extending from the two distal ends of the horizontal top panel11for supporting the first pivot set2, the second pivot set3and the third pivot set4. Alternatively, the bracket1can be a L-shaped metal member having only one side panel12perpendicularly downwardly extending from one end of the horizontal top panel11for supporting the first pivot set2and the second pivot set3. The horizontal top panel11has an axle hole111vertically extending through the top and bottom walls thereof at the center for the passing of the hollow pivot shaft31of the second pivot set3, two horizontal grooves112formed on the bottom wall and respectively outwardly extending from the axle hole111at two sides and aligned in line, two stop rods113upwardly protruded from the top wall around the axle hole111at locations subject to the designed angle of rotation, and a plurality of oil holes114spaced around the axle hole111. The side panel12has a pivot hole121for the passing of the pivot shaft21of the first pivot set2, two slots122at two sides relative to the through hole121, a stop rod123, a locating hole124, and a plurality of oil holes125. The first pivot set2is pivotally mounted in the side panel12of the bracket1, having a pivot shaft21inserted in proper order through a plurality of spring members22, a cam wheel set23, the pivot hole121of the side panel12and a through hole241of a support24, and then fastened up with a fastening member25, for example, a screw nut. The pivot shaft21has a head211at one end. The head21has two elongated ribs212and a guide groove213defined between the two elongated ribs212. Further, the pivot shaft21has at least one flat surface214on the peripheral wall thereof and a coupling portion215, for example, outer thread at the free end (the end remote from the head). The spring members22can be coil springs, corrugated spring plates, or spring washers. The cam wheel set23is of the known art, comprising a movable member231and a fixed member232that work against each other by means of a concave portion and a convex portion therebetween. The cam wheel set23matches with compressing or expanding action of the spring members22, providing the bracket1with a self-locking function, i.e., enabling the bracket1to be locked to the support24. The fixed member232has a locating block233engaged into the locating hole124of the side panel12of the bracket1. Further, the bracket1is rotatable by an external biasing force. In order to limit the angle of rotation of the bracket1, a limiter26is mounted on the pivot shaft21between the side panel12and the support24. The limiter26has two protrusions261. When rotating the bracket1in one of two reversed directions, the stop rod123will be stopped against one protrusion261of the limiter26to limit the angle of rotation. Further, in order to give an indication when rotation of the second pivot set3in vertical direction is allowed, a supplementary plate member27is mounted on the pivot shaft21between the side panel12and the support24. The supplementary plate member27has two raised portions271corresponding to the slots122of the side panel12. When rotated the bracket1to let the two raised portions271be received in the slots122, the user immediately senses the condition, and at this time, rotation of the second pivot set3in vertical direction is allowed. The supplementary plate member27has a recess272for accommodating the limiter26. Further, a washer28is mounted on the pivot shaft21and supported between the support24and the fastening member25, having a plurality of oil grooves281for receiving lubricating oil and supporting the load. The hollow pivot shaft31of the second pivot set3is inserted vertically upwardly from the bottom side of the bracket1in proper order through at least one spring member32, a locating member33, the axle hole111of the horizontal top panel11of the bracket1, a stop member34and a follower member35, and then riveted to a through hole361of a mounting frame36. As illustrated, the hollow pivot shaft31has at least one flat surface311on the periphery, allowing synchronous rotation of the locating member33, the follower member35and the mounting frame36with the hollow pivot shaft31. The hollow pivot shaft31has a head313at one end, a collar315extending around the periphery, and a neck312connected between the head313and the collar315. The head313has two flat cut faces314for stopping the elongated ribs212of the head211of the pivot shaft21. The collar315has two flat cut faces316for stopping the elongated ribs212of the head211of the pivot shaft21. The locating member33has two protrusions331corresponding to the horizontal grooves112of the horizontal top panel11of the bracket1. When the locating member33is rotated with the hollow pivot shaft31to the angle where the two protrusions331are respectively aimed at the horizontal grooves112of the horizontal top panel11of the bracket1, the two protrusions331are respectively forced into the horizontal grooves112by the spring power of the at least one spring member32. Further, the stop member34has a sector stop flange341. The follower member35has two downward push rods351. During rotation of the follower member35, one push rod351is forced against one end of the sector stop flange341, thereby causing rotation of the stop member34with the follower member35. The rotary motion is stopped, when the other end of the sector stop flange341touches one stop rod113of the bracket1. On the contrary, when the follower member35is rotated in the reversed direction, the other push rod351will be forced against the other end sector stop flange341, thereby causing rotation of the stop member34with the follower member35, and the rotary motion will be stopped when the sector stop flange341touches the other stop rod113of the bracket1. Further, a washer37may be respectively mounted on the hollow pivot shaft31between the collar315and the spring member32and between the follower member35and the mounting frame36. Further, the spring member32can be a coil spring, corrugated spring plate, or spring washer. The third pivot set4has a pivot shaft41inserted in proper order through a pivot hole131on the side panel13of the bracket1, a ring42and a through hole431of a L-shaped support43, and then riveted to the L-shaped support43with a locating ring46, allowing rotation of the third pivot set4in the through hole431relative to the bracket1. During application, the two support members24and43and the mounting frame36are respectively fixedly fastened to the base member and cover of an electronic device, for example, a mobile computer (not shown). When the electronic device is closed (0° angle), as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the two elongated ribs212are respectively stopped at the flat cut faces314and316, prohibiting rotation of the second pivot set3. When opening the cover of the electronic device, the mounting frame36and the bracket1are turned with the cover of the electronic device relative to the base member and the supports24and43. When the bracket1is turned relative to the supports24and43to a predetermined angle (90°), the two raised portions271of the supplementary plate member27are respectively moved into the slots122of the side panel12, as shown inFIG. 5, at this time, the head313is received in the guide groove213between the two elongated ribs212, i.e., the second pivot set3is unlocked and rotatable relative to the bracket1. The angle of rotation of the hollow pivot shaft31of the second pivot set3is controlled by means of the follower member35, the stop member34and the two stop rods113. According to this embodiment, the angle of rotation of the second pivot set3is limited to 180°. By means of the application of the present invention, the cover of the electronic device is openable relative to the base member in horizontal direction and rotatable in vertical direction when the cover is opened to a predetermined angle. As indicated above, the invention allows turning of the first pivot set with the bracket in horizontal direction, and unlocks the second pivot set for allowing rotation of the bracket with the second pivot set when the bracket is turned with the first pivot set to a predetermined angle. Further, the series connection structural design of the pivot sets greatly reduces the dimensions of the hinge structure for practical use in different 3C electronic products. Further, angle constraint means is respectively provided between the first and second pivot sets and the bracket to limit the turning angle of the first pivot set and the angle of rotation of the second pivot set. Further, the cam wheel set of the first pivot set provides the first pivot set with a self-locking function. This self-locking function is now seen in similar conventional designs. A prototype of hinge structure has been constructed with the features ofFIGS. 1˜5. The hinge structure functions smoothly to provide all of the features disclosed earlier. Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

4E

05

D

EXAMPLE 1 In an electrolytic cell having a platinum plate (1.times.1=1 cm.sup.2) as a cathode and a glass electrode (1.times.1=1 cm.sup.2) an anode disposed as separated by 1 cm, 62 mg (0.25 m.mol) of 2,5-di(2-thienyl)thiazole, 82 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-butyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, and 5 ml of propylene carbonate were placed and dissolved. The solution was blown with argon for 15 minutes and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 30 seconds. Consequently, a brown film of polymer composition doped with tetrafluoroborate ion was obtained on the anode. The film had a thickness of about 0.2 .mu.m. When this polymer composition was further electrolyzed, with the polarity reversed, at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a temperature of 25.degree. C. for 30 seconds, the composition was deprived of tetrafluoroborate. Consequently, there was obtained a yellow filmlike polymer. In the infrared absorption spectrum of the yellow filmlike polymer, there was found a band at 800 cm.sup.-1 indicative of the presence of 2,5-di-substituted thiophene ring. The bands at 730 and 820 cm.sup.-1 indicative of the presence of a 2,4-di-substituted thiophene ring were absent from this infrared absorption spectrum. Thus, the polymer was identified to be the polymer of ##STR12## EXAMPLE 2 In an electrolytic cell having two platinum plates (1.times.1=1 cm.sup.2) disposed as separated by 1 cm, 62 mg (0.25 m.mol) of 2,5-di(2-thienyl)thiazole, 82 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-butyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, and 5 ml of propylene carbonate were placed and dissolved. The resultant solution was blown with argon for 15 minutes and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 2 hours. Consequently, a blackish brown filmlike polymer composition doped with tetrafluoroborate ion was obtained as deposited on the anode. This film had a thickness of 18 .mu.m. It showed electroconductivity of 6.3.times.10.sup.-5 S/cm. EXAMPLE 3 In an electrolytic cell having two glass electrodes (1.times.1=1 cm.sup.2) disposed as separated by 1 cm, 122 mg (0.5 m.mol) of 2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyridine, 82 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-butyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, and 5 ml of nitrobenzene were placed and dissolved. The resultant solution was blown with argon for 15 minutes and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 1 minute. Consequently, a grayish black filmlike polymer composition doped with tetrafluoroborate ion was obtained as deposited on the anode. This film had a thickness of about 1 .mu.m. When this polymer composition was further electrolyzed, with the polarity reversed, at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a temperature of 25.degree. C. for 60 seconds, the composition was deprived of tetrafluoroborate. Thus, there was obtained a yellowish orange filmlike polymer. In the infrared absorption spectrum of this yellowish orange filmlike polymer, there was found a band at 800 cm.sup.-1 indicative of the presence of 2,5-di-substituted thiophene ring. The bands at 730 and 820 cm.sup.-1 indicative of the presence of a 2,4-substituted thiophene ring were absent from this infrared absorption spectrum. Thus, this polymer was identified to be the polymer of ##STR13## EXAMPLE 4 In the same electrolytic cell as described in Example 1, 122 mg (0.5 m.mol) of 2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyridine, 82 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-butyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, and 5 ml of nitrobenzene were placed and dissolved. The resultant solution was blown with argon for 15 minutes and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 5 minutes. Consequently, a grayish black filmlike polymer composition doped with tetrafluoroborate ion was obtained as deposited on the anode. When this polymer composition was further electrolyzed, with the polarity reversed, at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 at a temperature of 25.degree. C., it was deprived of the dopant. Consequently, there was obtained a reddish brown filmlike polymer. When this filmlike polymer was exposed to the vapor of iodine, there was obtained a polymer doped with iodine ion. This polymer showed electroconductivity of 6.0.times.10.sup.-3 S/cm. EXAMPLE 5 In the same electrolytic cell as described in Example 1, 122 mg (0.5 m.mol) of 2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyridine, 85 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-butyl ammonium perchlorate, and 5 ml of nitrobenzene were placed and dissolved. The resultant solution was blown with argon for 15 minutes and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 5 minutes. Consequently, a grayish black filmlike polymer composition doped with perchlorate ion was obtained as deposited on the anode. When the polymer composition was further electrolyzed, with the polarity reversed, at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a temperature of 25.degree. C., there was obtained a reddish brown filmlike polymer deprived of the dopant. EXAMPLE 6 In the same electrolytic cell as described in Example 3, 122 mg (0.5 m.mol) of 2,6-di(2-thienyl)pyridine, 82 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-butyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, and 5 ml of nitrobenzene were placed and dissolved. The resultant solution was blown with argon and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 2 minutes. Consequently, a blackish brown filmlike polymer composition doped with tetrafluoroborate ion was obtained as deposited on the anode. This filmlike polymer composition had a thickness of about 1 .mu.m. When this polymer composition was further electrolyzed with the polarity reversed, there was obtained a brown polymer deprived of the dopant. In the infrared absorption spectrum of the brown filmlike polymer, a band at 800 cm.sup.-1 indicative of the presence of a 2,5-di-substituted thiophene ring was observed. The oands at 730 and 820 cm.sup.-1 indicative of the presence of a 2,4-di-substituted thiophene ring were not found. Thus, the polymer was identified to be the polymer of ##STR14## The film of this polymer had a very smooth surface. The surface smoothness of this film was higher than that of any other film obtained by electrolytic polymerization as reported in literature to date. Table 1 shows the results of thermogravimetric analysis of the polymer as compared with that of poly(3-methylthiophene). TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Gravimetric residual ratio of polymer (%) ______________________________________ Temperature (.degree.C.) 200 300 400 500 600 Poly[ 2,6-di(thienyl)pyridine] 100 100 99 99 94 Poly(3-methylthiophene) 100 98 96 90 73 ______________________________________ From this table, it can be clearly noted that the polymer showed better thermal stability than poly(3-methylthiophene), a substance heretofore accepted as possessing relatively high stability. EXAMPLE 7 In the same electrolytic cell as described in Example 1, 122 mg (0.5 m.mol) of 2,6-di(2-thienyl)pyridine, 82 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-ammonium tetrafluoroborate, and 5 ml of nitrobenzene were placed and dissolved. The resultant solution was blown with argon for 15 minutes and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 5 minutes. Consequently, a blackish brown filmlike polymer composition doped with tetrafluoroborate ion was obtained as deposited on the anode. When this polymer composition was further electrolyzed with the polarity reversed, there was obtained a brown filmlike polymer deprived of the dopant. When this polymer was exposed to the vapor of iodine, it was doped with iodine ion. This polymer had an electroconductivity of 1.3.times.10.sup.-2 S/cm. EXAMPLE 8 In the same electrolytic cell as described in Example 1, 122 mg (0.5 m.mol) of 2,6-di(2-thienyl)pyridine, 97 mg (0.25 m.mol) of tetra-n-butyl ammonium hexafluorophosphate, and 5 ml of nitrobenzene were placed and dissolved. The resultant solution was blown with argon for 15 minutes and then subjected to electrolytic polymerization at a current density of 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. C. for 5 minutes. Consequently, a blackish brown filmlike polymer composition doped with hexafluorophosphate ion was obtained as deposited on the anode. When this polymer composition was further electrolyzed with the polarity reversed, there was obtained a brown filmlike polymer deprived of the dopant.

7H

01

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the figures, and most particularly to FIGS. 1-3, a castor assembly 10 includes a pair of legs 12 and 14 from which is supported by a castor wheel 16. The legs extend from a rotatable member 18 which is rotatably supported from a mounting plate 20. The rotatable member 18 is secured by means of a rivet or bolt (not shown) to the mounting plate 20 with a bearing means such as ball bearing ring 22 therebetween. The rotatable member 18 may be rotated with respect to the mounting plate 20, with the rivet or bolt being the axis of rotation. A pair of apertures 24 and 26 are formed in the legs 12 and 14 for receiving an axle or bolt 28 for supporting the wheel 16 from the legs. The wheel 16 is formed with a ridged support member having an inner hub 32 and an outer rim 34 supported from the hub by an annular web 36. A tread or tire 38 is secured over the rim 34. A cylindrical sleeve 40 is received over the outer diameter of the bolt 28. The central bore of the hub 32 is supported on the sleeve 40 by a stepped cylindrical spacer 42 on the left side as viewed in FIG. 3 and a cylindrical spacer 44 on the right side. For the purpose of lubricating the castor, a bore 46 is provided in the axle 28. The bore 46 is closed at the left end by a grease zerk 48, and has a radially extending open end 50 at the center of the axle. The castor assembly so far described is generally in accordance with the prior art. The braking mechanism in accordance with this invention includes a cam member 52 and an operating member 54. The cam member 52 as shown in the figures is formed with a flat base or pressure surface 56, opposite edges of which are bent at essentially right angles to form outwardly projecting members 58 and 60. The outer edges of the members 58 and 60 form caming surfaces 62 and 64. As best seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the caming surface 62 and 64 each have the shape of a generally widespread V being of least height closest at the center and increasing in height toward both ends of the members. The base 56 of the cam member 52 is provided with a hole 66 to receive axle 28, and is shaped to receive the leg 14 between the outwardly projecting members 58 and 60. The base 56 is interposed between the end of the hub 13 of the wheel 16 and the inside surface of the leg 14. The operating member 54 is formed with two portions at essentially right angles to each other. A first portion includes a triangularly shaped embossed cam engaging portion 68. An aperture 70 is provided in the embossed cam engaging portion 68 to receive the axle or shaft 28, with enough clearance to also receive an inwardly projecting sleeve extending from a washer 72. The axle 28 is shown as a bolt having a head 74 at the left end as viewed in FIG. 3 and a threaded portion 76 at the right end. A locking nut 78 is threaded onto the threaded portion 76 and a predetermined torque applied thereto such that as will hereinafter be explained, with the operating member 54 in the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 3, the wheel will freely turn, but when the operating member is rotated to a locked position such as shown in FIG. 4, forces will be applied to the edges of the hub as shown in FIG. 4 to impede or prevent rotation of the wheel. Referring to FIG. 5, it will be noted that the widespread V-shaped caming surfaces 62 and 64 of the outwardly projecting members 58 and 60 are each provided with a recessed portion 80 at the center. The embossed cam engaging portion 68 of the operating member 54 is located in the recessed portions 80 when the brake is in the unlocked position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. When the operating member 54 is pivoted clockwise or counter clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 2, the cam engaging portion 68 on each side of the axle 28 engage the cam surfaces on the outwardly projecting members 58 and 60 to develop the axially directed forces as shown in FIG. 4. When the operating member is rotated in the counter clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2, the cam engaging portion 68 will engage the lower portion of the caming surface 62 and the upper portion of the caming surface 64. It can thus be understood that with the wheel locking mechanism of this invention, the operating member 54 can be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise, such as by stepping on surface 82 or 84 as shown in FIG. 2, to bring about engagement of the locking mechanism to impede or prevent turning of the wheel 16. To disengage the brake, it is only necessary to apply a force to the upwardly projecting one of the surfaces 82 or 84 to return operating member 54 to its horizontal position. In summary, using the brake mechanism of this invention, braking action is initiated by applying a force to either surface 82 or 84, whichever may be most accessible due to the position of the castor with respect to the body which it is supporting. Further, the unlocked position of the brake mechanism is easily determined by returning of the operating member 48 to the horizontal position. While one embodiment of the invention has been shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that what has been described is considered at the present to be the preferred embodiment of the braking mechanism of this invention. In accordance with the patent statutes, changes may be made in the braking mechanism without actually departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

1B

62

B

It should be understood that the FIGS. of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a solid-state image sensor 10 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1 is a top view. To simplify FIG. 1, metal contacts are not shown and it assumed that dielectric layers thereof are transparent. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1. Image sensor 10 comprises a substrate 12 of a semiconductor material, such as single crystalline silicon, of one conductivity type, such as p-type, having a major surface 14. In the substrate 12 and along the major surface 14 are a plurality of spaced photodetectors 16. The photodetectors 16 are arranged in lines, such as rows and columns, to form an area array. Along each column of the photodetectors 16 is a shift register 18, shown as a CCD shift register, which extends along a line of the photodetectors 16. Adjacent each photodetector 16 and between adjacent photodetectors 16 is a drain 20 with an anti-blooming barrier 22 being between each drain 20 and its adjacent photodetector 16. Between each photodetector 16 and the drain 20 of the adjacent photodetector 16 is a shutter gate 24 for controlling the potential barrier between the photodetector 16 and the drain 20 of the adjacent photodetector 16. Although not shown, there is a separate drain 20 adjacent and separated from the photodetector 16 at the bottom of each column and a shutter gate 24 between the drain 20 and the bottom most photodiode 16. A separate transfer gate 42 is shown between each of the photodiodes 16 and shift registers 18. As shown in FIG. 2, each photodetector 16 is a photodiode formed in a portion of substrate 12 and comprises a first region 26 of a conductivity type opposite that of the substrate 12, shown as n-type, and a second region 28 which is within a portion of region 26 and is of the same conductivity type as the substrate 12, shown as p/type, and which extends to the major surface 14. Typically, the conductivity of the first region 26 is about 10.sup.17 impurities/cm.sup.3. Typically, the conductivity of the second region 28 is about 10.sup.17 impurities/cm.sup.3. The second region 28 forms a pn junction 30 with the first region 26. The first region 26 extends under the drain 20 and the anti-blooming barrier 22, and the second region 28 extends under the anti-blooming barrier 34. The second region 28 is connected to ground through channel stop regions 21 (shown only in FIG. 1) which extend along the photodiodes 16. The substrate 12, first region 26 and second region 28 form a "pinned" diode. Although other types of photodiodes can be used, a "pinned" diode is preferable since it eliminates differences in reset levels resulting from the separate gates 24 and 42. The drain 20 comprises a region 32 of the same conductivity type as the first region 26 but of higher conductivity, shown as n+ type, in the substrate 12 and extending to the major surface 14 and within a portion of the first region 26. Typically, the conductivity of the drain region 32 is about 10.sup.19 impurities/cm.sup.3. The anti-blooming barrier 22 is a virtual gate and comprises a region 34 of the same conductivity type as the second region 28 but of higher conductivity, shown as p+ type, in the substrate 12 and extending to the major surface 14 and within a portion of the first region 26. Typically, the anti-blooming barrier region 34 is of a conductivity of about 10.sup.18 impurities/cm.sup.3. The anti-blooming barrier region 34 extends along an edge of the second region 28 between the second region 28 and the drain region 32. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the CCD shift registers 18 comprises a buried channel 36 comprising a region of a conductivity type opposite that of the substrate 12, shown as n-type, in the substrate 12 and extending to the major surface 14. The channel region 36 is typically of a conductivity of about 10.sup.17 impurities/cm.sup.3. The channel region 36 extends between two columns of the photodetectors 16 for the full length of the columns with the channel region 36 being spaced from the photodetectors 16 in both of the adjacent columns. A thin layer 38 of an insulating material, typically silicon dioxide, is on the major surface 14 over the channel region 36 and the areas of the major surface 14 between adjacent photodetectors 16 in each column. A first set of CCD gates 40 are on the silicon dioxide layer 38 and are spaced along the channel region 36. Each of the first gates 40 contacts one of the transfer gates 42 which extends across the space between the channel region 36 and the first region 26 of the photodetector 16 and serves as a transfer gate. A second set of CCD gates 44 are on the silicon dioxide layer 38 with each second gate 44 being between a pair of the first gates 40. Each of the first gates 40 overlaps a portion of each of its adjacent second gates 44 and is insulated therefrom by a layer of an insulating material 46, typically silicon dioxide. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,402 to David L. Losee et al, issued Sept. 23, 1986, entitled "Method of Making Edge-Aligned Implants and Electrodes Therefor", a transfer region, not shown, of a conductivity type opposite that of the channel region 36 may be provided in the channel region under an edge of each gate 40 and 44. The gates 24, 40, 42, 44 and 48 are of a conductive material, typically doped polycrystalline silicon. As shown in FIG. 2, the shutter gate 24 is an extension of one of the second gates 44 which is on the silicon dioxide layer 38 and extends across the space between the first regions 26 of adjacent photodetectors 16 in each column. Each of the first gates 42 has an extension 48 which extends over a shutter gate 24 and is insulated therefrom by a portion of the silicon dioxide layer 46. A thick layer 50 of an insulating material, typically silicon dioxide, extends over the photodetectors 16 and the CCD shift registers 18 to protect them. A conductive contact 52, which may be a film of a metal, extends through an opening 54 in the insulating layer 50 to make contact with each drain region 32 so as to allow each drain 20 to be connected to a voltage source. The contact layer 52 also extends over the adjacent shutter gate 24 and CCD shift registers 18 of FIG. 1 to shield these regions from the impinging light. As shown in FIG. 4, during the integration period of the image sensor 10, the potential 22P in the anti-blooming barrier region 34 is lower than the potentials 16P and 20P in the photodetector 16 and drain 20 respectively because of the higher doping level in the barrier region 34. Although not shown, the potential 22P is higher than the potential under the CCD transfer gate 42. Thus, if the amount of the charge carriers collected in the photodetector 16 reduces the photodetector potential to a level below the barrier potential 22P, additional carriers will be swept over into the drain 20 as indicated by the arrow 54. This provides for anti-blooming in the image sensor 10. To control the exposure time of the image sensor 10, at a time t during the integration period prior to the transfer period equal to the desired exposure time, the photodetectors 16 are reset. As shown in FIG. 5, the photodetectors 16 are reset by applying a voltage to the shutter gates 24 through the second gates 44 of the CCD shift register so as to raise the potential 24P under the shutter gates 24 to a level above the potential 16P in the photodetectors 16. This allows the charge carriers in the photodetectors 16 to flow across the area under the shutter gates 24 into the drain 20 as indicated by the arrow 56. Once the photodetectors 16 have been dumped of the charge carriers, the voltage on the shutter gate 24 is lowered to provide the potential barrier 24P shown in FIG. 4. After the desired exposure time t, the charge carriers collected in the photodetectors 16 during the exposure time are transferred to the CCD shift register 18. This is achieved by applying a potential to each of the first gates 40 so that the potential under each transfer gate 42 is raised above that in the photodetectors 16. The charge carriers will then flow across the space under the transfer gates 42 into the shift register channel 36. Although, the first gates 42 have an extension 48 over the area between each photodetector 16 and the drain 20 of the adjacent photodetector 16, the effect of the voltage on the gate extension 48 is shielded by the shutter gate 24. Thus, the voltage on the first gates 42 do not cause the charge carriers in the photodetectors 16 to flow into the drains 20 of the adjacent photodetectors 16. The CCD shift register 18 is then operated in the normal manner to transfer the charge carriers along the shift register 18 to a read-out of the imager 10. During the operation of the shift register 18, the voltages applied to the gates 40 and 44 to move the charge carriers along the channel region 32 is less than that applied to the gates during the reset and transfer periods so as not to reduce the barriers under transfer gate 42 and exposure gate 24. Thus, there is provided by present invention a solid-state image sensor 10 in which the drain 20 serves the dual purpose of an anti-blooming drain and a drain for resetting the photodetectors 16 to achieve a desired exposure control. Also, the exposure control shutter 24 is a part of the gates of the CCD shift registers 18 and merely extends across the necessary space between adjacent photodetectors 16 in each column. Thus, both exposure control and anti-blooming are achieved using a minimum number of elements and without taking up any substantial amount of additional space on the substrate 12 so that the fill factor of the imager is not substantially lowered. Although the solid-state image sensor 10 has been shown as having pn junction type photodiodes as the photodetectors 16, other types of photodetectors can be used. Also, although the shift registers 18 have been shown as being CCD shift registers, other types of shift register can be used which has a gate which can also be used as the shutter gate 24. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Various modifications consistent with the spirit of the invention are possible.

7H

01

L

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As seen in FIG. 1a, a deep bore hole 3 is driven into the bedrock 1 considerably deeper than 1,500 meters, preferably from 5,000 meters up to 10,000 meters. Then, as seen in FIG. 1b, the surrounding rock in the bottom zone 5 of the bore hole 3 is provided with penetrating passages 7, consisting of clefts, rifts, capillary cracks, etc., preferably by blasting or fluid pressure rock fracturing in bottom zone 5. The blasting may be performed by slow delayed blasting or, e.g., by the Bristar method. It is preferably followed by washing with chemicals, especially an acid. By such blasting, the ground is loosened in the bottom zone 5 and the desired rifts and clefts are formed. This loosening generally starts at the bottom of the bore holes, gradually advancing upward to a height of, e.g., 1,000 meters from the lower bore hole end. The rock material crumbling into the bore hole after blasting is flushed out from above by a pressurized agent, preferably water, as schematically depicted in FIG. 1b, or else the bore hole is repeatedly redrilled in its base zone. For the drilling of these deep bore holes it is necessary to resort to techniques known, e.g., from deep oil well drilling. When the roughly cylindrical bottom zone 5, as shown in FIG. 1c, has reached the necessary height, a highly heat-conducting substance S is injected into it, as shown schematically in FIG. 2. This substance S enters into the remaining open penetrating passages 7, filling them to a large extent. It hardens and forms a heat-conducting connection from a spongy exchange zone AF towards the axis of the bottom zone 5. At the same time, the interior wall of the bottom zone 5 of the bore hole, as shown in FIG. 2, is coated with the heat-conducting substance S. The heat conducting substance is injected as a fluid, preferably using water as a carrier. The substance is introduced from above into the penetrating passages 7, i.e, clefts, pores, etc. The substance preferably comprises a siliceous gel and metal powder in the form of finely divided silver, and/or aluminum, and/or copper. After evaporation or setting of the carrier fluid, the more-or-less solid, heat-conducting substance S remains in the connecting passages 7 and in the clearance between the wall surface of the bore hole's bottom zone 5 and the external face of the casing tube, spreading sponge-like into the bedrock. The contact surface AF between the bore hole and the surrounding ground is enlarged and the rate at which heat can be extracted is drastically increased. Referring to FIG. 3, a first, closed-end casing 9 is inserted into the bore hole 3 which, as previously discussed, is already treated with the heat-conducting substance S. This casing 9 has to be highly heat-conducting in its lower section, e.g., metallic. By introduction of an appropriate compound M, the exterior face of the casing 9, in bottom zone 5, is then brought into close contact thermally with the rock of bottom zone 5 and with the heat-conducting substance S. The compound M should contain mainly cement and/or a siliceous substance, interspersed with metal powder, metal fibers, etc. This substance M is injected under pressure along the exterior face of casing 9 as schematically depicted in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the completed bore hole prepared according to the requirements of the invention. After having thermally joined the casing 9 to the surrounding rock by heat-conducting substance M, a return pipe 11 with an open bottom is inserted. This pipe 11 is insulated, especially in the upper zone (below the ground surface), so that a minimum of heat exchange occurs between the heat transmission medium W flowing down in the annular space between the casing 9 and the return pipe 11 on the one hand, and the medium ascending to the surface in the return pipe 11, on the other hand. To this end, the return pipe 11 is fabricated either of a special steel, of asbestos-cement and/or a synthetic resin, or insulated by it. The heat transmission medium W is driven down between the interior wall of the casing 9 and the exterior face of the return pipe 11, and rises again in return pipe 11 for the transportation of heat from the earth's interior to the surface of the earth, as depicted. Because of the large contact surface, enhanced by penetrating passages 7 spreading outwardly, a considerable quantity of heat is fed from natural rock, the heat-conducting substance S and the heat-conducting contact substance M to the heat transmission medium W. The recirculation of the heat transmission medium and the extraction of heat at the surface of the earth is performed by one of the well-known methods, e.g., in steam power plants, district heating, etc. The heat transmission medium consists of water or other low-boiling liquids that evaporate in the bottom zone 5, condense after extraction of the exploitable heat, and flow in closed circuit through the bore hole. The bore hole, prepared and fitted out according to the requirements of the invention with the aforedescribed devices, forms a geothermal "furnace", with a high efficiency. It is possible to extract a considerable quantity of heat from the earth, per unit of time, owing to a contact surface that is much larger than the cylindrical surface of the bore hole casing 9 itself, and the resulting greater heat inflow from the bedrock to the transmission fluid which carries heat to the surface. FIG. 5 illustrates a further alternate layout of a geothermal plant, according to the requirements of the invention. It comprises, e.g., three geothermal exploitation bore holes 13a-13c, each preferably constructed as depicted in FIGS. 1-4. These bore holes can be hydraulically connected or operated separately. In the event that natural, open cross-channels are formed in the rock between closely spaced bore holes, e.g., in Karstic formations, a circulation flow can be established between them by introduction of a heat-conducting liquid through one bore hole and withdrawal of the heated liquid, or steam, from a neighboring bore hole. This arrangement can result in a dramatic increase in heat extraction from the earth, in comparison to the embodiment forming the initial subject of this application, where heat is recovered from each bore hole separately. By means of preliminary geological studies bore holes may be situated in locations where Karstic formation is expected, at depths favorable for heat exploitation and/or preferably in rocks of high thermal conductivity, such as granite. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, heat transmission medium return pipes 15a-15c are linked, through control valves 17a-17c, to heat utilization units 19a and 19b, or are coupled in closed circuit to feed pipes 21a-21c for returning the heat transmission medium directly to bore holes 13a-13c. Valves 17a-17c are connected to a control unit 23 so that some of the born holes can be operated in closed circuit without being looped to extraction units 19b and 19c. In this case the temperature of the medium rises asymptotically to a high level corresponding to the rock temperature in the bottom zone 5 (FIG. 1b), whereas other bore holes, whose heat transport media have already attained the necessary exploitable temperature, are changed over to extraction units 19a and 19b by control unit 23 and valves 17a-17c. The control unit 23 can be temperature controlled and/or pressure controlled. The pressure, and/or the temperature, is sensed in the pipes conducting heated liquid from the respective bore holes and connection to extraction units 19a and 19b is established when the pressure and/or temperature, has risen to a predetermined level. The increase of thermal conductivity of the rock mass through injection of metals in natural openings intercepted by the bore holes, or created by blasting the rock in place, may be roughly determined by cursory calculations, depending on the kind of rock. The increase in natural conductance amounts to approximately 2-10 fold in basalt, and 2-6 fold in granite. The lower value corresponds to using aluminum as the metal for injections, the higher values for copper or silver. These multipliers can be achieved, or exceeded, near the bore hole walls, and diminish more or less rapidly with increasing distance from the bore hole, depending on ground conditions. The results of calculations depend essentially on the content of groutable clefts in the rock around the bore holes. By suitable choice of intensity and sequence of blasting in the bore holes, every effort can be made to create a high percentage of penetrating passages and their wide-ranging extent in a connected network. Where the kind of rock and the regard for environmental concerns allow it, a leaching, i.e., widening and smoothing of the rock surfaces of clefts, by flushing out with acids or other solutions of chemical compounds, is envisaged. It will be necessary to interpose separators 22a-22c in front of the heat extraction units in the heat-conducting conduits for separation of hot water and steam, as is normal in existing geothermal plants that exploit natural hot water (hot springs) and steam resources in the underground, e.g., geysers. The hot water is carried off directly for industrial use, heating of buildings, agricultural application, etc., or reintroduced into the bore holes. The steam eliminated in the separator arrives at the pressure equalizing and storage tank (boiler) and serves for electricity generation and/or use in industrial processes. With the depicted method for exploitation of thermal energy available in the earth's interior and the geothermal power plant based on it, it is possible to produce energy with high efficiency without significant environmental abuse. Geothermal plants built on this principle are as innocuous as existing hydroelectric or thermo-electric power stations, yet far more ecologically beneficial than the latter.

5F

25

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the subject disclosure presents a power tool1with an accessory clamping mechanism. Taking an oscillating power tool as an example embodiment, the power tool1comprises a housing2, a power source3connected to the housing2, a motor4and a driving shaft5accommodated in the housing2, a transmission mechanism6, a working mandrel7and an accessory clamping mechanism10. The power source3provides power to the motor4. It may be appreciated that the power source3may be any power source well known by the person skilled in the art, such as a battery pack, an AC power source, an air compressor or a mobile power pack. The driving shaft5is driven by the motor4and can rotate about its rotating axis X. The transmission mechanism6comprises an eccentric member61and a linkage member62. The eccentric member61has an axis offset from the rotating axis X of the driving shaft5, and the linkage member62is driven by the driving shaft5and operatively connected to the working mandrel7which is supported by a pair of bearings8. The linkage member62is configured to be a coupling fork. One end of the coupling fork is fixedly connected to the working mandrel7and the other end is provided with a pair of branched forks and coupled to the eccentric member61. The working mandrel7has a rotating axis Y that is substantially perpendicular to the rotating axis X of the driving shaft5. The rotation of the driving shaft5around its rotating axis X is converted into the pivoting motion of the linkage member62along the rotating axis Y of the working mandrel7so as to force the working mandrel7to move and drive the accessory9to swing. That is to say, the rotation of the motor4is converted into the oscillating motion of the working mandrel7around its rotating axis Y by the transmission mechanism6. The accessory9is clamped to a mandrel flange71of the working mandrel7by the accessory clamping mechanism10. The connecting relation of the mandrel flange71and the accessory9is further shown inFIG. 3, the mandrel flange71is provided with a form-fitting structure710having a plurality of bosses extending along the rotating axis Y of the working mandrel7. Preferably, the mandrel flange71is provided with four bosses. The accessory9comprises an end portion90, a stepped portion91and a workpiece processing area92. The end portion90is preferably configured as a close-ended aperture and provided with a corresponding form-fitting structure93, and the stepped portion91has a vertical height. Preferably, the form-fitting structure93is provided with eight grooves that each can be connected to one of the bosses in form-fitting manner. The reason that the number of the grooves is larger than that of the bosses is to facilitate the accessory9to rotate at various angles relative to the working mandrel7so as to meet different situations. It may be appreciated that the bosses of the mandrel flange71and the grooves of the accessory9may be arranged as needed, for example, the number of the bosses is four and the number of the grooves is twelve and so on, which is well known to the person skilled in the art. Certainly, the end portion90may also be configured as an open-ended aperture, which can also be clamped by the accessory clamping mechanism10. After being clamped by the accessory clamping mechanism10, the accessory9swings together with the working mandrel7. The oscillating frequency may be arranged to be 10000-25000 times per minute and the oscillating angle may be arranged between about 0.5° and 7°. With high-frequency oscillating motion, the accessory9can perform various operations for the workpiece. The user can perform various different operating functions by mounting different accessories to the working mandrel7. The common accessory9may include a straight saw blade, circular saw blade, triangle grinding plate or scraper, etc., thereby performing different operations, such as sawing, cutting, grinding or scraping. It may be appreciated that the person skilled in the art may use other functional accessories depending on the actual working situations. Further, referring toFIGS. 4-9, the accessory clamping mechanism10comprises a driving device, a pushing member13, a fastening flange14and a first elastic member15. The pushing member13is arranged on one side of the working mandrel7. Furthermore, the pushing member13is arranged between the eccentric member61and the working mandrel7. The pushing member13has a longitudinal axis Z parallel to the axis Y of the working mandrel. The transmission mechanism6is further provided with a supporting portion63for supporting and guiding the pushing member13. The pushing member13and the fastening flange14are fixedly connected with each other or arranged in one piece. The thickness of the fastening flange14is smaller than or equal to the vertical height of the stepped portion91of the accessory9so as to allow for operation of the accessory9in a narrow space. The mandrel flange71is provided with a supporting portion for facilitating the pushing member13to pass through and supporting the pushing member13. The mandrel flange71has an enlarged portion on one side facing the pushing member13. The enlarged portion, the fastening flange14and the pushing member13constitute the balance weight block having a center of gravity on one side of the working mandrel7, and the center of gravity of the accessory9is on the other side of the working mandrel7. During the oscillating process, the enlarged portion of the mandrel flange, the fastening flange14and the pushing member13swing in a direction opposite to the accessory9so as to counteract the oscillation caused by the accessory9, and then the pushing member13can transmit the force applied to the driving device by the user to the fastening flange14. When the end portion90of the accessory9is configured as a close-ended aperture, the accessory9can be clamped between the mandrel flange71and the fastening flange14without passing through the pushing member13. The driving device can force the fastening flange14to move between a released position and a clamped position. In the released position, the accessory9can be removed between the mandrel flange71and the fastening flange14; and in the clamped position, the accessory9is clamped between the mandrel flange71and the fastening flange14. Preferably, the first elastic member15may be configured as a compression spring with one end arranged on the mandrel flange71and the other end arranged on the boss130extending radially on the pushing member13. The boss130may be a single circular gasket or a step extending radially and integrated with the pushing member13. It may be appreciated that the first elastic member15may be configured as any other members well known to the person skilled in the art, such as an elastic rubber or leaf spring. The fastening flange14is biased towards the clamped position by the first elastic member15. The force applied to the driving device by the user may be transmitted to the fastening flange14, and then the fastening flange14overcomes the acting force of the first elastic member15to move to the released position, thereby removing the accessory9between the fastening flange14and the mandrel flange71. FIG. 10illustrates a second embodiment of the accessory clamping mechanism10′. Contrary to the first embodiment, the fastening flange14′ and the pushing member13′ are separated from the mandrel flange71′ so that the pushing member13′ and the fastening flange14′ do not swing with the working mandrel7′. Specifically, the mandrel flange71′ does not have an enlarged portion and is arranged symmetrically about the rotating axis Y′. The pushing member13′ is supported and guided by a first supporting portion131′ and a second supporting portion132′ arranged on the housing. One end of the elastic member15′ is arranged on the boss130′ of the pushing member13′ and the other end is arranged on the second supporting portion132′. The fastening flange14′ is provided with a plane bearing141′. The plane bearing141′ has a rolling pin which can rotate in the oscillating process of the accessory, but the end plate of the plane bearing141′ and the fastening flange14′ do not swing with the accessory and the working mandrel7′. With such arrangement, the friction between the working mandrel7′ and the accessory may be reduced. Next, the structure of the driving device of the accessory clamping mechanism10according to the first embodiment will be explained in details. Referring toFIGS. 4-9again, the driving device comprises an operating assembly11and a restoring assembly12. The operating assembly11comprises a pivoting shaft110, a second elastic member111and an operating member112. The pivoting shaft110is mounted to the housing2. Preferably, the second elastic member111may be configured as a torsion spring mounted to the pivoting shaft110. The torsion spring has one end arranged on the housing2and the other end arranged on the operating member112. The operating member112is biased towards the direction close to the housing2by the second elastic member111. It may be appreciated that the second elastic member111may be configured as any other members well known to the person skilled in the art, such as elastic rubber or leaf spring. Preferably, the operating member112may be configured as a spanner pivoting around the pivoting shaft110. The axis of the pivoting shaft110is perpendicular to the axis Y of the working mandrel7. As well known to the person skilled in the art, the operating member112may also be configured as any other structures for facilitating the operation, such as a pushing button or pressing button. The restoring assembly12comprises a pivoting shaft120, a thrusting member121, a pressing member122, a third elastic member123and a fourth elastic member124. The pivoting shaft120is mounted to the operating member112, and the thrusting member121and the pressing member122are arranged on the two sides of the pivoting shaft120respectively. The thrusting member121is arranged between the operating member112and the pivoting shaft110, and the thrusting member121and the operating member112are arranged on the same side of the working mandrel7. One end of the third elastic member123is mounted to the housing2and the other end may act on the thrusting member121. Preferably, the third elastic member123may be configured as a compression spring. The thrusting member121is biased towards the direction away from the pushing member13by the third elastic member123. It may be appreciated that the third elastic member123may also be configured as any other members well known to the person skilled in the art, such as an elastic rubber or leaf spring. The fourth elastic member124is mounted to the pivoting shaft120with two ends arranged on the operating assembly11and the pressing member122respectively. Preferably, the fourth elastic member124is configured as a torsion spring. The thrusting member121is biased towards the direction of mating with the pushing member13by the fourth elastic member124. It may be appreciated that the fourth elastic member124may also be configured as any other members well known to the person skilled in the art, such as an elastic rubber or leaf spring. The driving device may only comprise the operating assembly11and the thrusting member121, and other members in the restoring assembly12are omitted. With such arrangement, the operating assembly11only comprises the operating member112to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the thrusting member121is disengaged from the pushing member13, and the fastening flange14is in the clamped position; and in the second position, the thrusting member121forces the fastening flange14to the released position. Next, the operating process of the accessory clamping mechanism10of the first embodiment will be explained in details. The operating member112may be positioned in the engaged position, the first position and the second position. The operating member112can be moved among the engaged position, the first position and the second position. In the engaged position, the thrusting member121is disengaged from the pushing member13so that the operating member112can engage with the surface of the housing, and as shown inFIG. 4, the accessory9is still clamped between the fastening flange14and the mandrel flange71. The bottom surface of the operating member112may be engaged with a portion of the housing, and the top surface of the operating member112is flush with the handle portion of the housing so as to provide a wider handle portion for the user in the operating state. In the first position, the fastening flange14is restored to the clamped position under the acting force of the first elastic member15, and as shown inFIG. 5, the accessory9is clamped between the fastening flange14and the mandrel flange71, but the operating member112is neither engaged with the surface of the housing nor flush with the handle portion of the housing, thus the user can only handle the portion except the place where the operating member112is arranged. In the second position, the thrusting member121forces the fastening flange14to the released position, and as shown inFIG. 6, the accessory9can be removed between the fastening flange14and the mandrel flange71. The thrusting member121of the restoring assembly12has a pushing position and a restoring position. In the pushing position, the thrusting member121contacts the pushing member13so as to transmit the acting force applied to the operating member112by the user to the pushing member13. In the restoring position, the thrusting member121is disengaged from the pushing member13so as to restore the operating member112to the engaged position automatically. The operating member112is moved along the direction of the arrow as indicated inFIGS. 4 and 7from the engaged position to the first position as shown inFIGS. 5 and 8, and the thrusting member121of the restoring assembly12is biased to the pushing position under the action of the fourth elastic member124. Then, the operating member112is moved along the direction of the arrow as indicated inFIGS. 4 and 7from the first position to the second position as shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, and the thrusting member121transmits the acting force applied to the operating member112by the user to the pushing member13and overcomes the acting force of the first elastic member15to move the pushing member13and the fastening flange14downwards, then the fastening flange14is disengaged from the surface of the accessory9and leaves enough space to remove the accessory9between the fastening flange14and the mandrel flange71along the direction of the removing arrow as indicated inFIGS. 6 and 9. Once the user puts the accessory9between the fastening flange14and the mandrel flange71again along the direction of the putting arrow as indicated inFIGS. 6 and 9, the operating member112is released so that the pushing member13and the fastening flange14are restored to the clamped position under the action of the first elastic member15. At this moment, the operating position for the user is in the first position as shown inFIGS. 4 and 7, and the user operates the pressing member122in the restoring assembly12to move the thrusting member121from the pushing position to the restoring position so that the operating member is restored to the engaged position automatically. In order to ensure this process to be carried out effectively, it needs to be arranged such that the acting force of the second elastic member111is larger than that of the third elastic member123, and the acting force of the third elastic member123is larger than that of the fourth elastic member124. When the thrusting member121is moved from the pushing position to the restoring position, since the acting force of the third elastic member123is larger than that of the fourth elastic member124, the thrusting member121can not be restored to the biased position automatically, but biased to the restoring position under this acting force. Once the thrusting member121is disengaged from the pushing member13, since the acting force of the second elastic member111is larger than that of the third elastic member123, the operating member112is biased to the engaged position automatically. It may be appreciated that the directions of the putting and removing arrows are the lateral directions of the working mandrel7. Preferably, these directions may be arranged to be perpendicular to the rotating axis Y of the working mandrel7. FIGS. 3 and 4further illustrate that the fastening flange14is provided with an opening140. During the operation for clamping the accessory9, the user can exactly view the relative corresponding position of the form-fitting structure710of the mandrel flange71and the corresponding form-fitting structure93of the accessory9, thereby enabling the user to clamp the accessory9between the fastening flange14and the mandrel flange71quickly and accurately. It may be appreciated that the accessory clamping mechanism10may not only be used in oscillating power tools, but also in other manual tools, or power tools such as an angle grinder or an electric circular saw. When used in a manual tool, the accessory clamping mechanism10may comprise a housing2; a working mandrel7for driving a accessory9clamped between a mandrel flange71and a fastening flange14; a driving device for forcing the fastening flange14to move between a released position in which the accessory9can be removed between the mandrel flange71and the fastening flange14and a clamped position in which the accessory9is clamped between the mandrel flange71and the fastening flange14; a pushing member13connected to the fastening flange; and a first elastic member15by which the fastening flange14is biased towards the clamped position. In this way, the accessory clamping mechanism10may be used in manual tools. As well known to the person skilled in the art, as long as the transmission mechanism in the oscillating power tool is replaced by other transmission mechanisms as needed by other power tools, and the accessory can machine the workpiece under the action of the corresponding transmission mechanism, and then the accessory clamping mechanism can be used in other power tools. The accessory clamping mechanism and the power tool comprising the accessory clamping mechanism disclosed by the present invention are not limited to the contents in the above embodiments and the structures indicated by the drawings. The obvious changes, substitutions and modifications to the shapes and positions of the members based on the present invention are contained in the protection scope of the present invention.

1B

27

B

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings,FIGS. 1 to 4show various views of a clothes airer according to the invention. The general form of the airer is known. The airer comprises three pivotally mounted pairs of generally rectangular frames1. The two frames of each pair are pivotally connected together at points2spaced along their longer sides. Generally parallel rails or wires3extend between the longer sides of the frames1to provide support for items to be aired. The outer parts of the illustrated frames are formed from mild steel tubing but any other suitable material could be used. Each of the three pairs of pivotally connected frames1is pivotally connected to an adjacent pair of frames such that the central pair of frames is connected to two outer pairs of frames. The pairs of frames are pivotally connected together by pivotal connections4between the free ends of respective frames of each pair. The airer further comprises four legs5formed by two generally inverted U-shaped frames5aeach having two substantially parallel tubular sides which form the legs. Substantially parallel spaced apart wires6extend between the legs of each inverted U-shaped frame to provide further support for items on the airer. The lower of the pivots4between the pairs of substantially rectangular frames are pivotally connected to respective legs5. The upper pivotal connections4are pivotally connected to sliding fittings7which are mounted for sliding movement along the legs5as shown by arrows8. The fittings7are arranged so that the pivot4is disposed to one side of the leg5. Wheels9are fitted to the lower ends of the legs5formed by one inverted U-shaped frame. The wheels are only shown inFIG. 1. A net10extends between wires6of the two pairs of legs4. The airer may be moved between an open and closed state. The open state is shown inFIGS. 1 and 4. In the open state the generally rectangular frames1of each connected pair lie generally at right angles to each other. The two inverted U-shaped frames5aare separated and the two pivot points4on each leg5are at their closest separation. The net10is generally taut between the two inverted U-shaped frames5a. To move the airer into its closed position, in which it occupies less space, for example for storage, the two U-shaped frames5aare moved towards each other. Conveniently, the frame equipped with wheels8is moved toward the other frame. As the inverted U-shaped frames approach the frames of each pivotally connected pairs of frames1pivot relative to each other and adopt a position in which they lie in substantially the same plane. To accommodate this movement the sliding fittings7slide upwards on the inverted U-shaped frames and the pivot points4on each frame adopt a position of maximum separation. The netting10becomes slack between the two inverted U-shaped frames5a. Provision of sliding fittings7is a convenient, cost effective and easy to assemble way to construct the airer. The overall length of the U-shaped frames remains constant throughout all positions between the open and closed positions. The sliding fittings7are shown in greater detail inFIGS. 5 to 7. Referring to those figures the fitting7comprises a moulded plastics material component formed in a single piece comprising two halves connected by a flexible (live) hinge11. This enables the fitting to adopt open and closed positions shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, and5respectively. In the closed position the fitting defines a generally cylindrical passage12. Radially to the side of that passage is a formation defining an aperture13the axis of which extends substantially at right angles to that of the cylindrical passage12. The cylindrical passage12receives a leg5of the frame with a sliding fit. The aperture13receives a pin or fastener to form a pivot with the rectangular frames. The fastener or pin serves to hold the sliding fitting in its closed position although engageable fittings14are also provided on the two halves of the fitting which cooperate to secure the fitting in the closed position. As the fitting can be opened and closed this enables it to be mounted on a leg5of the frame without having to pass over the end of the leg. As such, the fitting can be fitted onto a leg after the cross-wires6have been connected between two legs of an inverted U-shaped frame5a. FIGS. 8 and 9show an alternative embodiment of a sliding fitting7. This embodiment comprises two separable moulded plastics material components. The first component15is of a generally U-shaped cross-section. The second component16engages with the first component15with a sliding fit. In its assembled state the fitting defines a cylindrical passage12and aperture13similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5. The two-part structure of the fitting also enables it to be laterally fitted to a leg of an airer without having to pass over a free end of the leg. The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims.

0A

47

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1-5illustrate a rod to rod connector100in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.FIG. 1is a perspective view of the rod to rod connector100for rigidly connecting two spinal rods12,12, to each other in an assembled state. The two rods may, for instance, be positioned substantially parallel with each other on opposite sides of the spine.FIG. 2is an exploded view of the elements of the same rod to rod connector. The cross connector100comprises two rod clamps101, a cross bar103, and two fasteners in the form of set screws105in this particular embodiment. The cross bar103comprises a transverse beam portion125connecting two connecting portions127,127at opposite ends of the cross bar. The connecting portions127,127include holes128,128. The cross bar may be curved or angled, such as in the shape of a V as shown in the Figures to better accommodate the space requirements when crossing the centerline of the spine. Each rod clamp101comprises a main body portion107, a rod receiving channel109, and a tang (or tulip) portion111. The rod clamp101includes a hole123. Preferably, the wall of the rod receiving channel has the same radius as the spinal rod with which the apparatus is to be used. The lateral opening131into the rod receiving channel109is larger than the diameter of the spinal rod12so that a spinal rod may be introduced into the channel through opening131. A pivot body such as cam clamp117is disposed within the main body portion and is supported on a pivot pin121disposed within a transverse hole119in the main body portion. The cam clamp includes a curved surface117athat faces into the rod receiving channel109and generally matches the arc of the rod receiving channel109. It also includes a lever portion117bextending in the opposite direction from the pivot pin from the curved surface117aand a transverse hole117dfor accepting the pivot pin121. The lever portion117bincludes a slot117c. When the cam clamp117is rotated about the pivot pin121to cause the curved surface117ato enter the rod receiving channel and engage the rod in the channel, it effectively prevents the rod from escaping from the rod receiving channel. The tulip portion comprises a plurality of tangs113extending upwardly from the main body portion107defining an extension of the hole123. The tangs include outwardly extending flanges or barbs113aat their tops. The holes123preferably extend completely through the main body portion107. The bottom portion of the hole123that is within the main body portion107of the rod clamp101is threaded to accept mating threads of the corresponding set screw105to couple the cross bar105to the rod clamp101. The cylinder that is defined by the outer surfaces of the tangs113on the rod clamp101when they are in an unstressed condition is smaller than the cylinder defined by through holes128of the connecting portions127of the cross bar103. The set screws105include a threaded shank portion143and a head portion141having a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft portion. More specifically, the head portion141has a diameter wider than the cylindrical space defined between the tangs of the rod clamp and the shank143has a diameter equal to or smaller than the cylindrical space defined between the tangs113on the rod clamp101. The threaded shank is designed to mate with internal threads in the bottom portion of the hole128in the main body portion107of the rod clamp101. The head portion141of the set screw105includes a feature145for accepting a torque-applying tool for rotating the screw. In the exemplary embodiment it is shown as a hexagonally shaped blind aperture for accepting a hex wrench or hex screw driver. A locking mechanism147comprising a thin post147aextends longitudinally from the bottom of the threaded shank143of the set screw105and has an enlarged button or head147bat its end. In one embodiment, the head is pre-formed such as by machining or casting. In another embodiment, the post147ais first formed without the head and the end of the post is peened to form the head147beither before assembly of the cross connector or, as described below, after assembly. In the assembled state, the thin post147aextends through the slot117cin the cam clamp117with the enlarged head147bextending from the bottom of the slot. The enlarged head147bhas a diameter (or other profile) larger than the width of the slot117cso that the head cannot pass through the slot. Also, the threaded shank143of the set screw105also has a diameter larger than the width of the slot117cso that it also cannot pass through the slot in the longitudinal direction of the screw, but is trapped in the slot. However, the screw105can rotate about its longitudinal axis freely relative to the cam clamp117. This is best seen inFIGS. 4 and 5, which are cross sectional views taken along lines4-4and5-5, respectively inFIG. 3. Therefore, when the device is assembled, the set screw105will be positively connected with the cam clamp117(i.e., the post147ais trapped in the slot117csuch that longitudinal movement of the screw105in either longitudinal direction will translate into pivoting of the cam clamp117in one or the other direction). Therefore, the screw105, not only can force the cam clamp117to clamp the rod12when the screw is advanced into the hole128, but can also hold the cam clamp117out of the rod receiving channel109when the screw is withdrawn to permit the rod12to freely slip into the rod receiving channel. Also, the screw105cannot accidentally fall out of or otherwise be removed from the cross connector100even if its threads become disengaged from the threads in the hole. In fact, the length of the thread run on the screw105can be selected so that the threads could not become disengaged after the apparatus is assembled and the post147ais trapped in the slot117cof the cam clamp. Preferably, the length of the thin post147abetween the bottom of the threaded shank143of the screw and the head147bis slightly greater than the depth of the slot117cso that there is some “play” or flexibility in the connection between the cam clamp117and the set screw105. Particularly, the cam clamp117must rotate about the pivot axis of the pivot pin121in response to linear movement of the set screw105. Therefore, the connection cannot be so tight as to interfere with the free rotation of the cam clamp and must be at least somewhat flexible. In alternative embodiments, the pivot body117can be replaced with a translatable body disposed in the main body101. The translatable body may be captured within a channel in the main body so that it cannot fall out inadvertently during surgery. For instance, a translatable body may be slidable in the channel under the urging of the set screw105(or other fastener) between a locking position, in which it partially closes the opening131and engages the rod so as to lock it rigidly in the channel, and an open position, in which it is substantially out of the opening131, permitting the rod to freely pass through the opening131. The movement of the translatable body may be substantially linear or curved. Like the pivot body117, the translatable body may be attached to the fastener, such as through a flexible connection, so that movement of the fastener in either direction causes movement of the translatable body. Alternately, the translatable body (or pivot body) may butt up against the translatable body (or pivot body) such that it can only push the body, rather than push and pull it. To assemble the cross connector in a loose, pre-operative state, first the cross bar103is dropped onto the clamping bodies101so that the through holes128in the connecting portions127of the cross bar surround the tangs113of the clamping bodies and align with the holes123in the clamping bodies. At this point, the clamping bodies101can rotate relative to the cross bar103around the axis defined by the aligned through holes128and holes127because, as previously mentioned, the through holes128in the cross bar103have a larger diameter than the cylinder defined by the outer surfaces of the tangs113when the tangs are in an unstressed condition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting portions have a height that approximately matches the height of the tangs113. The connecting portions127may have a height that is greater than the height of the transverse beam portion125, which can be much thinner while still providing more than adequate strength. Next, the set screws105are inserted into the through holes128in the connecting portions127of the cross bar103and screwed partially into the holes123in the rod clamp101so that the post147aextending from the bottom of the set screw105is disposed in the lower portion of the rod clamp101, but the head141is above the tangs. The cam clamp117can then be inserted into position in the main body107until the transverse hole117din the cam clamp117aligns with the transverse hole119in the main body107and, simultaneously, the thin post147aof the locking mechanism147of the set screw105fits within the slot117cin the cam clamp. If the head147bis not pre-formed, the cam clamp117can be installed before or after the set screw105is inserted. If after, the cam clamp117slid essentially straight upwardly into the main body portion so that the slot117cslides over the thin post147auntil the end of the post extends through the bottom of the slot117c. Then the distal end of the post147aextending from the bottom of the slot can be peened to enlarge it into the head147b. If the head is pre-formed then, depending on the particular design of the opening within which the cam clamp fits, the cam clamp may need to be inserted via a more complicated maneuver (since the head itself cannot fit through the slot). The pivot pin can then be installed through the aligned holes119and117d. The pivot pin, for example, may be affixed in the aligned holes by an interference fit with either the hole119in the main body or the hole117dof the cam clamp (but not both). Hence, the pivot pin will be fixed in the main body and incapable of accidentally falling out or otherwise being removed unintentionally, but the cam clamp can rotate about the pivot pin121relative to the main body portion101. At this point, the cross connector is fully assembled in the loose, pre-operative state. In this condition, the clamping bodies101can rotate relative to the cross bar103about the longitudinal axes of the set screws105so as to accommodate different orientations between the two spinal rods12in the saggital plane. Also, the cam clamp117is pivoted to an open position (i.e., with the cam clamp not extending into the rod receiving channel109) so that the cross connector100can be dropped onto the spinal rods12and the spinal rods will slide easily into the rod receiving channels109. After the surgeon has placed the cross connector100onto the two rods12as just described, the entire assembly can be tightened and locked by tightening the two set screws105to lock the spinal rods12rigidly in the rod receiving channels109and simultaneously lock the orientations of the clamping bodies101relative to the cross bar103. Particularly, rotating each set screw105so as to advance it into the hole123by means of the mutual engagement of the internal threads of the holes123in the main body portion107with the external threads of the shank143of the set screw will cause the head141of the set screw105to engage the tangs113and force them to resiliently bend radially outwardly, whereupon the outer surfaces of the flanges113awill squeeze against the inner wall of the through holes128of the cross bar101. In one embodiment as shown in the Figures, the bottom of the head forms a wedge tapered down to the shank diameter so that, as the head moves downwardly after engaging the tangs, the tangs will be increasingly bent outwardly. In one embodiment, the flanges or barbs113aon the tangs have relatively sharp edges to bite into the internal walls of the through holes128to provide an even stronger resistance to rotation. Simultaneously, as the set screw105advances into the hole123in the main body107, the locking mechanism147forces the cam clamp117to rotate forwardly into the rod receiving channel109so that the curved surface117aengages the rod12in the rod receiving channel rigidly locking the rod therein. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the set screw105may connect to the main body portion in other ways than a threaded engagement. For instance, it may connect by means of a bayonet connection wherein the shank of the set screw has a pin other protrusion extending radially from it that mates with a slot, groove or other recess on the wall of the hole123. Merely as one example, a slot on the wall of the hole123would have one open end at the top of the hole123and could be contoured to have a portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the screw starting at the opening followed by a portion that is substantially, but not perfectly perpendicular thereto that terminates in a locking recess at its closed end essentially just large enough to fit the pin. Therefore, when the screw is advanced into the hole so the pin reaches the end of the longitudinal portion of the slot, rotation of the screw would cause the head to slide in the substantially perpendicular portion of the slot causing the screw to longitudinally advance slightly further into the hole. When the head reaches the recess, it will be tightly locked in its final position. Other connection mechanisms also are possible. Preferably, both of the main clamping bodies101are the same. However, it is possible to use rod connecting assemblies of two different designs at the opposite ends of the cross bar103. All of the components preferably are made of a biocompatible, resilient material such as titanium, stainless steel, or any number of biocompatible polymers. The afore-described embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 1-5has a substantially fixed span between the rods.FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate an alternative embodiment of a cross connector600that is variable in length.FIG. 6is a perspective view of a cross connector in accordance with this embodiment andFIG. 7is a cross sectional view taken along line7-7inFIG. 6.FIG. 6shows the cross connector600set to its minimum length in solid line and also shows the cross connector set to its maximum length in phantom. It also can be set to any length therebetween, as will become clear from the following discussion. The clamping bodies101and set screws105(and all of their sub-components) are essentially identical to those described above in connection with the first embodiment. The cross bar603essentially comprises three components, a first cross beam603a, a second cross beam603band a locking screw610. The locking screw comprises a head610aand a threaded shank610b. The head includes a feature610bfor accepting a torque applying tool such as a screw driver, hex driver, wrench, etc for rotating the screw. In a preferred embodiment, the feature is the same as the corresponding feature in the heads141of the set screws105so that the locking screw610can be tightened by the same tool as the set screws. Each cross beam comprises a connecting portion650,652similar to the connecting portions127described in connection with the first embodiment. The cross beam603aincludes an elongate slot654having a width slightly greater than the diameter of the threaded shank of the locking screw610, but smaller than the diameter of the head610aof the locking screw so that the shank610bcan pass freely through, but the head cannot. The slot610has a length greater than its width. The length of the slot610essentially defines the variable length range of the cross connector600. The cross beam603bcomprises an internally threaded hole661near its medial end designed to matingly engage with the external threads of the locking screw610. To assemble the cross connector of this embodiment in a loose, pre-operative state, in addition to the procedures discussed above in connection with the first embodiment, the locking screw610is inserted through the elongate slot654on cross beam603aand loosely threaded into the threaded aperture661in cross beam603b. The two cross beams603a,603b, therefore, are coupled together and inseparable unless the locking screw610is removed. However, the two cross beams can slide relative to each other the length of the slot654. In order to lock the length, the surgeon tightens the locking screw. Having thus described a few particular embodiments of the invention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements as are made obvious by this disclosure are intended to be part of this description though not expressly stated herein, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and not limiting. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and equivalents thereto.

0A

61

B

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Without limiting the scope of the invention, the preferred features of the invention are set forth. The fiber finish composition of the present invention contains a polyalphaolefin lubricant and an emulsifier. The composition may be applied to a textile fiber neat or as an oil in water emulsion. Emulsions may be prepared by any conventional technique, for example high speed mixing, using approximately 3 to 25 wt. % of the finish in the aqueous emulsion, preferably 10 to 20 wt. % of the finish in the aqueous emulsion. Preferred polyalphaolefines include trimers, tetramers, pentamers and hexamers of alpha olefins, especially octene-1, decene-1, dodecene-1 and tetradecene-1. Commercially available polyalphaolefins typically contain a distribution of oligomers--those predominantly comprised of trimers are preferred. Polyalphaolefines having utility herein may be characterized by a viscosity of 2 to 10 centistokes at 100.degree. C., preferably 4 to 8 centistokes at 100.degree. C., a smoke point greater than 300.degree. F. Examples of suitable polyalphaolefins include Ethylflo 162, 164, 166, 168 and 170, manufactured and distributed by Ethyl Corporation, Baton Rouge, La. The polyalphaolefin lubricant comprises from 50 to 95 wt. % of the finish composition. It is desirable to maximize the concentration of lubricant in the finish composition, provided that a sufficient level of an emulsifier is present to facilitate removal of the lubricant from the textile fiber when so desired, and when the finish is applied as an emulsion, a sufficient level of emulsifier to maintain a stable emulsion. Thus, ranges of polyalphaolefin i the finish composition of from 70 to 95 wt. % are preferred, with ranges of 75 to 90 wt. % being most preferred. An emulsifier is present in the finish composition in ranges from 5 to 50 wt. %, preferably from 5 to 30 wt. %, and more preferably from 10 to 25 wt. %. It has been found that these relatively low levels of emulsifiers may be used in the finish composition without sacrificing the performance of the finish by selecting relatively high molecular weight, nonionic emulsifiers having a plurality of hydrocarbon chains or branches. Without being bound to a particular theory, it is hypothesized that the multiple hydrocarbon chains or branches of the hydrophobic component of the emulsifier (1) provide a site for enhanced interaction with the branched hydrocarbon functionality of the polyalphaolefins to form a stable emulsion in an aqueous solution and to facilitate removal of the lubricant from the textile fiber during scouring; and (2) minimize absorption of the emulsifier into the textile fiber. The following emulsifiers have been found to meet the performance criteria of the present fiber finish composition: (A) branched alcohols having at least two aliphatic chains of C.sub.4 -C.sub.32 and from 12 to 36 total carbon atoms, which have been alkoxylated with from 3 to 20 moles of alkylene oxides selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and glycidol, preferred features include from 3 to 12 moles of alkylene oxides and at least 50% of the moles of alkylene oxide being ethylene oxide. More preferably, at least 75 mole % of the alkylene oxides are ethylene oxide. Especially useful are branched alcohols having C.sub.6 -C.sub.24 alkyl chains and a total of 12 to 28 carbon atoms, notably C.sub.12 -C.sub.28 Guerbet alcohols such as octyldodecanol and isoeicosyl alcohol; (B) C.sub.3 -C.sub.90 polyhydric alcohols, including long chain alcohols and oligomers of the same, having at least three hydroxyl sites, which have been alkoxylated with from 5 to 200 moles of alkylene oxides selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide and glycidol, followed by esterification in an acidic medium with 1 to 6 moles of a C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty acid; preferably the fatty acids are branched and have a total of 12 to 28 carbon atoms, for example to iso-stearic acid. Decreased absorption of the emulsifier may be achieved by first reacting a secondary hydroxyl forming alkylene oxide such as propylene oxide or butylene oxide with any primary hydroxyl groups of the polyhydric alcohol, followed by alkoxylation as described above. Preferred features include C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 polyhydric alcohols, alkoxylation with 5 to 40 moles of alkylene oxides, and at least 50% of the moles of alkylene oxide being ethylene oxide, more preferably at least 75 mole % are ethylene oxide; and (C) glyceryl esters of C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty acids wherein the fatty acids have at least one hydroxyl functionality, and the hydroxyl functionalities have been alkoxylated with a total of from 50 to 250 moles of alkylene oxides selected from the ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and glycidol, preferred features include alkoxylation with 150 to 250 moles of alkylene oxides and at least 50% of the moles of alkylene oxide being ethylene oxide. More preferably at least 75 mole % of the alkylene oxides are ethylene oxide. Glyceryl esters of C.sub.12 -C.sub.24 fatty acids are preferred, for example, castor oil may be alkoxylated as described above to provide an emulsifier. The nonionic emulsifiers may be employed alone or in combination. The above emulsifiers may be synthesized by base-catalyzed alkoxylation with, for example, a potassium hydroxide catalyst. Comparable results may be achieved by other techniques known to those with skill in the art. Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are generally preferred alkylene oxides. Emulsifiers having an HLB value of between 6 and 13 are recommended, with those having an HLB between 7 and 12 being preferred. HLB values of between 8.5 and 10.5 are most preferred. In addition to the non-ionic emulsifiers described above, up to 10 wt. % of the finish composition may be a cationic or anionic emulsifier, preferably from 3 to 7 wt. % of an ionic emulsifier. By way of example, the ionic emulsifiers may be selected from phosphated C.sub.10 -C.sub.15 monohydric alcohol alkoxylates, having from 4 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide residues and ethoxylated quaternary amine compounds such as Cordex AT-172, manufactured by Finetex, Inc., Spencer, N.C. Minor amounts of additives may constitute up to 15 wt. % of the finish composition. For example, viscosity modifiers, low sling additives such as polyisobutylene (up to 5 wt. %), antistatic agents (up to 5 wt %) and water may be added to the finish composition without deviating from the scope of the invention. The finish composition is applied to a textile fiber by any number of known methods, such as from a kiss roll, pad, bath or spray nozzle, to provide a lubricated fiber comprising approximately 0.4 to 7 wt. % of the finish composition. Typically, the finish composition comprises from 0.7 to 3 wt. % of the lubricated fiber. The finish composition may be used neat, with the addition of minor amounts of water or as an emulsion containing from 3 to 25 wt. % of the composition in water. For most applications, emulsions which are stable for 8 hours will be adequate. If it is desirable to operate with the maximum level of polyalphaolefins, emulsions which are stable for less than 8 hours may be employed, provided the emulsion is used relatively quickly or is agitated. The finish composition herein is useful on a wide range of textile fibers, particularly synthetic textile particularly synthetic textile fibers such as polyurethanes, especially elastomeric polyurethanes (spandex), polyesters, polyamides, especially Nylon 6 and Nylon 66, polyolefins, especially polypropylene, polyethylene and block and random copolymers thereof, and acrylics. The finish composition is particularly useful whenever there is a tendency of the fiber to absorb the finish, as is the case with several of the synthetic fibers. In the past, spandex fibers have proven difficult to lubricate during finishing operations without the finish absorbing into the fiber or otherwise causing fiber degradation. As used throughout, the terms "spandex" or "elastomeric polyurethanes" are intended to refer to block copolymers made by reaction of diisocyanates with hydroxylpterminates, low molecular weight polymers (macroglycols) and diamines or glycols (chain extenders) which creates relatively soft and hard segments in the copolymer. See Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Volume 6, pp. 718-19, 733-55 (1986). Preferably, the finish composition has the following properties: 1. A neat viscosity of less than 200 centipoise @25.degree. C. 2. A polyurethane absorption of less than 3 percent by weight of elastomeric polyurethane. 3. An emulsification effectiveness as measured by the presence of a stable emulsion at 25.degree. C. lasting for at least 8 hours. 4. Fiber to metal hydrodynamic friction on polyester and nylon of less than 1.06 and 0.99, respectively. 5. Fiber to fiber boundary friction on polyester and nylon of less than 0.27 and 0.37, respectively. The invention may be further understood by reference to the following examples, but the invention is not intended to be unduly limited thereby. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight. The abbreviations EO and PO represent ethylene oxide and propylene oxide residues respectively. Examples 1-4 demonstrate preferred formulations of the finish composition for application to a textile fiber as an emulsion. EXAMPLE 1 In a typical experiment, 80 grams of a 4 centistoke poly alpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 20 grams of 2-octyldodecanol 7EO was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. To this mixture, 5.3 grams of C12-C15 SEO phosphate, and 4.5 grams castor oil 200EO was added respectively. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. 2.9 grams of water was then added to provide a clear stable mixture. EXAMPLE 2 In a typical experiment, 80 grams of a 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar, 20 grams of 2-octyldodecanol 7EO was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. To this mixture, 5.3 grams of C12-C15 SEO phosphate, and 4.5 grams castor oil 200EO was added respectively. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. 2.9 grams of water was then added to provide a clear stable mixture. EXAMPLE 3 In a typical experiment, 80 grams of a 4 centistoke polyalpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of 2-octyldodecanol 7EO and 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EP penta-isostearate was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. To this mixture, 5.3 grams of C12-C15 5EO phosphate, and 4.5 grams castor oil 200EO was added respectively. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. 2.9 grams of water was then added to provide a clear stable mixture. EXAMPLE 4 In a typical experiment, 80 grams of a 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of 2-octyldodecanol 7EO and 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. To this mixture, 5.3 grams of C12-C15 5EO phosphate, and 4.5 grams castor oil 200EO was added respectively. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. 2.9 grams of water was then added to provide a clear stable mixture. Examples 5-8 demonstrate preferred formulations of the finish composition for application to a textile fiber neat. EXAMPLE 5 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of 4 centistoke poly alpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. EXAMPLE 6 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. EXAMPLE 7 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of a 50/50 blend of 4 centistoke and 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, both provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. EXAMPLE 8 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of a 80/20 blend of a 4 centistoke and 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, both provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. Examples 9-12 demonstrate preferred formulations of the finish composition for application to a textile fiber neat with a low sling additive, Tebeflex 200, a polyisobutylene mixture. EXAMPLE 9 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of 4 centistoke poly alpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate and 2 grams of Tebeflex 200, purchased from Boehme Filatex, was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. EXAMPLE 10 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate and 2 grams of Tebeflex 200 was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. EXAMPLE 11 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of a 50/50 blend of a 4 centistoke and 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, both provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 grams of Sorbitol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate and 2 grams Tebeflex 200 was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. EXAMPLE 12 In a typical experiment, 90 grams of a 80/20 blend of a 4 centistoke and 6 centistoke poly alpha olefin, both provided by the Ethyl Corporation, was placed in a 250 ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 10 rams of Sortibol 2PO 28EO penta-isostearate and 2 grams Tebeflex 200 was then added to the beaker. The mixture was then agitated to provide a uniform mixture. The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 5 minutes. EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCT The following tests were run on the spin finish to evaluate frictional characteristics versus polysiloxanes and also compatibility with polyurethane fiber. Hydrodynamic Friction was evaluated using a Rothschild frictometer. The finish was applied to 70/34 polyester and 70/34 Nylon 6 at 0.75 percent on weight of fiber (OWF) and allowed to condition for at least 24 hours at 72.degree. F. and 63 percent relative humidity. After conditioning, the hydrodynamic fiber to metal friction was obtained on the Rothschild frictometer at fiber speeds of 100 meters/minute and pretensions of 20 grams. Boundary friction were performed likewise, except that the yarn speed was 0.0071 meters/minute and the pretension set at 50 grams. The compositions or Examples 1-12 were applied to the fiber tested with an Atlab Finish Applicator, at a level of 0.75 OWF. Polyurethane absorption was measured according to the following procedure: An elastomeric polyurethane film (2-3 grams) was weighed on an analytical balance, placed in 100 mls. of a 20 wt. % emulsion of the finish composition in water and the mixture stirred for 6 minutes. The polyurethane film was then removed, rinsed with water, and allowed to dry. The resulting weight increase of the polyurethane film was then calculated and expressed as the percent absorption. Viscosity Measurements were performed using a Brookfield Viscometer operating at either 30 or 60 rpm's and employing a number 1 spindle. All measurements were taken at 25.degree. C. Smoke points were determined using the Cleveland Open Cup method. One hundred grams of the product was placed in the cup and heated. Using a thermometer immersed in the product, the smoke point was recorded at the temperature at which the first smoke became evident. Table 1 represents various polyurethane absorption data as measured by the described procedure, for the preceding examples. TABLE 1 ______________________________________ POLYURETHANE ABSORPTIONS PERCENT PRODUCT ABSORPTION ______________________________________ EXAMPLE 1 0.62 EXAMPLE 2 0.22 EXAMPLE 3 0.10 EXAMPLE 4 0.26 EXAMPLE 5 0.67 EXAMPLE 6 0.82 EXAMPLE 7 0.06 EXAMPLE 8 0.49 EXAMPLE 9 0.68 EXAMPLE 10 0.86 EXAMPLE 11 1.00 EXAMPLE 12 0.43 ______________________________________ Table 2 lists the viscosity as measured by the described procedures for the examples of this invention. TABLE 2 ______________________________________ VISCOSITY DATA FINISH VISCOSITY, cps ______________________________________ EXAMPLE 1 109.6 EXAMPLE 2 152.0 EXAMPLE 3 84.8 EXAMPLE 4 163.0 EXAMPLE 5 38.0 EXAMPLE 6 62.5 EXAMPLE 7 52.0 EXAMPLE 8 44.0 EXAMPLE 9 48.5 EXAMPLE 10 78.0 EXAMPLE 11 56.0 EXAMPLE 12 48.5 ______________________________________ Tables 3 and 4 lists the hydrodynamic and boundary frictions on nylon and polyester, respectively, as measured by the described procedure, for the examples of the invention. The silicone finish tested was a 20 centistoke, polydimethylsiloxane. TABLE 3 __________________________________________________________________________ BOUNDARY AND HYDRODYNAMIC FRICTIONS ON 70/34 NYLON BOUNDARY HYDRODYNAMIC F/M F/M F/F F/F CHEMICAL F/M F/F KINETIC STATIC KINETIC STATIC __________________________________________________________________________ SILICONE 0.28 0.20 0.13 0.17 0.20 0.35 EXAMPLE 1 0.74 0.39 0.10 0.13 0.15 0.19 EXAMPLE 2 0.89 0.46 0.08 0.12 0.14 0.19 EXAMPLE 3 0.75 0.39 0.08 0.12 0.15 0.18 EXAMPLE 4 0.91 0.49 0.09 0.12 0.15 0.18 EXAMPLE 5 0.74 0.41 0.07 0.08 0.16 0.20 EXAMPLE 6 0.92 0.49 0.08 0.09 0.17 0.21 EXAMPLE 7 0.92 0.43 0.08 0.09 0.18 0.22 EXAMPLE 8 0.79 0.43 0.07 0.08 0.16 0.20 EXAMPLE 9 0.72 0.39 0.09 0.12 0.18 0.23 EXAMPLE 10 0.98 0.46 0.09 0.12 0.17 0.21 EXAMPLE 11 0.88 0.43 0.09 0.12 0.18 0.22 EXAMPLE 12 0.84 0.43 0.10 0.12 0.18 0.23 __________________________________________________________________________ TABLE 4 __________________________________________________________________________ BOUNDARY AND HYDRODYNAMIC FRICTIONS ON 70/34 POLYESTER BOUNDARY HYDRODYNAMIC F/M F/M F/F F/F PRODUCT F/M F/F KINETIC STATIC KINETIC STATIC __________________________________________________________________________ SILICONE 0.57 0.28 0.08 0.11 0.14 0.21 EXAMPLE 1 0.89 0.43 0.06 0.10 0.11 0.17 EXAMPLE 2 1.04 0.49 0.08 0.12 0.11 0.16 EXAMPLE 3 0.91 0.43 0.07 0.10 0.12 0.18 EXAMPLE 4 1.05 0.50 0.07 0.09 0.09 0.14 EXAMPLE 5 0.86 0.49 0.06 0.09 0.09 0.14 EXAMPLE 6 1.04 0.49 0.06 0.08 0.12 0.16 EXAMPLE 7 0.93 0.46 0.06 0.08 0.09 0.14 EXAMPLE 8 0.93 0.44 0.06 0.08 0.09 0.14 EXAMPLE 9 0.86 0.41 0.06 0.07 0.11 0.14 EXAMPLE 10 1.04 0.47 0.06 0.07 0.11 0.14 EXAMPLE 11 0.96 0.46 0.07 0.08 0.11 0.14 EXAMPLE 12 0.91 0.43 0.07 0.08 0.12 0.14 __________________________________________________________________________ There are, of course, many alternate embodiments and modifications which are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

3D

06

M

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings the numeral 10 generally designates a clothes washer using a lid assembly 68 having the fluid dispenser of the present invention. Washer 10 includes a cabinet 12 having side walls 14, a front wall 16 and a top wall 18. Top wall 18 includes a horizontal portion 20 and an inclined portion 22 which extends downwardly and forwardly from the front edge of the horizontal portion 20. The top wall 18 is provided by a top cover 24 having a rear edge 26, side edges 28, 30, and a front edge 32. A juncture or bend 34 divides the horizontal portion 20 from the inclined portion 22 of the top surface of the top cover 24. Provided within top cover 24 is a door depression 36 having a rear edge 38, side edges 40, 42 and a front edge 43. Extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front edge 43 is a lip flange 44 having a lower front edge 46 which extends upwardly and rearwardly to a ridge 48. Ridge 48 includes opposite ends 50, 52 and an intermediate portion 54. Intermediate portion 54 is slightly below the ends 50, 52 and is also positioned forwardly from ends 50, 52. Extending downwardly and inwardly from ridge 48 is a generally circular skirt 56 having a front drain surface 58, side drain surfaces 60, 62, and a rear drain surface 64 all of which surround an access opening 66. Top lid assembly 68 is comprised of a metal lid frame 70 and a plastic dispenser housing 72 which are detachably secured together. Plastic dispenser housing 72 includes a gasket seal 74 (FIG. 1), and a fluid chamber formed by a reservoir chamber wall 76 and a dispensing chamber wall 78. Gasket seal 74 is elongated and includes a left end 96 and a right end 98. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, gasket seal 74 extends across the front of the washer door depression 36 and generally across the ridge 48. The gasket seal 74 retains condensation in the area of the door depression 36 and also provides a reduction in agitation noise that otherwise might escape from the access opening 66 of the washer 10. A reservoir viewing window 80 is provided in reservoir chamber wall 76 and a dispensing viewing window 82 is provided in dispenser chamber wall 78. A sliding indicator or gage 84 is mounted on a track associated with window 82 and is operable for movement along the length of the dispenser viewing window 82. The sliding indicator 84 can be manually set as a marker at any of a plurality of positions along the length of the window 82. Plastic dispenser housing 72 also includes a fill cap 86 which is detachably mounted over a fill opening 87 and a dispenser button 88 for dispensing fluid 90 from the dispensing chamber in a manner to be described in more detail hereafter. Metal lid frame 70 includes a horizontal surface 92 (when the lid is in its closed position) and an inclined surface 94. Behind reservoir chamber wall 76 is a reservoir chamber 100 (FIG. 4), and behind dispenser wall 78 is a dispensing chamber 102 (FIG. 7). Dispensing chamber 102 is contained within reservoir chamber 100 and includes side walls 104, a rear wall 106, and a dispenser spout 108 which provides a dispenser opening for permitting fluid to exit from dispenser chamber 102. The portion of the dispensing chamber 102 formed by walls 104 and 106 is attached to front wall 76 by an interference fit and a slight amount of fluid can leak by the attachment point. Within reservoir chamber 100 are several stand offs 110, 112 which provide structural support to the walls within the reservoir chamber 100. Referring now to FIG. 15, the fill opening 87 is shown without fill cap 86 in place. With the lid assembly 68 in the generally vertical posture of FIGS. 1 and 5, the fill opening 87 is formed with a downwardly angled entry portion 89 through wall 76 and a substantially horizontally disposed cylindrical exit portion 91. The back edge 93 of the exit portion 91 is in close proximity to and generally parallel to the back wall 99 of the reservoir chamber 100. When fluid is poured into the fill opening 87, it will flow into the exit portion 91 and will enter the reservoir chamber 100. The fill can continue until fluid is observed at the lower lip of exit portion 91 at which point the reservoir chamber 100 is full. When the lid assembly 68 is in the closed horizontal posture of FIG. 4, the fluid in the reservoir chamber 100 will always be below the back edge 93 of the exit portion 91. Thus, if the operator should forget to replace the fill cap 86, there would not be any spilling of fluid out the fill opening 87. In fact, fill cap 86 could be left off if desired. Further shown in FIG. 15 is a vent opening 101 that allows the reservoir chamber 100 to breath freely preventing any airlock condition. Plastic housing 72 is nested within the metal lid frame 70 and is fitted beneath the curled front edge 114. The peripheral edges of the housing 72 rest on the side edges 144, 146 (FIG. 13) and rear edge 148 of the metal lid frame 70. The front edge 116 of the plastic housing 72 nests under the front curled edge 114 of the lid frame 70. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a valve assembly 117 comprises a valve stem 118 having an upper end 120. Dispenser button 88 is fitted over the upper end 120 and includes a sealing flange 122 thereon. Valve stem 118 includes a valving flange 124 and a retaining flange 126. A coil spring 128 is fitted over the lower end of the valve stem 118. The valve assembly 117 is fitted within a valve receiving bore 130 in the housing 72. A retaining clip 132 is fitted within a retaining clip slot 134 and includes clip fingers 136 (FIG. 12) which retentively engage the retaining flange 126 to hold the valve assembly 117 within valve receiving bore 130. The clip fingers 136 of retaining clip 132 are yieldably movable toward one another to permit the clip 132 to be removed so as to permit removal of the valve assembly 117. This permits the easy removal of the valve assembly 117 for cleaning. Referring to FIG. 11 a dispenser port 138 provides communication from dispensing chamber 102 to the valve receiving bore 130. Fluid is permitted to enter the axial space between the valving flange 124 and the sealing flange 122. Depression of button 88 causes the valving flange 124 to move to the left of the dispenser spout 108 as viewed in FIG. 11 thereby permitting fluid to flow out of the dispenser spout 108. Removal of pressure from the button 88 permits the spring 128 to return the valve flange 124 to its original position, thereby cutting off the flow of fluid from the dispenser chamber 102. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the method of using the dispenser chamber 102 and the reservoir chamber 100 of the present invention. Initially the lid assembly 68 is moved to its up-standing position shown in FIG. 7. The fill cap 86 is removed and fluid such as liquid detergent is poured into the reservoir chamber 100 until fluid is observed at the lower lip or exit portion 91 of the fill opening 87. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the front walls 76, 78 of the chambers 100, 102 are inclined toward the dispensing chamber 102 thereby causing any fluid within chamber 100 to move toward the dispensing chamber 102 when the lid assembly 68 is lowered. As can be seen in FIG. 7 the initial filling of the reservoir chamber 100 does not cause any substantial amount of fluid to be within the dispensing chamber 102. However, when the lid assembly 68 is moved to its closed position (FIG. 8) the fluid within chamber 100 flows around the rear wall 106 and both of the side walls 104 of chamber 102 and enters chamber 102 through a charging opening 107 adjacent the rear wall 106. Returning the lid assembly 68 to its upright position as shown in FIG. 9 causes the dispenser chamber 102 to be full and ready for dispensing fluid through spout 108. The operator then depresses the button 88 and observes through window 82 as the fluid level lowers within dispenser chamber 102. The operator can determine, by dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid into a measuring container, what the level of the fluid within the dispensing chamber should be after the proper amount has been dispensed. The operator can then move the sliding indicator 84 to mark that position and thereafter can release the button 88 when the level of fluid reaches the level of the sliding indicator 84. Thus, the sliding indicator 84 is set to the proper level for a particular brand or concentration of detergent. On occasion the detergent may clog or foul the valve assembly 117. This can easily be remedied by pulling out clip 132 and removing the valve assembly for cleaning. The valve assembly 117 can then be reinserted, and the clip 132 is inserted to retain the valve assembly 117 in position for operation. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the present invention utilizes a novel means for attaching the plastic housing 72 to the metal lid frame 70. Two L-shaped brackets 140, 142 are fitted in the rear corners of the metal lid frame 70 under the edges 144, 146, 148 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. L-shaped brackets 140, 142 are each provided with elongated slots 150 and are also provided with a bushing 170 which fits within a spring hole 172 of the metal lid frame 70. Bushing 170 includes a cylindrical bore extending therethrough and a torsion rod spring 152 is fitted through the bore in bushing 170. Torsion rod spring 152 includes a first end 154 and a second end 156 (FIG. 13). The second end 156 engages the L-shaped bracket 140, and the first end 154 is outside the top lid assembly 68 and is adapted to engage the underside of top cover 24 to provide a counter balance to the lid assembly, counter balancing the weight provided by the fluid in the reservoir and dispensing chambers 100 and 102. A center link clamp 158 is clamped over the torsion rod spring 152 between the two L-shaped brackets 140, 142 so as to lock the L-shaped brackets beneath the curled lip flanges 144, 146 on the sides of metal lid frame 70. The spring 152 is held to the L-shaped brackets 140, 142 and the center link clamp 158 by spring finger clamps 174. Four retainer pegs 160 each include a slot 162, a shank 164 and an elongated tab 166. These pegs 160 are fitted within holes 168 in housing 72 and the elongated tabs 166 fit within the elongated slots 150 of the L-shaped brackets 140, 142. Rotation of the pegs 160 causes the elongated tabs 166 to turn below the slots 150 so as to retentively attach the housing 72 within the metal lid frame 70. This attachment of the housing 72 to the frame 70 allows quick removal of the housing 72 so that it may be taken to a sink for flushing or cleaning should it become clogged by liquid detergents or their residue. Further, the unique system for attachment of the housing 72 to the lid frame 70 allows the housing 72 to be easily installed as an accessory since the same lid frame is used with or without the housing 72 In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and the proportion of parts as well as in the substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims.

3D

06

F

EXAMPLES Fabric sections of PA 6 fibers were washed, dried and impregnated on a pad mangle with the brightener mixture of the invention which comprises either the pure optical brighteners of the formulae 1-8 or mixtures thereof or brighteners of the formulae 9-23 or mixtures thereof or mixtures of the brighteners of the formulae 1-8 with brighteners of the formulae 9-23. The individual brighteners shown in the examples are commercial products in dispersed or dissolved form, the examples giving the active substance on which the commercial products are based. The material is squeezed off with a pad mangle between rolls so as to give a defined uptake of moisture. From this the amount of optical brightener applied to the material was calculated. The padded material is subsequently thermosoled on a stenter frame at 190.degree. C. for 30 seconds. The whitenesses indicated in each case are determined by the Ganz formula using a Datacolor instrument. The light fastnesses indicated are determined in accordance with DIN 54 004. Unless noted otherwise, parts are by weight. The examples using the exhaust process are carried out under the following conditions: ______________________________________ x% optical brightener or brightener mixture, based on the weight of the goods, as indicated for each example 0.5 g/l of a nonionic wetting agent, e.g. .RTM. Hostapal FA 1 g/l of a nonionic dispersant, e.g. .RTM. Emulsogen IT 2 g/l of a reducing agent, e.g; .RTM. Blankit IN pH 4 established with acetic acid after 30 minutes ______________________________________ Liquor ratio 40:1 Treat at 95.degree. C. for 45 minutes, then cool and rinse Examples using the exhaust process Example 1 Material used: nylon/Lycra 65:35 Brightener used: 0.58% commercial brightener of the formula (12a) The active content of the product is about 12%. Process as described above. Example 2 Example 1 is repeated but using 0.7% of a nonionic brightener mixture in dispersed form, consisting of 50 parts of the brightener of the formula (24) ##STR16## with 50 parts of the brightener of the formula (25) ##STR17## The active content of the mixture is 10%. Example 3 Example 1 is repeated but using a mixture consisting of 45.3 parts of the brightener of Example 1 and 54.7 parts of a brightener of Example 2 with a total amount used of 0.64%. Results of Examples 1-3 (both here and below, V denotes a comparative example and E an example in accordance with the invention) ______________________________________ Example 1 (V) 2 (V) 3 (E) ______________________________________ Whiteness (Ganz) 226 203 226 Shade (Gariz) -0.8 6.2.sup.+ 2.6 LF* 2-3 4 4 ______________________________________ *acc. to DIN 54 004 .sup.+ the shade of Ex. 2 is distinctly greenish Examples 4-6 Examples 1-3 are repeated but without a reducing agent and using a nylon 66 woven as the material to be brightened. Compound (12c) is used as the group B brightener. Results of Examples ______________________________________ Example 4 (V) 5 (V) 6 (E) ______________________________________ Whiteness (Ganz) 206 200 207 Shade -1.36 2.7 1.7 LF* 3 4 4 ______________________________________ Comparing the light fastness of Example 6 with the prior art values obtained in accordance with Example 4, it is observed that for Example 6 the light fastness is improved by one point. Examples 7 to 9 Example 7 Prewashed PA 6/6 fabric is padded on a roll mill with 10 g/l of a brightener of the formula (25) and an active content of 10% with a liquor pickup of 60% and a pH of 4.0 (acetic acid) and is then dried and thermosoled at 190.degree. C. for 35 seconds. Example 8 Example 7 is repeated but with 7.7 g of a 13% formulation of the brightener of the formula (12c). Example 9 Example 7 is repeated but with a mixture consisting of 5 parts of the brightener formulation of formula (25) and 3.85 parts of the brightener formulation of Example 8. The whitenesses achieved by the mixture of Example 9 are significantly better than the white effects of Example 7 and 8 for a similar shade. The light fastness values of Example 9 correspond to those of Example 8 and are better by about 1/2 to 1 point than those for the brightening of Example 7. At the same time, the weather fastness values were raised by about 1/2-1 point in comparison to Example 8. ______________________________________ 7 (V) 8 (V) 9 (E) ______________________________________ Whiteness (Ganz) 152 154 164 Shade -0.2 -0.3 -0.8 ______________________________________ Example 10 Example 7 is repeated using a brightener mixture consisting of 80 parts of the brightener of formula (25) and 20 parts of a brightener of the formula (26) ##STR18## The overall active content of the brightener mixture is 10%. Examples 11 and 12 Example 7 is repeated but using in each case 10% formulations of the brighteners (25) and (26) respectively. Result of Examples ______________________________________ 10 (E) 11 (V) 12 (V) ______________________________________ Ganz whiteness 151 146 83 ______________________________________ Accordingly, Example 10 exhibits a pronounced synergism. Example 13 Example 7 is repeated but using a mixture consisting of 40 parts of the brightener of formula (12a) and 60 parts of the brightener of the formula (27). The overall active content of the brightener mixture is 10%. ##STR19## Examples 14-15 Example 13 is repeated but using 10% brightener formulations of the formulae (12a) (Example 14) and (27) (Example 19). Results of Examples ______________________________________ 13 (E) 14 (V) 15 (V) ______________________________________ Whiteness (Ganz) 146 135 146 ______________________________________ With a bluer shade, Example 13 brings the same white effects as Example 15. Example 19 Example 7 is repeated but using 8 g/l of a dispersed brightener mixture consisting of 4.9 parts of the brightener of the formula (3) and 2.1 parts of the brightener of the formula (25) and 2 g/l of the brightener of the formula (28) with an active content of 15%. ##STR20## Examples 20 and 21 Example 19 is repeated but using 10 g/l of a dispersed form of the brightener mixture consisting of 5.25 parts of the brightener of the formula (29) ##STR21## and 1.75 parts of the brightener of the formula (25). In the case of Example 21, a commercial solution of a 15% brightener formulation of the formula (28) is used. Results of Examples 19 to ______________________________________ Ex. 19 (E) 20 (V) 21 (V) ______________________________________ Whiteness (Ganz) 170 168 137 ______________________________________ Example 22 Example 7 is repeated but using a mixture consisting of 60 parts of the brightener (30) (10% active substance) ##STR22## and 40parts of the brightener of the formula (31) (10% active substance) ##STR23## Examples 23 and 24 Example 7 is repeated but using 10 percent brightener formulations of the formulae (30) and (31). Results of examples 22 to ______________________________________ Ex. 22 (E) 23 (V) 24 (V) ______________________________________ Whiteness (Ganz) 116 104 114 ______________________________________

3D

06

L

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 2, a continuously variable transmission comprises generally a torque converter 82 (which may be replaced with a fluid coupling), a forward/backward changeover device 15, a V-belt type continuously variable transmission 29, and a differential gear 56, and allows a transmission of a rotation of an engine output shaft 80 to drive shafts 66, 68 in a predetermined speed ratio and a predetermined direction of rotation. The continuously variable transmission comprises the torque converter 82 (which includes a pump impeller 82a, a turbine runner 82b, a stator 82c, a lockup clutch 82d, etc.), an input shaft 13, an output shaft 84, the forward/backward changeover device 15, a drive pulley 86 (which includes a stationary conical member 88, a drive pulley cylinder chamber 90, a movable conical member 92, etc.), a V-belt 24, a follower belt 26 (which includes a stationary conical member 30, a follower pulley cylinder chamber 32, a movable conical member 34, etc.), a follower shaft 28, a drive gear 46, an idler gear 48, an idler shaft 52, a pinion gear 54, a final gear 44, a pinion gear 58, a pinion gear 60, a side gear 62, a side gear 64, a drive shaft 66, and a drive shaft 68. A detailed description will be made with regard to the forward/backward changeover device 15 only. For the structure of the other components, see JP-A 61-105353. Referring to FIG. 1, the follower pulley 26 of the continuously variable transmission as shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. As described above, the follower pulley 26 comprises the stationary conical member 30 and the movable conical member 34 arranged opposite thereto so as to form a V-shaped groove space. The stationary conical member 80 is integrally formed with the follower shaft 28. The movable conical member 34 is axially movably supported on the follower shaft 28 through a ball spline (not shown). The follower shaft 28 is rotatably supported by a bearing 70. The bearing 70 is assembled to a casing 74 by a bearing fixing plate 10. Specifically, the bearing fixing plate 10 has a face which is opposite to the bearing 70 and formed with a recess 12 which allows a radial positioning of the bearing 70 when engaged with an outer diameter portion thereof. Therefore, when the bearing 70 is engaged with the recess 12, a movement of the bearing fixing plate 10 is restrained in the radial direction of the bearing 70. Moreover, arranged to the face of the bearing fixing plate 10 opposite to the bearing 70 is a positioning pin 22 which is engageable with a positioning hole or first hole 20 of the casing 74. When the positioning pin 22 is inserted into the positioning hole 20, a movement of the bearing fixing plate 10 is restrained in the circumferential direction thereof. The bearing fixing plate 10 has a female screw hole or third hole 14 formed in such a position as to correspond to a bolt hole or second hole 16 of the casing 74 in the state that the bearing 70 is engaged with the recess 12 of the bearing fixing plate 10, and the positioning pin 22 is inserted into the positioning hole 20 of the casing 74. The bearing fixing plate 10 is fixed to the casing 74 by a fixing bolt 18 to be driven through the female screw hole 14 of the bearing fixing plate 10 and the bolt hole 16 of the casing 74. Next, the method of assembling the bearing 70 to the casing 74 will be described. First, the outer diameter portion of the bearing 70 is engaged with the recess 12 of the bearing fixing plate 10. Together with the bearing fixing plate 10, an inner diameter portion of the bearing 70 is engaged with an outer diameter portion of the follower shaft 28. Then, the casing 74 is disposed on the left side of the follower shaft 28 as viewed in FIG. 1. In that event, a position of the bearing fixing plate 10 is set so that the positioning pin 22 of the bearing fixing plate 10 is inserted into the positioning hole 20 of the casing 74. By this, a movement of the bearing fixing plate 10 is restrained in the circumferential direction thereof. Moreover, in that event, since the bearing 70 is also fixed to the casing 74, a movement of the bearing fixing plate 10 is also restrained in the radial direction thereof. As described above, an arrangement of the bearing fixing plate 10 serves for a positional coincidence of the bolt hole 16 of the casing 74 with the female screw hole 14 of the bearing fixing plate 10. Then, from the outside of the casing 74, the fixing bolt 18 is driven through the bolt hole 16 of the casing 74 and the female screw hole 14 of the bearing fixing plate 10. By this, the bearing fixing plate 10 is fixed to the casing 74, so that the follower shaft 28 is rotatably supported to the casing 74. Having described the present invention in connection with the preferred embodiment, it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

5F

16

H

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A vanity top assembly 12 having parts made of cultured stone is shown in FIG. 1, installed and in position, but without the plumbing parts and connections. It is assembled from three cultured stone components. One of the components is an integral basin-counter-back splash structure 14. The other two components are left 16 and right 20 structural bodies, formed as side splashes. The side splashes are assumed formed in the same mold using the same materials and procedures and are, thus, substantially identical. In FIG. 2, the installed vanity top assembly 12 is shown more clearly, with the vanity cabinet 22 not shown and with the left 24, right 26 and back 28 structural installation walls not shown so that the assembly can be seen more clearly. The basin-counter-back splash structure 14, which might also be termed the base structure for the vanity top assembly, has been formed in accordance with ordinary manufacturing techniques for cultured stone, as summarized under the Background of the Invention. Therefore, those surfaces of the base meant to be viewed, when installed, are finished surfaces with a glossy decorative, gel-coat finish. On the other hand, many of the surfaces that are not to be seen are unfinished. Thus, the inside surface 30 of the basin 32 is a finished surface; and the top surface 34 of the counter 36, as well as the front edge 40 of the counter, are also finished surfaces. Although, when installed as in FIG. 1, the left 42 and right 44 edges of the counter are not to be seen, in accordance with normal casting and molding techniques, they are also finished surfaces. However, the underside 48 and back 49 surfaces of the counter, and the underside surface 50 of the basin, are unfinished. After the plumbing for the faucets, drain and drain control are installed, from an appearance standpoint, it is not important whether the three openings 52 through the counter 36 and the drain opening 54 through the basin 32 have finished inside wall surfaces. However, in the embodiment shown, they are assumed to be finished. By reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, an overflow opening 56 running from an aperture 60 near the top of the basin to the drain opening 54 can also be seen. The walls of this opening are also assumed to be finished. Since overflow water will be running through that opening, the finish has a functional purpose. An outer contour 61 on the underside of the basin 32 for part of the wall structure for this overflow opening can seen in FIG. 2 (in phantom). In the embodiment shown, a central portion 62 of the counter surface 34 is formed as a flat surface (e.g. FIGS. 7 and 2). Then, the counter 36 is also formed with a rim structure 64 at its outside periphery along the front and the two sides. The surface 66 for this rim has a peak 68 which, for example, can be seen at the front of the counter (in cross-section) and at the right side of the counter (in elevation) in FIG. 7. A front surface 70 of the back splash 72 (e.g. FIGS. 2 and 7) is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with reference to the orientation of the counter. This non-perpendicularity conveniently is measured with reference to the central surface 62 of counter and the peak 68 of the counter rim surface. Just as the central surface is substantially flat, the peak of the rim is at a substantially constant level above the flat central surface. Therefore, the non-perpendicular, backward angle of the front surface of the back splash is substantially the same angle as measured from either the central surface or the peak of the rim. All of the surfaces of the back splash 72 are formed with the finished, decorative coating, apart from the back surface 73. Thus the finished surfaces include the front surface 70, the top surface 74 and the two side surfaces (not shown). In the case of the side surfaces, in the manner used and installed in FIG. 1, the finish is unnecessary for appearance purposes. It is of course apparent from the drawings that in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the cross-sections themselves do not reveal the extremely thin coating or finish layer conventionally formed in accordance with cultured stone molding procedures. The substantially identical left 16 and right 20 side splashes, prior to installation, are shown in FIGS. 3A and B and FIGS. 4A and B, respectively. Referring to FIG. 3A, the figure shows the large, inward surface 80 of the left side splash as well as the substantially planar back 82, front 84 and top 90 edges. In FIG. 3B, the substantially planar bottom edge 86 can be seen. These edge surfaces and the inwardly facing surface all are finished surfaces, with the decorative coating. However, the large outward surface 88, which is opposite the inward surface, is unfinished, and thus, has the rough, pocked appearance of unfinished cultural stone material. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the back 82 and front 84 edges are opposite one another as are the top 90 and bottom edges 86, and the inward 80 and outward 88 surfaces. Additionally, the inward and outward surfaces are each disposed between each of the referenced pair of edges. Similarly, each edge in each pair is disposed between the outward and inward surfaces. As can be further seen, the outward 88 and inward 80 surfaces have substantially identical trapezoidal shapes. In these trapezoidal shapes, the non-perpendicular angles of the front and back edges provide the non-parallel sides of the trapezoidal shape. On the other hand, the parallel top and bottom edges provide the parallel sides for the trapezoidal shape. Although the non-parallel sides of the trapezoidal shape are non-perpendicular in opposite directions, i.e., in position, one non-perpendicular rearwardly and the other forwardly, the magnitude or size of the non-perpendicular angles are equal and the side splash is substantially symmetrical about a transverse axis. Additionally, each of the four edge surfaces has a substantially rectangular shape. As is typical in cast and molded pieces, the side splash is formed with slightly rounded corners joining its edges and joining the edges and the outward and inward surfaces. The right side splash 20, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B prior to installation, is substantially identical to the left side splash 16. Therefore, it has a decoratively finished, outward surface 90, back edge 92, front edge 94, bottom edge 96, and top edge 100, each analogous to the same features of the left side splash 16. It also has an unfinished outward surface 102, analogous to the outward surface 88 of the left side splash. As is evident from the drawings, since the pair of side splash edges that are non-perpendicular, in fact, are both non-perpendicular, since they are non-perpendicular in opposite directions, and since the angles of the non-perpendicularity are substantially equal, either edge in fact can serve, as installed, as a back or front edge, with the large finished surface facing inwardly. And when installed, the two substantially identical side splashes are substantially symmetrical components in the vanity top assembly. An angle, away from perpendicular, for the non-perpendicular edges of the side splash, in the range of greater than or equal to about 2 degrees and less than or equal to about 5 degrees is convenient and effective. A typical example is about 3 degrees. Similarly, an angle off-perpendicular for the front surface 70 of the back splash, in the range of greater than or equal to about 2 degrees and less than or equal to about 5 degrees is similarly convenient and effective. It, of course, is desirable for the size of this angle for the side splashes to be exactly the same as for the front surface of the back splash. However, given manufacturing tolerances and other considerations, such equality is not necessary. For example, the use of an adhesive substance disposed between joint surfaces of the side splashes in the vanity top assembly and the integral base that includes the basin 32, counter 36 and back splash 72 structures, can conveniently tolerate a lack of exactness, even beyond manufacturing tolerances. Thus, one form of side splash can be used with bases having some relatively small difference in the non-perpendicular angle of the front surface of the back splash. Commonly available silicone caulking substances, such as Dow-Corning RV-1, are convenient and effective. In the installation of the vanity top assembly, the base 14 is placed with the underside of the counter resting over the top edge of the vanity cabinet 22. Such a top edge 104 is shown (in phantom) in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a layer of the caulking substance is spread before the placement so that in the final installation, a layer of the substance is disposed between the top edge of the cabinet and the undersurface of the counter. The back wall 106 of the cabinet and the right side wall 108, with the layer 110 of caulking substance, disposed as just indicated, are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. It is also advantageous to have the caulking substance disposed along portions of the back surface of the back splash 72 and of the counter 86, or in a layer along such surfaces, between those surfaces and the back wall against which the vanity top assembly is installed. The disposition of the substance there is shown at 112 in FIG. 5. With the base 114 in position, the side splashes can then be installed, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with their large decorative surfaces 80 and 90 oriented inwardly, and open to view, and their large unfinished surfaces oriented outwardly and against the side installation walls and, thus, hidden from view. In installing the side splashes, it is advantageous to dispose a layer of the caulking substance between the bottom edge of the side splash and the upper surface of the counter in the vicinity of the rim where the side splash is positioned, and between the non-perpendicular back edge of the side splash and non-perpendicular front surface of the back splash. Similar to the back splash, it is also advantageous to dispose the substance as a complete layer between the outward oriented surface of the side splash and the side installation wall against which it is placed. Alternatively, the caulking may be disposed along portions of the area between the wall and the surface rather than as a complete layer. This can also be done between the side of the counter 36 and the side wall. Such caulking substance can be seen between the right side splash 20 and the counter 36 in FIGS. 5 and 6 at 112, between the right installation wall 28 and the right side splash and right side of the counter at 114 in FIG. 6, and between the edge of the right side splash and the front surface of the back splash at 115 in FIGS. 5 and 7. The structural parts of the vanity top assembly 12 as described and shown, can be formed by the standard techniques and procedures for molding and making parts of cultured stone. By way of example, they might conveniently be made of cultured marble, cultured onyx, or cultured granite, with the decorative finish surfaces simulating the appearance of natural marble, onyx or granite. Additionally, the embodiment of a vanity top assembly, as shown and described in detail, is installed between two installation walls and, thus, has a left and a right side splash structure. However, in many installations using the same parts, there will only be a right or left installation wall, with the other side of the assembly open. Of course, in those cases, there will only be a right or left side splash structure installed, against the installation wall that is present. As will be readily apparent, many other changes and modifications may be made in the parts, assemblies, and methods described in detail, depending on the particular circumstances and application, context and requirements, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

4E

03

C

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description of the figures, like reference numerals denote like or similar elements. FIG. 1shows a first embodiment of a fastening assembly10according to the invention. The fastening assembly10comprises a thin metal sheet14and an additional metal sheet12arranged thereon, which in the present embodiment is thicker than the thin metal sheet14. The metal sheets12,14form a series of metal sheets or series of layers12,14. The fastening assembly10also comprises a screw18comprising a screw head20and a displacement tip22. A thread26extends into the displacement tip22. The displacement tip22and the head20of the screw18are interconnected by a shaft24. In the present embodiment, the shaft24is entirely unthreaded, i.e. the displacement tip22that comprises the thread26and tapers away from the screw head20is starts directly on the shaft24. In other words, the unthreaded shaft portion28has a length LFthat corresponds to the total length of the shaft24. The shaft24also comprises a shoulder32which has a greater diameter than the unthreaded shaft portion28, or in this case the entire shaft24. This shoulder32provides improved seating of the screw20in the hole in the outer metal sheet12of the series of layers12,14. Before the screw18is screwed into the series of layers12,14, in this embodiment and in all the other embodiments set out here the outer metal sheet12already has a hole. This is not necessary, but preferred. Before the screw18is screwed in, the thin metal sheet14is generally intact, and it is in planar contact with the outer metal sheet12. The thin metal sheet14extends over the hole in the outer metal sheet12and generally does not have any deformations, or has deformations that are insignificant in these contexts. Before the screw18is screwed in, the series of layers12,14has a constant thickness Dp,1in the entire region surrounding the screw, with constant metal-sheet thicknesses being assumed. If the screw18is then guided through the hole in the outer metal sheet12and screwed into the thin metal sheet14, then the displacement tip22of the screw18displaces material from the thin sheet14in the screw-in direction of the screw18. This forms a funnel-like structure30. In the finished state of the fastening assembly10that is shown, the series of layers12,14has an increased thickness Dp, 2in the direct vicinity of the screw18as a result. In the present embodiment, this increased thickness Dp, 2corresponds to the length LFof the unthreaded shaft portion28. In this finished state of the fastening assembly10, the thread26of the screw18is no longer in engagement with the series of layers12,14, i.e. is in particular no longer in engagement with the thin metal sheet14. However, the funnel-like structure30in the thin metal sheet14provides a stop, which prevents the screw18from pulling out or loosening. The finished state of the fastening assembly10that is shown can be achieved in various ways, depending on the lengths, thicknesses and materials involved. In the simplest case, the length LFof the unthreaded shaft portion28is precisely coordinated with the type and nature of the other components such that the finished state of the fastening assembly10that is shown is reached at the moment at which the screw head20is resting on the outer metal sheet12, that is to say the thread26makes the funnel-like structure30in the thin metal sheet14precisely at this moment. It is however also possible and particularly preferred for the thread26to still be in slight engagement with the funnel-like structure30when the screw head20is resting on the outer metal sheet12. The screw18turning further then causes the funnel-like structure30to be pulled back in the direction of the screw head. Only then does the funnel-like structure30come out of engagement with the thread26. At this moment, the fastening assembly10is under tension due to the forces exerted by the screw head18and the thread26on the series of layers12,14, and therefore a particularly stable fastening assembly10is produced. FIG. 2shows a second embodiment of a fastening assembly10according to the invention. The fastening assembly10bears an insulating layer34, which is connected to a very thin metal sheet14having a thickness of one millimeter, for example. By contrast with the fastening assembly shown inFIG. 1, a screw18is incorporated into the fastening assembly10according toFIG. 2which comprises a thread-bearing shaft portion in addition to the unthreaded shaft portion28. Starting from said thread-bearing portion, the thread26extends into the displacement tip22of the screw18. FIG. 3shows a third embodiment of a fastening assembly10according to the invention. The fastening assembly10shown here largely corresponds to that shown inFIG. 1. However, the inner metal sheet14is not a planar metal sheet, but a profiled metal sheet. Another difference is that the outer metal sheet12does not rest directly on the metal sheet14bearing the insulating layer34. Instead, an intermediate element16is provided, which may also be designed as a metal sheet. The intermediate element16may also be designed as a plate, which consists of metal or for example of an elastomer. In particular, the intermediate element16may be a sealing strip. This is compressible, so that the series of layers12,14,16as a whole can be compressed if the thread26is still in engagement with the inner metal sheet14when the screw head20is resting on the metal sheet12. As a result, relatively long thread lengths that are still in engagement with the inner metal sheet14at the moment at which the screw head20is resting on the outer metal sheet12are tolerated without undesired delamination of the series of layers. A fastening assembly using the sealing strip is suitable in particular for outdoor uses, while a fastening assembly without a sealing strip, as shown for example inFIG. 1, is suitable in particular for indoor uses. FIG. 4shows a fourth embodiment of a fastening assembly10according to the invention. The fastening assembly10according toFIG. 4corresponds to that shown inFIG. 3. By contrast withFIG. 3, the inner metal sheet14is not profiled in this case, but is planar. As shown inFIG. 4, adjacent to the unthreaded shaft portion28, a plurality of support points36for the series of layers12,14,16which are an equal distance from the screw head20are provided by area where the thread extends into a planar, radially extending plane so as to be adjacent to the unthreaded shaft portion28. The support points36delimit the unthreaded shaft portion28. The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, the drawings and the claims can be essential to the implementation of the invention both individually and in any combination. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 10fastening assembly12metal sheet14metal sheet16intermediate element18screw20screw head22tip24shaft26thread28unthreaded shaft portion30funnel-like structure32shoulder34insulating layer

5F

16

B

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is understood that the term “vehicle” or “vehicular” or other similar term as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in general such as passenger automobiles including sports utility vehicles (SUV), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, combustion, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g. fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. A side-step device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention is described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1is a view showing a side-step device according to an embodiment of the present invention actually mounted on a vehicle andFIG. 2is a view showing in detail the side-step device ofFIG. 1with a housing600removed. The side-step device includes: a driving unit200mounted on a vehicle body100; a pinion gear300connected to the driving unit200and rotating; a driving gear unit400composed of an outer gear410surrounding a portion of the pinion gear300and engaging with the pinion gear300and a rack gear430extending from one end of the outer gear410to the vehicle body100; and a step500connected to the opposite side of the vehicle body to the driving gear unit400. The step is folded in a normal state, unfolded out from the vehicle body100the pinion gear300and the outer gear410are interlocked, and extended out from the vehicle body100from the unfolded state when the pinion gear300and the rack gear430are interlocked. Further, a housing600with an arch-shaped guide slot610on a side is provided. The driving unit200and the pinion gear300may be disposed through housing600and a cover700with a guide pin710, which is guided along a guide slot610of the housing600, through one side and an open end on the other side. The cover700and the rack gear430are coupled to the portion where the rack gear430extends to the vehicle body100, through the open end of the cover700and a locking protrusion730is formed inward at the end where the cover700is coupled to the rack gear430. Therefore, when the rack gear430is unfolded and moved down to the lowest position, a locking portion431formed on the rack gear430is locked to the locking protrusion730of the cover and the step500is held and supported in an unfolded state. Further, when the step500is folded or unfolded, the rack gear430slides through the open end of the cover700to be stored in or protrude from the cover700, so that the step500may form multi-steps, because the rack gear430and the cover700are formed linearly, and when the step500is unfolded, the rack gear430and the cover700maintains a predetermined angle to the vehicle body100. The guide slot610is formed in an arc shape centering on the rotational axis of the pinion gear300, when the step500is folded, the guide pin710may be coupled to the bottom dead center of the guide slot610, and when the step500is unfolded, the guide pin710may be coupled to the top dead center of the guide slot610so that the step500may not be unfolded over a predetermined angle. Further, the pinion gear300interlocks with the outer gear410of the driving gear unit400in a normal state so that the step500may keep folded inside the vehicle body100. A series of teeth of the outer gear410and the rack gear430of the driving gear unit400are continuously fitted so that the series of teeth may be movably interlocked within the outer gear, thereby when the step500is unfolded, the pinion gear300rotates within the outer gear410first and is moved straight by the rack gear430so that the step500may slide further down. That is, as inFIG. 3, the step500keeps folded inside the vehicle body100in a normal state by the engagement of the pinion gear300and the outer gear410of the driving gear400. Thereafter, when a user unfolds the step500, as inFIG. 4, as the folded step500is rotated by the driving unit200, the pinion gear300interconnected through a series of gears with the driving unit200engages with the outer gear410and rotates the outer gear accordingly, so the guide pin710of the cover700is guided to slide in the guide slot610from the bottom dead center to the top dead center of the guide slot610. Accordingly, the folded step500is unfolded primarily so that a passenger may use it. Furthermore, if the step500needs to be further lowered for order, younger or disabled consumers as inFIG. 5, the guide pin710is fixed at the top dead center of the housing600and supports the cover700and the rack gear430so that the angle made by the consumer may be maintained, and as the pinion gear300moves straight along the rack gear430, the rack gear430slides straight along the open end of the cover700to be further exposed and the locking portion431of the rack gear430is locked to the locking protrusion730of the cover700, so that the step500may be supported and held at the lower position than that inFIG. 4. According to a side-step device of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step that is unfolded and fixed is folded to come in close contact with a vehicle body, unlike the related art, so the design appearance is improved and the aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency are improved as well, in comparison with the related art which has poor aerodynamic performance during driving due to the step protruding from a side. Further, the exemplary step of the present invention does not protrude when not in use or while the vehicle is parked and thus, damage to the step, objects or people due to colliding with the step is eliminated, so safety is improved. Also, since the step is doubly supported, the performance as a stepping plate resisting load is improved and the height can be adjusted by the multi-steps, so that the old and the weak may easily use the side-step device. Further, since the device is folded inside a vehicle body, it can be manufactured with a space and a thickness that is enough for a passenger to step on and while not occupying a large amount of storage space. The invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

1B

60

R

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows the apparatus of the invention in conjunction with a series-shed weaving machine having a weaving rotor rotating in the direction of rotation 1a. The rotor 1 has guide elements 2a, 2b, 2c into which the warp yarns 3a, 3b are placed by means of what is traditionally called a laying-in apparatus 9a, 9b but for a series-shed weaving machine is better described as a guiding-in apparatus. The guiding-in apparatus guides the warp threads into the guide elements 2a, 2b, 2c in an alternating manner to form a series of open sheds into which the weft yarns 10a, 10b can be inserted. The guiding-in apparatus 9a, 9b controls the guiding in of the warp yarns 3a, 3b in such a way that a selvedge 3d forms at the edge of the cloth 11 which includes the weft (or pick) yarns 10c, 10d. In the present embodiment, an arrangement 5 for detecting motion of the warp yarns 3a, 3b comprises a yarn roller 5a, 5b for each warp yarn 3a, 3b on which the warp yarn 3a, 3b lies and which experience a rotation in the direction of rotation 5f due to the warp yarns 3a, 3b moving in the direction of the cloth 11. The two yarn rollers 5a, 5b are mounted on a common axle 5e via a coupling part, for example a free wheel clutch or a sliding clutch 5c, 5d. The axle 5e is connected to an electronic sensor 6 which detects the rotation of the axle 5e and conveys the electronic signal to a signal processing apparatus 7 via a signal line 7a. Eyelets 8 serve for guiding the warp yarns 3a 3b onto the yarn rollers 5a, 5b and to provide an approximately constant wrap-round angle. The yarn rollers 5a, 5b can, as shown, be wrapped around by only a fraction of a complete circle, or can also be wrapped around several times in order to thereby increase the friction between the warp yarns 3a, 3b and the yarn rollers 5a, 5b. The apparatus of FIG. 1 has the advantage that a single sensor is capable of simultaneously monitoring a plurality of warp yarns. FIG. 1 does not show braking devices which, in certain conditions, are necessary in order to effect a braking force onto the warp yarns 3a, 3b, for example between the yarn supplies 4a, 4b and the yarn rollers 5a, 5b. The angular speed of the weaving rotor 1 in the direction of rotation la during weaving is substantially higher than the speed of the movement of the warp yarns 3a, 3b in the direction of the cloth 11. If a fault occurs when guiding a warp yarn 3a, 3b into a guide element 2a, 2b, 2c, as is for instance shown by by warp yarn 3c, then it can transpire that the warp yarn 3c is caught by the guide element 2b and thereby accelerated to a speed determined by the angular speed of the weaving rotor 1. If such an acceleration occurs with one or both of the crossing yarns 3a, 3b, then the rotational speed of the common axle 5e accelerates, so that the occurrence of a fault of this kind is detectable by the sensor 6. The signal processing apparatus 7 can be given a threshold value 12 so that when this threshold value is exceeded or fallen short of the signal processing apparatus 7 produces an error signal, for example in order to stop the weaving rotor 1. If a separate sensor 6 for detecting the rotation is provided for each yarn roller 5a, 5b, the arrangement 5 is also capable of detecting a yarn breakage. If, during weaving, the angular speed falls below a certain reference value as can for example occur when a yarn roller 5a, 5b is not moving, it can be concluded from this that a breakage of the warp yarn 3a, 3b has occurred, or that the yarn supply 4a, 4b is used up. FIG. 2 shows further embodiments of apparatuses for determining the speed of a warp yarn. The arrangement 16 comprises two sensors 6a, 6b which are separated in the running direction of the warp yarn 3a and which monitor the warp yarn 3a. The electronic signals of the sensors 6a, 6b are supplied via signal lines 7a, 7b to a signal processing apparatus 7 which determines the speed of the warp yarn 3a by correlating the measured values. The part of the warp yarn 3a lying between the two sensors 6a, 6b is guided through eyelets 8 along a line which is as straight as possible, the warp yarn 3a being held stretched out by a yarn brake 14 acting on the warp yarn 3a. The warp yarn 3a is fed around a yarn roller 5a and supplied to a weaving machine. The sensors 6a, 6b are based for example on an optical or capacitive measurement principle. A suitable description of this principle can be found in European Patent Publication No. 601,920-A1, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. A further arrangement 16 for determining the speed of the warp yarn 3b comprises three eyelets 8, 8a in order to deflect or deviate the warp yarn in the shape of a "U " wherein the eyelet 8a formed as a holding means is connected via an elastic element, for example a spring 15, to a fixed body. The eyelet 8a experiences a deflection which depends on the speed of the warp yarn 3b and which is detectable by a sensor 6c, for example an optical sensor or a path sensor, and is supplied via a signal line 7c to a signal processing apparatus 7. The arrangement 16 also allows a jolt-like deflection of the warp yarn 3b to be detected. FIG. 3 shows an example of a leno weave consisting of three warp yarns 3a, 3b, 3c which can be produced with a series-shed weaving machine in accordance with figure 1 when three warp yarns 3a, 3b, 3c controlled by guiding-in apparatuses 9a, 9b are used. The number of warp yarns necessary depends on the type of auxiliary selvedge which is to be produced. In the present leno weave, the warp yarns 3a, 3b, 3c are nipped differently from one another, the warp yarns 3a, 3c being termed leno warp yarns and the warp yarn 3b being termed a stationary thread.

3D

03

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the present invention, a pitch (a pitch for spinning) which can be used as a raw material for mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers may be a pitch from petroleum or coal, and examples of the usable pitch include a mesophase pitch containing an optically anisotropic phase, a neomesophase pitch, a premesophase pitch and a latent anisotropic pitch. No particular restriction is put on the kind of petroleum-based and coal-based raw material pitches, and for example, the usable raw material pitch can be prepared by subjecting a petroleum-based pitch (a heavy oil) such as a crude oil distillation residual oil, a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) heavy oil, a naphtha cracking residual oil or an ethylene bottom oil, or a coal-based pitch (a heavy oil) such as a coal tar or a coal-liquefied oil to treatment steps of filtration, distillation, hydrogenation, catalytic cracking and the like. The mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers which can be used in the present invention can be prepared in accordance with a known method such as a melting method, i.e., by spinning the pitch for spinning into pitch fibers having a fiber diameter of about 5 to 20 .mu.m, making the fibers infusible at a temperature of 200.degree. to 400.degree. C. or so under a gas atmosphere of oxygen, an oxygen-rich gas, air or the like, carbonizing the fiber at a temperature of 1,000.degree. C. or more under an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen or argon, and then, if necessary, graphitizing the same. If necessary, prior to the carbonization treatment, a preliminary carbonization treatment may be carried out at a temperature in the range of 350.degree. to 800.degree. C. under an inert gas atmosphere of nitrogen, argon or the like. The thus obtained mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers suitably have a tensile strength of 150 kgf/mm.sup.2 or more and a modulus in tension of 10.times.10.sup.3 kgf/mm.sup.2 or more from the viewpoints of the physical properties of a cement composite and the application of a direct spray method. In the present invention, it is necessary to size strands each consisting of 100 to 500 monofilaments of the above-mentioned mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers with a sizing agent. As the sizing agent, ester oils, polyethylene glycols and polyether esters are desirable, because they can provide the carbon fibers for reinforcement of concrete which are excellent in adhesive properties to cement, process passage properties through a direct spray gun and bundling properties. Preferable examples of the ester oil-based sizing agent include esters of oleic acid and aliphatic monovalent alcohols such as oleyl oleate, stearyl oleate, lauryl oleate, octyl oleate, 2-ethylhexyl oleate and isotridecyl oleate; and esters of oleyl alcohol and monovalent fatty acids such as oleyl stearate, oleyl palmitate, oleyl laurate, oleyl isostearate and oleyl octanoate. Preferable examples of the polyethylene glycol-based sizing agents include polyoxyalkylene bisphenol ethers. Typical examples of these polyoxyalkylene bisphenol ethers include ethers represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein each of m and n is an integer of 1 to 29, and m+n=30. On the other hand, a preferable example of the polyether ester-based sizing agents can be obtained by polycondensation reaction of a dicarboxylic acid component and a glycol component in the presence of a catalyst. A typical example of this polyether ester is what is formed by the polycondensation reaction of dimethyl terephthalate, ethylene glycol adipate and ethylene glycol. These sizing agents may be used singly or in combination of two or more thereof. No particular restriction is put on the application technique of the above-mentioned sizing agents. First, the sizing agents are dissolved in a suitable solvent or emulsified in an aqueous medium to prepare a solution or an emulsion, and strands each cosisting of 100 to 1,000 monofilaments of the carbon fibers are then brought into contact with or immersed in the thus prepared solution or emulsion. Afterward, the solvent is removed by a conventional known means such as hot-air drying, infrared drying or microwave drying to cover the surfaces of the carbon fibers with the sizing agent. If the number of the monofilaments per strand is less than 100, the manufacturing cost of the carbon fibers noticeably increases, and if it is more than 1,000, the manufacture is difficult and the impregnation properties of a cement matrix are poor, so that a reinforcement effect deteriorates unpreferably. Considering the easiness of the manufacture, the number of the monofilaments per strand is preferably 500 or less. The amount of the sizing agent to be applied is suitably in the range of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the weight of the carbon fibers. If this amount is less than 0.5% by weight, the effect of the present invention cannot be sufficiently exerted, and if it is more than 10% by weight, bundling is excessively strengthened, so that a dispersion degree of the carbon fibers in cement is low and the physical properties of a concrete composite tend to decline. In the present invention, 5 to 100 of the thus sized strands are wound into one roving to obtain the desired carbon fiber rovings for reinforcement of concrete. If the number of the strands in one roving is less than 5, the productivity of the cement composite is low, which leads to the increase of the cost. If it is more than 100, the passage properties of the fibers through a spray gun in a direct spray method deteriorate unpreferably. The thus obtained mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers for reinforcement of concrete have excellent adhesive properties to cement and less friction to metals, and hence they are easily slidable, so that the process passage properties of the carbon fibers through the direct spray gun are good. In addition, they are excellent in bundling properties. Consequently, the carbon fibers are suitable for the direct spray method. In molding a concrete composite containing the carbon fibers for reinforcement of concrete, the direct spray method is preferably used. This direct spray method comprises spraying the carbon fibers through a nozzle of a compressed air gun, while the rovings of the carbon fibers are continuously cut, and simultaneously spraying a cement slurry through another nozzle for molding. No particular restriction is put on the cement slurry which can be used in this process, and there can be employed any cement slurry which has been heretofore used in the manufacture of the conventional carbon fibers-reinforced concrete composite. An example of the cement slurry is a mixed slurry formed by blending a hydraulic cement such as portland cement, blast furnace cement or aluminous cement with an aggregate such as sand, siliceous sand, perlite, vermiculite, sirasu balloon, fly ash or microfine silica and admixtures such as a dispersant, a water reducing agent, an inflating agent and an anti-foaming agent; adding water thereto; and then mixing them. Blending ratios such as a water/cement ratio and an aggregate/cement ratio in the slurry are suitably selected in compliance with the morphology of the carbon fibers to be used, and the moldability and the construction properties of the concrete composite to be manufactured. Afterward, the thus obtained unhardened molded article can be cured and set by a process such as water-curing, gas-curing, vapor-curing or high-temperature high-pressure curing to manufacture a carbon fibers-reinforced concrete composite. The thus obtained concrete composite has a high bending strength of 300 kgf/cm.sup.2 or more, and hence it can be suitably used in various applications in building and civil engineering fields. Next, the present invention will be described in more detail in reference to examples. EXAMPLE 1 An aqueous emulsion solution containing stearyl oleate at a concentration of 4% by weight was prepared, and strands each consisting of 250 monofilaments of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers having a modulus in tension of 21.times.10.sup.3 kgf/mm.sup.2 and a tensile strength of 216 kgf/mm.sup.2 were immersed in the above-mentioned solution, followed by drying, to size the strands. Afterward, 30 of these strands were bundled to prepare a roving of the carbon fibers for reinforcement of concrete to which the sizing agent was applied in an amount of 1.0% by weight. On the other hand, a cement mortar was prepared which had a cement/sand weight ratio of 1.33, a water/cement weight ratio of 0.35 and a cement admixture/cement weight ratio of 0.008. By the use of a spray gun for a direct spray method, the carbon fibers for reinforcement of concrete were sprayed, while the rovings of the carbon fibers were continuously cut into a length of 25 mm, and simultaneously the cement mortar was also sprayed to obtain a molded article of the carbon fibers-reinforced cement concrete. In this case, the feed of the carbon fibers was adjusted so as to be 3% by volume. This molded article was cut into specimens for a bending test having a length of 250 mm, a width of 50 mm and a thickness of 10 mm at an age of seven days at room temperature, and a three-point bending test was made, a distance between supports being 200 mm. As a result, the bending strength was 345 kgf/cm.sup.2. In addition, the same molded article was subjected to the same test at an age of 28 days at room temperature, and as a result, the bending strength was 365 kgf/cm.sup.2. EXAMPLE 2 An aqueous emulsion solution containing an adduct of ethylene oxide with bisphenol A having a molecular weight of 1,500 at a concentration of 4% by weight was prepared, and strands each consisting of 150 monofilaments of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers having a modulus in tension of 21.times.10.sup.3 kgf/mm.sup.2 and a tensile strength of 216 kgf/mm.sup.2 were immersed in the above-mentioned solution, followed by drying, to size the strands. Afterward, 30 of these strands were bundled to prepare a roving of the carbon fibers for reinforcement of concrete to which the sizing agent was applied in an amount of 1.0% by weight. On the other hand, a cement mortar was prepared which had a cement/sand weight ratio of 1.33, a water/cement weight ratio of 0.35 and a cement admixture/cement weight ratio of 0.008. Subsequently, the same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out. As a result, the bending strength of a specimen at an age of 7 days at room temperature was 325 kgf/cm.sup.2. EXAMPLE 3 Polycondensation reaction was carried out between excess ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate (molar ratio=0.20), ethylene glycol adipate (molar ratio=0.78), 5-sulfonsodiumisophthaldimethyl (molar ratio=0.02) and polyethylene glycol (molar ratio=0.15) in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a polyether ester having a molecular weight of 8,000 to 12,000. Afterward, an aqueous emulsion solution containing this polyether ester at a concentration of 2% by weight was prepared, and strands each consisting of 150 monofilaments of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers having a modulus in tension of 21.times.10.sup.3 kgf/mm.sup.2 and a tensile strength of 216 kgf/mm.sup.2 were immersed in the above-mentioned solution, followed by drying, to size the strands. Afterward, 30 of these strands were bundled to prepare a roving of the carbon fibers for reinforcement of concrete to which the sizing agent was applied in an amount of 1.0% by weight. On the other hand, a cement mortar was prepared which had a cement/sand weight ratio of 1.33, a water/cement weight ratio of 0.35 and a cement admixture/cement weight ratio of 0,008. Subsequently, the same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out. As a result, the bending strength of a specimen at an age of 7 days at room temperature was 315 kgf/cm.sup.2, and that of a specimen at an age of 28 days at room temperature was 330 kgf/cm.sup.2. Mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers for concrete reinforcement of the present invention are excellent in adhesive properties to cement, process passage properties through a direct spray gun, and bundling properties. Hence, these carbon fibers are suitable for a direct spray method. In addition, a concrete composite containing the carbon fibers for concrete reinforcement has high bending strength and can be suitably used in various applications in building and civil engineering fields.

3D

02

G

MODE FOR THE INVENTION Reference will be now made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the present invention, when it is judged that detailed descriptions of known functions or structures related with the present invention may make the essential points vague, the detailed descriptions of the known functions or structures will be omitted. Because there is need to supply the roots of plants with oxygen of a predetermined quantity in order to cultivate the plants, farmers plow directly before cultivating crops so as to form pores in the soil where the plants will root, so that air comes into contact with the soil. When rice straws or sawdust are put in the pores so as to aerate the soil. While the crops are cultivating and rooting actively, the crops need more oxygen to grow up, but because the pores are stopped as time goes by, supply of oxygen is decreased. Therefore, in order to overcome the above problem, the present invention provides an agricultural air injection apparatus which includes an air supply pipe7buried under the roots of the crops to propagate aerobic microbes near the roots, thereby raising the yield of the crops. FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of an agricultural air injection apparatus according to the present invention. The an agricultural air injection apparatus according to the present invention includes: a compressor2which compresses air at high pressure of 10 bar or more using driving power of a motor; and an air tank3which is connected with the compressor2to store the compressed air at high pressure. The air tank3includes a pressure gauge3aand stores the compressed air in a preset pressure condition. If pressure exceeding the preset pressure is applied to the air tank3, excessive pressure is automatically discharged out through a safety valve3bmounted on the air tank3, and if pressure inside the air tank is less than the preset pressure, the compressor2is automatically operated to uniformly keep the inside pressure of the air tank3. The air supplied toward the roots of the crops is decompressed to the preset pressure through a decompression valve4mounted at the front of the air tank3, and then, is discharged at pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and in this instance, the air tank3is designed to smoothly supply air in consideration of the depth of the air supply7buried in the ground at pressure of 1.01 bar or more according to soil conditions. Besides the above-mentioned decompression valve4, decompression units of various kinds which have been known may be used to decompress the compressed gas of high pressure to the preset pressure. The air passing through the decompression valve4is introduced into a distributor6, which has a plurality of flow paths and control valves6afor controlling opening and closing of the flow paths. The number of the flow paths and the number of the control valves6acan be properly increased or decreased according to the size and the quantity of fields where the air injection apparatus1is buried. That is, even though crops of a single species are cultivated, if the cultivation area is wide, it is effective to distribute compressed air using the flow paths of an appropriate quantity, and it is good to effectively control distribution of air by blocking the air using the control valves6ain the area where seedlings are not planted yet. A sprayer6for spraying water in a particle state before distribution to the flow paths may be mounted between the compression valve4and the distributor5or inside the distributor6. The reason is to supply saturated air, which contains moisture, near to the roots in a dry environment. In this instance, a water tank for supplying moisture may be an exclusive water tank or the sprayer5may be connected with a ground water tank14through a pipe to receive moisture from the ground water tank14as shown inFIG. 1. The air supply pipe7branched from the distributor6is buried in the soil where crops to be cultivated will be planted, and includes a fixed pipe73and temporary pipes which are mounted to different depths in the vertical direction. Referring to the drawings, the air supply pipe7buried and mounted under the soil where the crops are planted includes: a first temporary pipe71buried to the depth of about 10 cm to 20 cm; a second temporary pipe72mounted to the depth of about 30 cm from the ground; and the fixed pipe73buried to the depth of about 50 cm or less, and of course, the number of the temporary pipes may be increased or decreased properly by those skilled in the art. The air supplied from the air tank3and water and nutrients of the ground water tank14and a fertilizer tank, which are located on the ground, are supplied to the air supply pipe7. Fertilizer and water can be periodically supplied through a timer, and preferably, for more systematic management, a soil measuring device9is buried in the soil to sense humidity of the soil and concentration of the fertilizer and supply fertilizer and water by opening the valve only when humidity of the soil and concentration of the fertilizer are lower than set values. The temporary pipes are easily buried to a low depth to directly supply air, moisture and fertilizer to the roots of the crops. Therefore, the temporary pipes may be made of synthetic resin which is inexpensive and can be removed when the crops are harvested. However, the fixed pipe73which is buried the lowest is semipermanently buried to the depth of about 50 cm or more to promote activities of aerobic microbes through a constant supply of air to the bottom layer. As shown inFIG. 2, in order to prevent that the pores73aof the fixed pipe73buried deeply is blocked by soil or stones, the air supply pipe7further includes: a nonwoven fabric74or textile which surrounds the outer surface of the fixed pipe73so as to be well ventilated; a wire mesh75put on the outer surface of the nonwoven fabric (74) so as to smoothly supply air without stoppage; and a U-shaped fixing pin76mounted on the wire mesh75to surround the wire mesh75and the fixed pipe73in order to fix the positions of the wire mesh and the fixed pipe stably. The fixed pipe73functions not only to supply air but also to rapidly and smoothly drain water when excessive water is introduced into the field in the rainy season or heavy rain period. For this, a water tank8for collecting rainwater induced into the pores73aof the fixed pipe73is disposed at the front end of the fixed pipe73. The water tank8includes a floating valve82to which a float81is connected so that the valve is automatically opened when water of a predetermined amount is collected. As shown inFIG. 3, when the water tank8is filled with rainwater, the valve82is opened by a link connected to the float81floating on the surface of the water. The rainwater drained from the water tank8is collected to an underground water tank10buried under the ground. The underground water tank10includes: an air vent12which is exposed to the ground in order to control pressure inside the water tank and ventilate; a water level sensor13for measuring the water level of the rainwater introduced into the underground water tank10; and an underground water pump11mounted in the underground water tank10and operated when rainwater reaches the set water level to discharge the rainwater to the ground water tank14. As described above, the agricultural air injection apparatus according to the present invention can prevent moisture injury of the crops by smoothly draining water of the soil through the fixed pipe73buried in the soil and recycle the drained water in the dry season. In other words, the agricultural air injection apparatus according to the present invention can directly supply moisture toward the roots of the crops in the dry season without using top water because the drain pipe15for supplying water to the temporary pipes or the sprayer5is connected to the lower end of the ground water tank14, and can receive and utilize water from the outside through a water supply pipe14aif there is no water supplied from the underground water tank10. Hereinafter, operation, actions and effects of the agricultural air injection apparatus1according to the present invention will be described. Seedlings or seeds of crops to be cultivated are planted furrows formed through plowing using farming tools, such as a tractor. In the stage that buds start to sprout, because the air layer above the ground is adjacent to the roots, there is no need to use the air supplying unit. Accordingly, the air injection apparatus1according to the present invention is not used. When the crops grow to about 10 cm, in the first stage, in order to make rooting smooth and supply sufficient nutrients, the first temporary pipe71is buried to the depth of about 15 cm below the crops so as to supply air. Crops are generally delayed in growth of the roots when the roots of the crops grow to about 20 cm. The reason is that aerobic soil microbes are not sufficiently propagated in the soil because the roots of the crops are in a symbiotic relationship with microbes in the soil. Therefore, in the second stage, the second temporary pipe72is mounted to the depth of about 30 cm from the ground for directly supplying nutrients together with air so as to promote growth of the roots. A controller remotely opens an air pipe valve7aof the second temporary pipe72to supply air, and in this instance, the air is constantly supplied for 24 hours at set pressure of more than 1.05 bar which is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure so as to create the environment that aerobic microbes can actively propagate in a natural condition. Water and fertilizer may be supplied to the temporary pipes to promote the growth of the crops more. A soil measuring device9is buried in the soil to monitor humidity of the soil and concentration of the fertilizer through the controller, and then, if necessary, water and fertilizer are supplied by the valve remotely opened and closed. If fertilizers are sprayed above the crops, it has a marginal effect compared with an input because the roots absorb nutrients of a small quantity and there are lots of loss amounts, it causes the growth of weeds and fertilizers infiltrated into the soil pollute underground water and soil. However, if fertilizers are directly injected to the roots through the temporary pipes, the roots of the crops absorb the fertilizers effectively, and it reduces waste of the fertilizers and minimizes secondary environmental pollution. The air supplied from the fixed pipe73fixed under the temporary pipes activates propagation and activities of the aerobic microbes so that the remaining fertilizers and agricultural pesticides which are not absorbed can be decomposed and the roots growing in proportion to the amounts of the microbes living in the soil absorb the nutrients infiltrated into the soil so as to increase production of the crops. In the meantime, in a region with a great deal of precipitation, rainwater is induced into the pores73aformed in the fixed pipe73buried under the soil and is collected into the underground water path through the water tank mounted at the end portion of the fixed pipe so that the roots of the crops are submerged in water. Therefore, the air injection apparatus according to the present invention can minimize a decline of the crops due to lack of oxygen in the soil in the excessive moisture condition of the soil. Furthermore, the air injection apparatus according to the present invention can recycle water resources because supplying water through the drain pipes15in the dry season by pumping the rainwater, which was induced into the underground water tank10, up to the ground water tank14. As described above, while the present invention has been the most desirably shown and described with reference to the preferable embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the protective scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and covers technologies described in the claims of the present invention and equivalences obtained from the technologies. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is industrially applicable as an agricultural air injection apparatus.

0A

1

C

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT This transfer apparatus 2, as depicted in the figures, has five basic components: a base section 4, a jack tube 6; a jack assembly 8; an elevating fork assembly 10 and a sling cushion 12. The apparatus 2 is supported by a base section 4 upon which the remaining components are assembled. The base section 4 is in form an open, U-shaped tubular structure having an open end 22, two parallel sides 24,26 joined and closed by a cross member 28 which form the front 14 of the apparatus. This base section 4 is mounted on wheels or rollers 16 for easy movement across a level surface. The rollers are preferably swivel mounted so that the base 4 may be easily rolled in any direction without turning. In particular, it is important that the base 4 be able to be rolled forward and then, without turning, be rolled to the side. Taking the closed end 28 of the base 4 to be the front 14, the parallel sides 24,26 may be defined as a right side bar 24 and a left side bar 26. Since, for all practical purposes, handicapped persons are almost always placed in and removed from an automobile or van from the Right, or Passenger side of the vehicle, the preferred embodiment has a matching orientation. However, in the description that follows, it is clear that the apparatus may be built in either a left or right handed manner, and it will be apparent that the device may be built to be used on the opposite side of the vehicle. In the preferred form of the embodiment, a jacking shaft or stub 32 is vertically mounted at a point 34 substantially in the middle of the right side 24 of the base. Since it is desirable that the apparatus be easily disassembled for movement in the vehicle, the preferred form of stub 32 is a vertical, square jack tube support stub, typically 2 inches square and about one foot long welded to the base right side bar 24. Mounted over this square stub 32, and extending upward for approximately four feet or so is a hollow square jack tube 6. This tube 6 is a close fit over the jack support stub 32, and is held in place by weight; no bolts of fastenings are used. Welded to a point on the lower portion of jack tube 6 is a jack support socket 40, an open upward facing socket, into which is inserted the vertical shaft 50 of the jack 8. Jack 8 comprises a self-contained jack, having a vertical shaft 50, on one face of which is a geared face or track 52. Mounted on vertical shaft 50, for jacked vertical motion therewith, is a jack box 54, containing a handcranked jack. Any jack mechanism is suitable, including hydraulic, so long as no back motion or uncommanded descent is possible under ordinary use. In this embodiment, the chosen mechanism is a screw driven jack in which a crank handle 56 turns a screw 58 which engages with the track 52 to drive the jack box 54 up or down the vertical shaft 50. The jack 8 is held in place by its weight in the socket 40, and by interlocking of the jack box 54 with the elevating fork collar 60, as described below; no fastenings are needed or used. For safety, and due to the widely varying loads which may be encountered by users of the device, the jack box 54 preferably uses an internal recirculating screw mechanism, as such mechanisms are known to be resistant to motion under weight. However any jack mechanism which provides protection against being driven backwards under load may be used, including racheted gears or hydraulic mechanisms with suitable check valves. A rachet and pawl mechanism, such as are commonly found in automotive bumper jacks, is not recommended, due to its known risk of sudden descent. It is thus seen that the jack box 54 may be driven or cranked up and down, parallel to the jack tube 6. On an inside face 55 of the jack box 54, facing towards the jack tube 6 and the interior of the base secion 4, is provided a hook 9, in the form of an upwardly extending flat plate. This hook 9 engages with an elevating fork collar 60, which rides on, and encloses the jack tube 6. Elevating fork collar 60 is formed of two, spaced apart, facingly juxtaposed elevating plates 62, each having an upper end 64 and a lower end 65, and having an extension in their mid-section for mounting a jacking bracket 66. The plates 62 are spaced apart by four cylindrical nylon or metal bearing rollers 68 mounted between corresponding corners 69 of the plates 62. In form, the fork collar 60 is an open, rectangular collar which fits over and rides along the jack tube 6. A jacking bracket 66, in the form of a strap fixed between two plates 62, and extending between the plates 62, slides over the jack box hook, suspending the collar 60 and its associated elevating fork assembly 10 from the jack 8. Two elevating fork bars 70,71 extend outward from the fork collar 60 over the base 4. The bars 70,71 are parallel to the front 14 of the apparatus and are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the length of a standard wheel chair seat. The rear fork bar 71 is pivotally mounted to the fork collar 60, or to an extension tube 72 extending out from the fork collar 60, so that the pivoting fork bar 71 may be pivoted to a vertical position. Both bars 70,71 may be so pivoted. The elevated fork assembly 10 is held in position by weight on to the jack box; no bolts or fastenings are used. At two spaced apart positions on each elevating fork bar 70 are mounted stirrup hooks 74. These may be any form of hook, stoutly mounted to the fork bar 70, preferably welded for strength. A sling cushion 12 is provided, formed of a square self-supporting cloth seat pad 80. At the four corners of the seat pad 80 are sewn or strongly fastened cloth straps 82, each of equal length; each cloth strap 82 ends in a D-ring 84, and is sewn or strongly fastened to the D-ring 84. An option addition to the apparatus 2 which in some circumstances will be beneficial, is a leg sling 86. When a disabled person has little or no use of the leg that will be nearest the door of the automobile, the leg and foot will dangle to the point that it would not pass over the threshold of an automobile door. To overcome this problem, an optional leg sling 86 is provided. This sling, which preferably is made of nylon, comprises a circular strap 88 which passes around and encompasses the arch of the foot of the individual passing over and also enclosing the leg above the knee. The length of the strap around the leg may be adjusted for an individual by two mating pieces of Velcro 90 permitting the size of the circular strap to be adjusted for any particular individual. A knee band 92 serves to restrain the leg from further motion and has been found beneficial to prevent the strap from falling off the leg. A rigid foot plate 94 in form and function identical to a rigid stirrup is optionally provided to aid in holding the foot within the circular strap 88. Rigid foot plate 94 is in simplest form a flat plate of plywood or similar material sufficiently small to fit under the foot but sufficiently large to provide for a comfortable lift and fastener inserted in the bottom of the strap 88. Attached to the upper end of strap 88 is a cloth strap 96 ending in a D-ring 98. As with the sling cushion 12, the cloth strap D-ring 98 may be attached to a stirrup hook 74 or a separate stirrup hook 74 may be provided on the top left end of the front elevating fork 70. An important feature of the apparatus 2 described is that each component is mounted, by stacking it over the next lower item, and held by its weight to the apparatus without fastening. Equally, the apparatus 2 may be disassembled into its described component parts by successively lifting off each part, none of which are particularly heavy. As will be seen, this forms part of the unique functionality of the device. In use, the user faces the problem of moving a wheel chair borne disabled person from a wheelchair to an automobile. Typically the user is a spouse, often aged or weak, and unable to move the disabled person without assistance. Equally, the user is unable to lift or manipulate heavy machinery. The apparatus 2 described may be made of aluminum tubing or square stock, or of thin wall steel. In either case, the largest components, the base 4 and the elevating forks 10, are separate components, and in disassembled form, are relatively light weight. The use therefore starts by placing the base 4 next to the vehicle 100 adjacent an open door. The base is positioned with the open end 22 to the rear 104 of the vehicle, away from the open door 102. The jack tube 6 is then placed over its mounting stub 32, and the jack 8 is inserted into the socket 40 on the jack tube. The elevating forks 10 are then lowered over the jack tube 6 until the jacking bracket 66 links over the jack box hook 9. The disabled person is in a wheel chair 105 and is seated on the seat cushion 12. The rear elevating fork bar 71 is raised, and the wheelchair 105 rolled into the open U-shaped base 4. The elevating fork bar 71 is then lowered behind the disabled person. The four D-rings 84 are then hooked to the four stirrup hooks 74 in the elevating fork bars 70,71. The cushion straps 82 may be adjustable in length but are typically made sufficiently short that the elevating fork bars 70,71 are positioned at chest height on the disabled person when the straps 82 are hooked up. The user then cranks the jack 8. The jack box 54 may readily be made with a sufficiently high gear ratio that this cranking is not difficult, even for a weak user and a heavy disabled person. The disabled person is enclosed by the two chest high elevating forks 70,71, and is thus prevented from falling forward or backward. Placing the forks 70,71 at chest height additionally gives a feeling of safety and support to the disabled person, especially if that person has difficulty supporting his or her body in an upright posture. Since the elevating forks 70,71 are below the head of the disabled person, it is necessary to crank up that person only a sufficient amount to remove their weight from the wheel chair 105; typically six or so inches is sufficient. The wheel chair 105 can then be rolled clear, and the apparatus 2 rolled under, moving the suspended person into the automobile. The disabled person, securely suspended on the cloth seat 12 between the elevating fork arms 70,71, is slid over the vehicle seat and lowered into place. The cloth straps 82 are unhooked from the elevating fork arms 70,71, the apparatus 2 rolled free of the car 100, and then disassembled by lifting off the component parts in reverse sequence of assembly. The separated components are easily lifted and stowed in the back or trunk of the vehicle, and the user may then drive off. It can readily be seen how the process is done is reverse to remove a disabled person from a vehicle. It is clear how one person, even a weak person, can set up, use and take down the apparatus 2 without outside assistance. Equally, it should be noted that the structure of the invention permits a heavy person to be lifted without requiring any part of the apparatus 2 to be positioned over the top or head of the disabled person. It is this elimination of the overhead lift which makes it practical to use the apparatus 2 to slide a person into or out of a vehicle 100, where there is typically no excess vertical headspace for a lifting apparatus. It is this particular functional advantage of the invention which has led to the above description of the preferred embodiment in terms of moving a disabled person into or out of a vehicle. However, it should be clear that the invention is of use for any movement of a disabled person by another who has no assistance. The invention is of particular utility for a spouse or sole attendant who lacks the strength to bodily lift the disabled person. It can thus be seen that the invention extends beyond the preferred embodiment and exemplar usage described above to the wider range of equivalents as are embodied in the claims.

0A

61

G

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A medium access method for contention and non-contention according to the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The medium access method for contention and non-contention is as shown inFIG. 1, which shows a superframe having a contention period and a contention-free period in accordance with the present invention. To begin with, there are provided a plurality of stations and an AP for broadcasting to these stations so as to satisfy a contention base and a non-contention base at the same time, and so as to allow communication modes for these contention bases to mutually coexist. The plurality of stations may be classified into a first group having stations for non-contention and a second group having stations for contention. Medium access between the first or second group and the AP is carried out within a superframe. The superframe is made up of a non-contention (or contention-free) period, i.e., a multi-polling distributed coordination function (MP-DCF) period for providing a polling message, a poll, to a plurality of arbitrary stations at the AP, and for allowing only the stations receiving the poll to get access to a medium without contention, and a contention period, i.e., a DCF period, for allowing the stations to get access to the medium through contention. The superframe provides a frame period between a beacon of a certain period and a beacon of the next period. In the CFP of the superframe, a contention-free access message (hereinafter, referred to as a “multi-polling message”) is prepared so as to allow the first group to get access to the medium without contention. The multi-polling message is embedded in a contention access message (hereinafter, referred to as a “beacon message”) so as to allow the second group to get access to the medium through contention. These messages are transmitted to the first and second groups, respectively, to induce medium access by means of contention and non-contention. Access scheduling is carried out in such a manner that the first group performs a mode of transmitting data which each of the stations stores in the AP, and that the AP performs a mode of transmitting data which the AP stores in each station. As shown inFIG. 4, which shows a multi-polling message, the multi-polling message consists of an access schedule having a Num_of_Poll field (i.e., a field for the number of polls) indicating the total number of the stations to be polled through the multi-polling message, identifiers (IDs) of the stations to be polled, and a backoff time value, i.e. a backoff number, setting orders of the IDs. Each of the poll numbers has a value ranging from 0 (zero) to N−1, wherein N is the number of polls. For the sake of convenience, a period in which the multi-polling message is embedded in the beacon message for the CFP and transmitted to the first and second groups at the AP will be called a “beacon period.” A period in which the first group performs the mode of transmitting the data which each station of the first group stores in the AP will be called a “first period.” Finally, a period in which the AP performs the mode of transmitting the data which the AP stores in each station of the first group will be called a “second period.” In addition, the first period will be called an “upload period STS_VoUp,” and the second period will be called a “download period STS_VoDn.” Furthermore, the CFP refers to a temporal period between a point in time when the beacon message is generated and a point in time when a contention-free or non-contention end signal CF END is generated, and the contention period refers to a temporal period between the point in time when the contention-free end signal CF END is generated and a point in time when the next beacon message is generated. The CFP, in which access to the medium is provided without contention, is composed of the upload and download periods exclusive of the beacon period. The upload period is a period in which each station of the first group receiving the polling message completes transmitting the data, which each station stores, to the AP without contention in turn on the basis of a polling schedule. The download period is a period in which the AP completes transmitting the data of the AP, which correspond to the data of each station, to each station without contention in turn on the basis of the polling schedule. In this case, for the upload period, the stations receiving the polling message from the AP transmit the data, which each station stores, to the AP without contention on the basis of the access schedule of the polling message. Then, whenever the data of each station are received, the AP transmits an acknowledgment signal to each station in turn in response to the reception, thereby confirming the reception of the data. For the download period, the AP transmits the data thereof, which correspond to the data of the station for the upload period, from a storage region thereof to each station on the basis of the polling schedule, and then, whenever the data of the AP are received, each station transmits an acknowledgment signal to the AP in turn in response to the reception, thereby confirming the reception of the data. For the upload and download periods, each station transmits the acknowledgment signal to the AP whenever each station receives the data of the AP, and vice versa. Then, each station occupies the medium in order to transmit the data to the AP, and in order to give a right to occupy the medium back to the next station based on the polling schedule after completing the transmission of the data. At this point, the AP should occupy the medium in order to transmit the acknowledgment signal with respect to the data received from each station, and each station should occupy the medium in order to transmit the acknowledgment signal to the AP with respect to the data received from the AP. To this end, the AP occupies the corresponding medium to transmit the acknowledgment signal to each station by use of a PCF InterFrame Space (PIFS) of InterFrame Spaces (IFS) and a backoff time for the upload period and of the PIFS of IFS. Thus, when the upload and download periods are terminated, the schedule based on the multi-polling message is completed, and so the AP broadcasts the contention-free end signal CF END, which indicates that the CFP is terminated, to the stations of the first group having an MP-DCF module so that the stations can get access to and occupy the medium. Meanwhile, for the CFP when each station of the first group as set forth above gets access to the medium according to the access schedule of the multi-polling message to perform uploading and downloading, each station of the second group has a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) set by using a PCF MaxDuration field specified in CF parameters, thus maintaining a standby state within a value of the NAV. In other words, the CFP in the first group may be referred to as an NAV period in the second group. When each station of the second group receives the contention-free end signal CF END indicating that the CFP is terminated, the NAV set for each station is removed. The on-contention end signal CF END causes the AP to be converted into a contention mode attempting to get access to the medium through contention. A period between the on-contention end signal CF END and the next beacon message is called the contention period. In the contention period, the stations of the second group transmit data to the AP in a DCF mechanism in order to attempt to get access to the medium through contention. To begin with, before transmitting the frame, the stations of the second group employing the DCF mechanism for the contention period determine whether the medium is busy. If the medium is idle for a time longer than or equal to the DIFS, the stations can transmit the frame. By contrast, if the medium is busy, the stations initiate either a backoff procedure or an NAV procedure. Then, it is not until a backoff timer has a value of 0 (null) that the station occupies the medium to transmit the frame. FIG. 2is a flowchart showing medium access method for contention and non-contention in arbitrary stations in accordance with the present invention. The embodiment of the medium access method for contention and non-contention at the first and second groups of the present invention as mentioned above is as shown inFIG. 2. First, medium access between at least one of a first group, having one or more stations for getting access to the medium without contention, and a second group, having one or more stations for getting access to the medium through contention, and the AP is performed in such a manner that, when the first and second groups receive the contention-free access message, (i.e. the beacon message into which the multi-polling message is embedded), the stations of the corresponding group perform an algorithm for getting access to the medium for the non-contention and contention periods of the superframe. When the first and second groups receive the beacon message into which the multi-polling message is embedded from the AP (S10), each of the first and second groups itself set a value of the NAV to be in a standby state in order to differentiate between medium access for contention and non-contention (S11). The NAV is decided by a PCF MaxDuration field specified in CF parameters. Each polling message transmitted from the AP can be received only by the stations listed on a polling list of a multi-polling (MP) parameter set. In other words, the polling message is received by each station of the first group getting access to the medium without contention (S12). Because each station of the first group is established with a system capable of getting access to the medium without contention, when each station of the first group receives the polling message, each station of the first group itself removes the NAV, and thereby a CFP of a superframe is initiated (S13). The superframe provides a frame period between a beacon of a certain period and a beacon of the next period. A CFP is composed of a first period, wherein the first group transmits data which each station stores to the AP, and a second period, wherein the AP transmits data which the AP stores to each station of the first group. The first period is referred to as an upload period STS VoUp, and the second period is referred to as a download period STS VoDn. Then, it is determined which of the stations of the first group gets access to the medium so as to have data to be transmitted for itself (S14). As a result of the determination, among the stations of the first group, at least one having data to be transmitted is subjected to upload and download of the data for the CFP (S15). For the upload period, each station of the first group receiving the polling message completes sequential transmission of the data which each station stores in the AP without contention according to an access schedule of the polling message. For the download period, the AP completes sequentially transmitting the data thereof, which data correspond to the data of the station, to each station without contention according to the access schedule of the polling message. At this point, from the stand of the individual station, when a value of a backoff number is allocated to become 0 (null), data are transmitted to the AP. The transmission is performed in the DCF mechanism. When at least one of the stations of the first group gets access to the medium so as to have data transmitted, the at least one station sets a minimum value of random CW (Contention Window) as the value of the backoff number, and then maintains a standby state until the next beacon message is received (S18). In this manner, when upload and download periods of the CFP are terminated, a schedule based on the multi-polling message is completed, and the AP broadcasts a contention-free end signal CF END, which indicates that the CFP is terminated, to the stations of the first group having an MP-DCF module so that the stations can get access to and occupy the medium. Each station of the second group getting access to the medium through contention receives the contention-free end signal CF END so as to remove an NAV set for itself (S16). When the NAV is removed, the contention-free end signal CF END causes the AP to be converted into a contention mode attempting to get access to the medium through contention. Then, the stations of the second group transmit data to the AP in a DCF mechanism in order to attempt to get access to the medium through contention. Before transmitting a frame, the stations of the second group employing the DCF mechanism for the contention period first determine whether the medium is busy. If the medium is idle for a time longer than or equal to a DIFS, the stations can transmit the frame (S17). Meanwhile, when each station of the second group cannot receive the polling message, that is, are not listed on a polling list, in step S12, it is determined whether at least one of the stations of the second group is waiting for medium access in order to acquire a transmission chance (S19). When at least one of the stations is waiting for medium access, the value of the backoff number, to which a rank decided through contention is being decreased, is increased up to the current backoff number, and a standby state is maintained until an NAV is removed (S20). Then, the stations of the second group perform medium access through contention on the basis of the contention-free end signal CF END in steps S16and S17. FIG. 3is a flow chart showing a medium access method for contention and non-contention at an AP in accordance with the present invention. The embodiment of the medium access method for contention and non-contention at the AP of the present invention as mentioned above is as shown inFIG. 3. To begin with, the AP broadcasts a beacon message, in which a multi-polling message is embedded, to the first and second groups so as to get access to a medium with or without contention for a beacon period (S30). Then, each station of the first group receiving the multi-polling message uploads data stored therein to the AP for an upload period of a CFP exclusive of the beacon period (S31), and downloads buffer frame data of the AP which correspond to the data of each station from the AP for a download period (S32). The upload and download modes are as mentioned above. When the download is completed, the AP recognizes that work based on the CFP is completed, thereby transmitting a contention-free end signal CF END proposed from IEEE 802.11 in order to use the contention period based on the contention of the other stations (S33). Each station of the second group receiving the contention-free end signal CF END removes a NAV set for itself. Each station of the second group using the contention period based on the contention gets access to the medium by means of a contention mechanism of a DCF mode until the next beacon message is generated (S34). The medium access method for contention and non-contention according to the present invention, as set forth above, is a scheme for sharing a MAC protocol poll number control based MP-DCF mechanism, which is based on IEEE 802.11, and a poll number control based MP-DCF mechanism, with the commercial stations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions of the method are possible, without departing from the technical scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. The present invention can share the poll number control based MP-DCF mechanism with the commercial stations to which no MP-DCF module is provided, so that it has the effects of solving a drawback in that all of the stations should have the MP-DCF module provided therein, and of constantly maintaining the throughput, although the number of stations is gradually increased. In addition, the commercial stations and the MP-DCF mechanism based stations, as well as the AP and the stations, are recognized by each other without mutual interference, so that it is possible to reduce the overhead of the multi-polling frame, thereby guaranteeing QoS. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

7H

04

W

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1shows a block diagram of the energy flow in a first exemplary embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention. An internal combustion engine1is supplied with fuel K. Air via a first intake line9is required for the combustion of the fuel K, which air, having been compressed by a turbocharger-compressor turbine7of a turbocharger device6, is supplied to the internal combustion engine1via a charge-air line LL. The exhaust gases10generated in the internal combustion engine1during the combustion are conducted through an exhaust line AG into an exhaust-gas turbine8of the turbocharger device6and, there, exert a part of their energy for the compression of the intake air. A part of the exhaust gases is supplied to the intake air via exhaust-gas recirculation EGR. A further part of the exhaust gases escapes via a bypass line12. The energy contained in the compressed intake air downstream of the turbocharger-compressor turbine7is extracted via an extraction line13, as is described in more detail further below. Secondary air can be added to the intake air by means of a secondary air line37. FIG. 2shows a block diagram of the energy flow in a second exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention. Here, the extraction line13is connected to an air compressor14which is coupled to the internal combustion engine1by means of a clutch device26and is connected to an air storage tank17,18. The energy of the extracted intake air drives the air compressor14in such a way that it, as an air motor, generates a torque which is transmitted by means of the clutch device26to the internal combustion engine, and/or compresses air which is stored in the air storage tank17. Excess air can escape into the atmosphere AT. Finally,FIG. 3shows a block diagram of the energy flow in a third exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, which corresponds to the second exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 2and which additionally has a further air motor in the form of an exhaust-gas compressor32. Said exhaust-gas compressor32is driven by a part of the exhaust-gas flow via an exhaust-gas extraction line38and generates a torque which can be transmitted to the internal combustion engine1by means of a further clutch device26′. FIG. 4illustrates a detailed fourth exemplary embodiment encompassing the first to third exemplary embodiments according toFIGS. 1 to 3. The internal combustion engine1, in this example an engine which is illustrated only schematically with a piston4in a cylinder, with an inlet valve EV, with an outlet valve AV and with a crankcase5, is connected to the turbocharger device6. In this example, the turbocharger device6is an exhaust-gas turbocharger whose exhaust-gas turbine8is connected to an outlet line3of the engine and whose turbocharger-compressor turbine7is connected to an inlet line2of the engine. The turbocharger-compressor turbine7and the exhaust-gas turbine8are rotationally fixedly coupled to one another on a shaft. The exhaust-gas turbine8is driven by the exhaust gas AG from the outlet3of the engine and, here, rotates the turbocharger-compressor turbine7which sucks in air via the first intake line9, compresses said air and forces it via the charge-air line LL into the inlet2of the engine. The bypass line12is indicated as a dashed line with a bypass valve11between the outlet3of the engine and the inlet of the exhaust-gas turbine8. The bypass valve11is a so-called wastegate valve which, in the application of the arrangement according to the invention, may be of very small design or even dispensed with. The function of said bypass valve11has already been explained in the introduction and will not be repeated here. Between the inlet2of the engine and the outlet of the compressor turbine7, an extraction line13is connected with one end to the charge line LL and with another end to an extraction valve20. The extraction valve20is connected to a first control valve21, and, in this example, via a connecting line31to a fourth control valve24. The first control valve21is connected to a first port29of a second compressor cylinder16of an air compressor14. The fourth control valve24is connected to a second control valve22and to a third control valve23. The second control valve22is connected to the first port29of a first compressor cylinder15of the air compressor14. The third control valve23is connected to a second intake line19for air. Each compressor cylinder15,16has a second port30which is connected to a first and a second air storage tank17and18. In this example, the air compressor14is an air compressor for compressed air for a service brake of a vehicle (not shown). Here, said air compressor14has a compressor drive27which is coupled by a clutch device26to a drive output of the internal combustion engine1. The clutch device26is preferably electrically controllable. A control device25is indicated merely schematically as a block and is connected to the control valves11,20to24, to the clutch device26and to a superordinate engine controller (not shown) and also to several sensors (not illustrated) for detecting the operating states of the internal combustion engine1and turbocharger device6. The control device25and the valves20-24may also be integrated in the air compressor14, which thereby forms a so-called intelligent compressor. The control device25also has characteristic curve values of the internal combustion engine1and of the turbocharger device6stored in memory devices. On the basis of said characteristic curve values and the sensor values, said control device25is capable of adjusting the controllable components11,20to24,26, which are connected thereto, in such a way that the compressed intake air from the compressor turbine7is extracted in the desired partial quantity from the charge-air line LL via the extraction valve20and the first control valve21into the second compressor cylinder16in a certain operating state of the internal combustion engine1and of the turbocharger device6. The control device25can calculate said partial quantity on the basis of the stored table values and provide said partial quantity to the superordinate engine control device. In a first stage, as an example, the control device25opens the extraction valve20by a certain value, opens the first control valve21and leaves the second to fourth control valves22to24closed. The extracted partial quantity of compressed intake air is compressed further in the second compressor cylinder16and is delivered into the air storage tanks17,18. To increase the extracted quantity, the control device25can firstly further open the extraction valve20(assuming the latter is an adjustable valve) and then open the fourth control valve24and the second control valve22such that the first compressor cylinder15is also available for the extraction of the compressed intake air from the charge-air line LL, and compresses said compressed intake air further, as described for second compressor cylinder16. If no extraction of air from the charge-air line LL is taking place, the air compressor14can intake air from the second intake line via the third control valve23and compress said intake air for the service brake into the air storage tanks17,18. This may take place either only by the first compressor cylinder15(control valves20,21and24closed and control valves23and22open) or by both compressor cylinders15and16(control valve20and control valves21,22,23and24open). A situation is also possible in which the air compressor14feeds air out of the second intake line19by means of the first compressor cylinder15and extracts compressed air from the charge-air line LL by means of the second compressor cylinder16. Here, the control valves are in the following state:20to23open and24closed. The compressed air flowing into the second compressor cylinder16from the charge-air line LL can, by the energy already stored therein, assist the drive of the air compressor14. By the control device25and the arrangement according to the invention, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the internal combustion engine1by virtue of the energy stored in the exhaust gas10being extracted in the compressed charge air by the air compressor14in a targeted and therefore controlled manner as a function of the operating state of the engine and of the turbocharger device6. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment explained but rather may be modified in a wide range within the scope of the appended claims. It is also possible for the air compressor14to have only one compressor cylinder or more than two, which can then be connected in series in stages, or connected in parallel, by means of further control valves. The air compressor14can also function as a motor by virtue of the compressed air which is stored in the air storage tanks17,18being utilized to drive said air compressor14, with the valves (not shown) of said air compressor14being controlled correspondingly. Here, the drive of said air compressor14acts as a torque via the compressor drive input (shaft), the clutch device26and the drive output28to the internal combustion engine1. This may for example have an assisting action in certain operating states of the engine or may act for starting or for starting assistance. The air compressor14may also be a radial compressor. It is also conceivable for the air compressor14to be charged by the compressed air from the charge line LL in order to assist the compression of the compressed air for the service brake. Furthermore, the air compressor14may also serve as a drive for various assemblies in a vehicle, such as for example fans. The air storage tanks17,18may also be connected separately from one another to the air compressor14. In an alternative embodiment, a further compressor in the form of an exhaust-gas compressor32is provided, which can likewise be coupled to the internal combustion engine1by a further clutch device26′ (shown in dashed lines). In said example, the exhaust-gas compressor32has one exhaust-gas compressor cylinder33. A plurality is of course also possible. The exhaust-gas compressor cylinder33is connected via an exhaust-gas valve34to the exhaust line AG for the drive of the exhaust-gas compressor32by means of exhaust gas. The exhaust-gas compressor32may also be used for compressing further air, which it can supply to the air storage tanks17,18. It is also possible for the exhaust-gas compressor32to be driven by the air stored in the air storage tanks17,18. Furthermore, the charge-air line LL is provided with a secondary air supply device35which, in this example, is connected by a secondary air valve36to the air storage tank18. It is hereby possible to supply additional air to the internal combustion engine1for example in order to eliminate so-called turbo lag or, in the engine braking operating state, to increase the efficiency of the engine brake by virtue of additional air being compressed by the internal combustion engine1. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1Internal combustion engine 2Inlet line 3Outlet line 4Piston 5Crankcase 6Turbocharger device 7Turbocharger-compressor turbine 8Exhaust-gas turbine 9First intake line 10Exhaust gas 11Bypass valve 12Bypass line 13Extraction line 14Air compressor 15First compressor cylinder 16Second compressor cylinder 17First air storage tank 18Second air storage tank 19Second intake line 20Extraction valve 21First control valve 22Second control valve 23Third control valve 24Fourth control valve 25Control device 26,26′ Clutch device 27Compressor drive 28Drive output 29First port 30Second port 31Connecting line 32Exhaust-gas compressor 33Exhaust-gas compressor cylinder 34Exhaust-gas valve 35Secondary air supply device 36Secondary air valve 37Secondary air line 38Exhaust-gas extraction line AG Exhaust line AT Atmosphere AV Outlet valve EGR Exhaust-gas recirculation EV Inlet valve K Fuel supply LL Charge-air line The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

5F

02

B

The following examples illustrating the compositions of the invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The amounts indicated are by weight percent unless otherwise noted. EXAMPLE 1 A gel is prepared by admixing the following ingredients. Ingredient Wt % Carbomer 940 4.10 Xantham gum 0.15 Propylene glycol 51.94 Dipropylene glycol 10.00 Ethoxydiglycol 15.00 Dimethylisosorbide 10.00 Aloe Vera gel 8.00 Surfactant 0.05 Alpha 1-antitrypsin 1.76 100% This composition is useful to reduce wrinkles. In lieu of alpha 1-antitrypsin, SLPI can be utilized alone or in combination with alpha 1-antitrypsin. EXAMPLE 2 A gel is prepared by admixing the following ingredients: Ingredient Wt % 1. Propylene Glycol 51.94 2. Carbomer 940 2.10 3. Dipropylene glycol 10.00 4. Xanthan gum 0.15 5. Ethoxydiglycol 15.00 6. Dimethylisosorbide 10.00 7. Ascorbic Acid 2.00 8. Chloroxylenol 0.20 9. Linoleamidopropyl PG-diammonium chloride phosphate 1.50 10. Glycereth 4.5 Lactate 2.00 11. Aloe Vera Gel 2.00 12. Alpha 1-anitrypsin 2.00 13. Tetrasodium EDTA 0.10 14. Citric Acid 0.010 15. Cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate 1.00 Ingredients 1 and 2 are mixed to disperse and form a gel. About 80% of ingredient 3 is mixed with ingredient 4, added to the gel and slightly heated with admixture. The balance of 3 is mixed with ingredients 5-10 and added to the gel. Ingredients 11-15 are then admixed and added to the gel at 38 degrees C. After mixing, the gel is brought to room temperature. This gel composition can be used as an after-sun treatment. EXAMPLE 3 A lotion is prepared by admixing the following ingredients: Ingredient Wt % Propylene Glycol Stearate 9.50 Isocetyl alcohol 5.00 PEG-100 Stearate 1.20 Water 69.90 Methyl paraben 0.20 Propylene glycol 13.10 Sorbitan palmitate 0.60 Alpha 1-antitrypsin 6.00 Mate extract 0.50 100% The lotion can be used to relieve inflammation after exposure to the sun. EXAMPLE 4 A cream is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Ingredient Wt % Glycerol stearate 8.0 PEG-100 stearate 2.0 Cetostearyl alcohol 2.5 Disodium EDTA 0.1 Methyl Paraben 0.1 Propylene glycol 6.0 Sorbitan stearate 0.7 Alpha 1-antitrypsin 2.5 Aloe vera gel 5.0 Water 13.5 100% EXAMPLE 5 An after-sun composition is prepared by admixing the following ingredients: Ingredient Wt % Carbomer 2.80 Propylene Glycol 40.05 Disodium EDTA 1.10 Methyl Paraben 0.20 Alpha 1-antitrypsin 2.00 SLPI 2.00 Mate extract 0.35 Aloe Vera Gel 52.50 100% EXAMPLE 6 A solution according to the invention is prepared by admixing the following ingredients: Ingredient Wt % Ethoxyglycol 15.00 Propylene Glycol 35.00 Water q.s. Disodium EDTA 0.10 Alpha 1-antitrypsin 4.50 Aloe Vera Gel 36.75 100% EXAMPLE 7 A shampoo is prepared by admixing the following ingredients: Ingredient Wt % C12-15 Pareth-7 Carboxylic Acid 10.0 Isosteareth -6 Carboxylic Acid 5.0 Hexylene Glycol 8.0 Chloroxylenol 0.5 Alpha 1-antitrypsin 2.0 Mate Extract 0.5 Aloe Vera Gel 2.0 Na2 EDTA 0.1 Water 71.9 100% The shampoo is useful in the treatment of scalp inflammation or itch after exposure to the sun. The shampoo can be used for sensitive scalps which have sensations of purities, that is to say by itching or prickling to different factors such as inflammation triggered by local factors such as soaps, surfactants, erythema, and the like. Experiment 1 5 adults over 50 years of age for one week were exposed to the summer sun, swam in a fresh water lake and did not utilize a sunscreen during the day. At the end of each day, each adult applied a commercial suntan lotion (Coppertone.RTM.) to one half of the face and to the other half applied the composition of Example 4. At the end of one week, the faces were examined. On each adult the part of the face which was treated with suntan lotion had a noticeable increase in wrinkles around the eyes and some erythema. The side of the face on which the composition of Example 4 was applied had a reduction in the depth of the wrinkles, the skin was smoother and not erythemous. The greater and more numerous the wrinkles before hand, the greater the visible effect of the treatment. After three weeks without the use of suntan lotion or the alpha 1-antitrypsin composition, skin peeling occurred over a greater part of the face wherein suntan lotion was applied.

0A

61

K

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail. First, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1is a schematic diagram showing the construction of a so-called one-path transport type two-side image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, which is capable of forming images substantially simultaneously on both sides of a recording medium. As shown inFIG. 1, in this image forming apparatus, there are arranged, at the center as seen in the drawing, drum-like photosensitive members1(1A,1B,1C, and1D) serving as first image bearing members so as to be capable of rotating in the direction of the arrows. Around each of these photosensitive members1, there are arranged a charge eliminating device2for eliminating charge on the surface of the photosensitive member1, a cleaning device3for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member1, and a charging device4for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive member1. Further, around each photosensitive member1, there are arranged an exposure device5for forming an electrostatic latent image in the charged portion of the photosensitive member1through optical writing with a laser beam, and a developing device6for developing the electrostatic latent image thus formed. This image forming apparatus adopts a so-called tandem system using four photosensitive members1, with the components provided around each photosensitive member1for forming the image being the same. (In the following the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted). Further, the developing devices6use color materials (toners) of different colors. In this embodiment, it is also possible to adopt belt-like photosensitive members instead of the drum-like photosensitive members; further, instead of the exposure device5using the well-known laser system, it is also possible to adopt an exposure device composed of LED arrays and image formation means. Above the photosensitive members1, a first intermediate transfer belt10in the form of an endless belt serving as a second image bearing member is supported and stretched between rotating rollers11,12, and13so as to be run in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 1. On the inner side of this first intermediate transfer belt10, transfer rollers14serving as a first transfer means are arranged so as to be opposed to the photosensitive members1. Further, on the outer side of the first intermediate transfer belt10, there is arranged a second-image-bearing-member cleaning device15for cleaning the surface of the first intermediate transfer belt10, which serves as the second image bearing member. Provided inside the cleaning device15are a well-known brush roller, a recovery roller, a blade, etc., which are adapted to remove residual toner and paper powder remaining on the surface of the first intermediate transfer belt10. On the right-hand side, as seen in the drawing, of the first intermediate transfer belt10, a second intermediate transfer belt20in the form of an endless belt serving as a third image bearing member is supported and stretched between a rotating driving roller21and rollers22and23so as to be run in the direction indicated by the arrow. On the inner side of the second intermediate transfer belt20, there is arranged a transfer roller24serving as a second transfer means. Further, on the outer side of the second intermediate transfer belt20, there are arranged a second cleaning device25for cleaning the surface of the second intermediate transfer belt20, a charger26serving as a third transfer means, etc. The first intermediate transfer belt10and the second intermediate transfer belt20are held in contact with each other while forming a predetermined transfer nip by means of the roller11, the transfer roller24, and the roller23. Sheets30serving as recording mediums are accommodated in sheet feeding cassettes31and32arranged in the lower portion of the apparatus as seen in the drawing. Starting with the uppermost ones, the sheets30are transported one by one by sheet feeding rollers33to a registration roller pair35by way of a plurality of guides34. In the upper apparatus portion as seen in the drawing, there are arranged a fixing-heating means36for fixing a toner image transferred to the sheet30to that sheet, a sheet delivery guide pair37, a sheet delivery roller pair38, and a delivery sheet stacking portion39, forming a sheet transport path extending from the registration roller pair35. A frame40constituting a part of the apparatus main body can be rotated and opened around an axle40A, so that the transport path for the sheets30can be opened wide, thus facilitating the clearing of jammed sheets30. Further, above the first intermediate transfer belt10and below the delivery sheet stacking portion39, there is arranged a supply toner containing portion42containing toner cartridges41containing toners of four colors of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. The supply toner containing portion42supplies as appropriate each developing device6with a toner of a predetermined, corresponding color by a powder pump or the like (not shown). Next, the operation of forming images on both sides of the sheet30by the above-described image forming apparatus will be described. First, the surfaces of the photosensitive members1A,1B,1C, and1D are uniformly charged by the charging device4. Then, by operating the exposure device5, optically modulated laser beams are emitted in correspondence with image signals (information corresponding to the colors), and optical writing with these beams is effected on the uniformly charged surfaces of the photosensitive members1A,1B,1C, and1D to thereby form electrostatic latent images. The electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive members1A,1B,1C, and1D are developed by the developing devices6, and visualized toner images are formed and retained on the surfaces of the photosensitive members1A,1B,1C, and1D. The toner image on the photosensitive member1A is transferred by the transfer roller14to the surface of the first intermediate transfer belt10moving in synchronism with the photosensitive member1A. The first intermediate transfer belt10moves by a predetermined distance in the direction of the arrow while bearing the toner image from the photosensitive member1A transferred to the surface of the first intermediate transfer belt10. Subsequently, the toner image formed on the photosensitive member1B is transferred to the first intermediate transfer belt10so as to be superimposed on the toner image formed on the photosensitive member1A already borne by the first intermediate transfer belt10. Similarly, the toner images formed on the photosensitive members1C and1D are transferred to the first intermediate transfer belt10so as to be superimposed on the toner images of the other colors already borne by the first intermediate transfer belt10. Eventually, there is formed a superimposed image in four colors on the first intermediate transfer belt10. The residual toner remaining on the surfaces of the photosensitive members1A,1B,1C, and1D after the transfer is removed by the cleaning devices3, and the charge on them is eliminated by the charge eliminating devices2to make the apparatus ready for the next image forming cycle. In synchronism with this, the second intermediate transfer belt20moves in the direction of the arrow, and the toner image formed on the surface of the first intermediate transfer belt10is transferred to the surface of the second intermediate transfer belt20by the action of the transfer roller24. In this image forming apparatus, a so-called tandem system is adopted, and image formation is conducted by moving the first and second intermediate transfer belts10and20while effecting image formation on the four photosensitive members1A,1B,1C, and1D, so that it is possible to reduce the requisite time for image formation. When the four-color superimposed image on the first intermediate transfer belt10has been transferred to the second intermediate transfer belt20, and the first intermediate transfer belt10has moved to a predetermined position, a toner image to be formed on the other side of the sheet30is formed through image formation on the photosensitive members1by a process similar to the one as described above. Then, the toner image on the photosensitive members1is transferred to the first intermediate transfer belt10by the transfer rollers14. In synchronism with this, in the sheet feeding cassette31or the sheet feeding cassette32, the uppermost sheet30is drawn out by the sheet feeding roller33rotating counterclockwise, and is transported to the registration roller pair35, thus starting sheet feeding. The sheet30having passed the registration roller pair35is sent to the gap between the first intermediate transfer belt10and the second intermediate transfer belt20, and the toner image on the surface of the first intermediate transfer belt10is transferred to one side of the sheet30by the transfer roller24. The sheet30, to which the toner image on the surface of the first intermediate transfer belt10has been transferred, is further transported upwards, and the toner image on the surface of the second intermediate transfer belt20is transferred to the other side of the sheet30by the charger26. In effecting the transfer, the transport of the sheet30is timed such that the image position is normal. The sheet30, to which toner images have been transferred to both sides thereof by the above-described step, is sent to the fixing means36, and the toner images on both sides of the sheet30are simultaneously melted and fixed to the sheet, the sheet being transported by the sheet delivery roller pair38by way of the guide pair37to be delivered onto the delivery sheet stacking portion39in the upper portion of the main body frame. In the case in which the delivery sheet stacking portion39is formed as shown inFIG. 1, the sheet30is placed on the delivery sheet stacking portion39such that the side (page) of the sheet30with the image first transferred to the sheet30, that is, the side to which transfer has been directly effected from the first intermediate transfer belt10to the sheet30, faces downwards. Thus, for page collation, the toner image of the second page is first formed on the photosensitive members1, and that toner image is retained on the second intermediate transfer belt20, the image of the first page being directly transferred from the first intermediate transfer belt10to the sheet30. Exposure is effected such that the image to be transferred from the first intermediate transfer belt10to the sheet30is in the form of erect images on the surfaces of the photosensitive members1and that the toner image to be transferred from the second intermediate transfer belt20to the sheet30is in the form of inverted images (mirror images) on the surfaces of the photosensitive members1. This order in image formation for page collation can be realized by a well-known technique for storing image data in memory, and the exposure in which switching to an erect or an inverted (mirror) image is effected can be realized by a well-known image processing technique. In the above-described image forming operation, image formation is effected on both sides of the sheet30; when effecting image formation solely on one side of the sheet30, two methods are available: a method in which a toner image on the second intermediate transfer belt20is transferred to the sheet30, and a method in which the process of transferring toner to the second intermediate transfer belt20is omitted and in which transfer to the sheet30is effected while transferring toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive members1to the first intermediate transfer belt10. In the following, the latter method will be described. In this case, the sheet30is sent to the gap between the first intermediate transfer belt10and the second intermediate transfer belt20in synchronism with the toner image formed on the first intermediate transfer belt10for positional alignment, and the toner image on the first intermediate transfer belt10is transferred to the sheet30by the transfer roller24. At this time, the charger26does not operate, and the sheet30moves with the second intermediate transfer belt20to be fed to the region where the fixing means36is provided to fix the toner to the sheet. Thereafter, the sheet30is detached from the second intermediate transfer belt20, and is delivered by the sheet delivery roller pair38by way of the guide pair37onto the delivery sheet stacking portion39, with the image surface facing downward (face down). In this arrangement, even if a document with several pages is processed successively starting with the first page, the printed sheets are in order when extracted from the delivery sheet stacking portion39. In the following, the cleaning device25featuring this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2schematically shows the construction of the second intermediate transfer belt20. As shown inFIG. 2, as the second cleaning device25serving as the cleaning means for the second intermediate transfer belt20, there is provided a cleaning blade27. This cleaning blade27has an attachment/detachment mechanism (not shown), making it possible for the blade to be brought into contact with and separated from the second intermediate transfer belt20. Further, there is arranged a tension roller28as an opposing member opposing the cleaning blade27with the second intermediate transfer belt20being therebetween. Further, the cleaning blade27is formed of a conductive material, and voltage is applied to the cleaning blade27from a power source device (not shown). Next, the operation of the cleaning blade27when a toner image is transferred to the second intermediate transfer belt20will be described. A toner image transferred from the first intermediate transfer belt10to the second intermediate transfer belt20is transferred to a transfer sheet by the charger26. To remove any residual toner remaining on the second intermediate transfer belt20, the cleaning blade27is brought into contact with the second intermediate transfer belt20. At this time, there is applied a voltage generating an electric field between the tension roller28and the cleaning blade27. More specifically, a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied from a power source device (not shown) to the cleaning blade27, and an electric field is generated between the tension roller28, which is grounded, and the cleaning blade27. Due to the action of this electric field, the electrostatic attraction force between the second intermediate transfer belt20and the residual toner thereon is reduced, and, in this state, cleaning is effected by the cleaning blade27. Next, the operation of the cleaning blade27when copying is effected solely on one side of a transfer sheet and there is no toner image on the second intermediate transfer belt20will be described. The toner image formed on the first intermediate transfer belt10is transferred to the transfer sheet. At this time, some paper powder from the transfer sheet adheres to the second intermediate transfer belt20. To remove this paper powder, the cleaning blade27is brought into contact with the second intermediate transfer belt20, and the paper powder on the second intermediate transfer belt20is thereby removed. At this time, the paper powder is removed without applying any voltage to the cleaning blade27from the power source device. Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3schematically shows the construction of this modification. The cleaning device25shown inFIG. 3is equipped with two cleaning members: the cleaning blade27and a cleaning roller29. The cleaning blade27and the cleaning roller29are respectively equipped with attachment/detachment mechanisms (not shown), making them capable of being brought into contact with and separated from the second intermediate transfer belt20. Further, there is provided the tension roller28as the opposing member opposed to the cleaning blade27through the intermediation of the second intermediate transfer belt20. A voltage is applied to the cleaning roller29from a power source device (not shown). When cleaning is to be performed on any residual toner on the second intermediate transfer belt20, the cleaning blade27and the cleaning roller29are brought into contact with the second intermediate transfer belt20. Then, a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the cleaning roller29from a power source device (not shown) to generate an electric field between the tension roller28, which is grounded, and the cleaning blade27. Due to the action of this electric field, the electrostatic attraction force between the second intermediate transfer belt20and the residual toner thereon is reduced. Then, the residual toner and the paper powder on the second intermediate transfer belt20are removed by the cleaning roller29and the cleaning blade27. In the case of one-side copying and when no toner image is formed on the second intermediate transfer belt20, only the cleaning blade27is brought into contact with the second intermediate transfer belt20to remove the paper powder on the second intermediate transfer belt20. According to this embodiment, when there is some residual toner on the second intermediate transfer belt20, a voltage is applied to the cleaning blade27to thereby remove the residual toner and paper powder. In the case of one-side copying and when no residual toner exists on the second intermediate belt20, no voltage is applied to the cleaning blade27, which is brought into contact with the second intermediate transfer belt20to remove paper powder therefrom. Conventionally, as the means for cleaning the second intermediate transfer belt, there has only been available a single cleaning means, e.g., a cleaning means with a strong cleaning power for toner. Thus, the load on the second intermediate transfer belt has been rather large, resulting in, for example, a premature deterioration of the second intermediate transfer belt. In contrast, in this embodiment, there are provided, as described above, two cleaning means: the powerful cleaning means for removing toner, and the cleaning means for removing paper powder. Thus, it is possible to perform cleaning in a satisfactory manner. Further, as compared with the prior-art technique, the load on the second intermediate transfer belt20is reduced, so that the second intermediate transfer belt20is less subject to deterioration. Further, according to the modification of this embodiment, the cleaning device25has two cleaning members: the cleaning blade27and the cleaning roller29. When a strong cleaning power is required as in the case of the removal of residual toner, cleaning is performed with the two cleaning members of the cleaning blade27and the cleaning roller29. When cleaning is to be performed on an object that is relatively easy to remove from the second intermediate transfer belt20as in the case of paper powder, cleaning is performed with the cleaning blade27alone. In this way, for the removal of residual toner, a plurality of cleaning means are used, thereby making it possible to reliably remove toner. As described above, in accordance with the present invention, there are provided a plurality of cleaning means for cleaning the second intermediate transfer member. Thus, at least one of these cleaning means may be used as the cleaning means for the case where a toner image is to be transferred solely to the second side of a recording medium, and the other cleaning means may be used as the cleaning means for the case where toner images are to be transferred to both sides of the recording medium. Thus, the cleaning means to be operated when toner images are to be transferred to both sides of a recording medium can be more powerful than the cleaning means to be operated when a toner image is to be transferred solely to the second side of the recording medium. In this way, cleaning is possible with different powers for different types of image formation on the recording medium, whereby it is possible to perform cleaning reliably, and no undue load is applied to the second intermediate transfer member, thereby making it advantageously possible to elongate the service life of the second intermediate transfer member. Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

6G

03

G

In the drawings, the reference numbers indicate the following members: 1 . . . Unit cell, 1 A . . . End electrode, 1 a . . . Flat electrode, 1 b . . . Convex electrode, 2 . . . PTC layer, 2 A . . . Center hole, 2 B . . . Through hole, 3 . . . First electrode, 3 A . . . Convex section, 3 B . . . Through hole, 4 . . . Second electrode, 4 A . . . Convex section, 4 B . . . Through hole, 5 . . . Casing, 5 A . . . Electrode window, P . . . PTC device EMBODIMENTS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. The following embodiments of a battery pack and a PTC device incorporated in the battery pack are given as examples embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention is not particularly restricted to the battery packs and the PTC devices described below. Further, in order to facilitate the understanding of the claims, the present specification has indicated, in the CLAIMS and the DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION , the reference numbers corresponding to the members shown in the embodiments. However, this by no means restricts the members indicated in the CLAIMS to the members in the embodiments. The battery pack shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 has incorporated in a casing 5 two unit cells 1 and a PTC device P for protecting the cells 1 from overcurrent. The cells 1 are rechargeable (secondary) cells such as a nickel-cadmium cell, a nickel-metal hydride cell, or a lithium ion cell. A feature of the nickel-cadmium cells or the nickel-metal hydride cells is high current charge and discharge. The PTC device P incorporated in the battery pack has the characteristic of increasing its electrical resistance rapidly when the overcurrent flows through the cells 1 or when the temperature of the cells 1 rises, thereby shutting off or drastically decreasing the flow of current through the cells 1 . The casing 5 is a plastic molded part or a heat-shrinkable tubing and covers the unit cells 1 and the PTC device P. The shown casing 5 has electrode windows 5 A to expose the end electrodes 1 A of the cells 1 . In the battery pack according to the present invention, it is also possible to have a construction where, instead of exposing the end electrodes from electrode windows in the casing, lead wires connected to the end electrodes are connected to external electrodes affixed to the casing. The two unit cells 1 are placed side by side in parallel. The battery pack in the Figures has two cells 1 placed in parallel, but the battery pack according to the present invention may also incorporate three or more unit cells. The two cells 1 are placed so that the end electrodes 1 A thereof are on the same or almost the same plane. As shown in the exploded oblique view in FIG. 7 , the PTC device P has the first electrode layer 3 on the bottom surface and the second electrode layer 4 on the top surface of the PTC layer 2 . The first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 are bonded to the top and bottom surfaces of the PTC layer 2 so that they are connected electrically. The first electrode 3 , the PTC layer 2 , and the second electrode 4 are, as can be seen in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 8 , intimately attached in a laminated state of three layers. As can be seen in the top view in FIG. 6 and the exploded oblique view in FIG. 7 , the PTC layer 2 has an external shape which is rectangular with the corners bevelled to conform with the cylindrical cells so that the entire end surfaces of the two adjoining unit cells 1 are covered. The external shape of the PTC layer 2 in the Figures is slightly smaller than the external shape of the cylindrical cells which are the cells 1 . Although not shown in the drawings, the external shape of the PTC layer can also be slightly larger than the external shape of the cylindrical cells. However, if the PTC layer protrudes considerably from the cells, it would be inconvenient to place in the casing. Therefore, the size of the PTC layer is such that it hardly protrudes from the external shape of the cells. The battery pack in the Figures incorporates the cylindrical cells, but there are also battery packs incorporating rectangular cells instead of the cylindrical cells. As can be seen in FIG. 9 , in a battery pack incorporating the rectangular cells, the PTC device P is given a rectangular shape in line with the external shape of the rectangular cells to cover the end surfaces of the unit cells 1 . The PTC layer 2 has through hales 2 B aligned with the end electrodes 1 A of the unit cells 1 . The through hales 2 B are for connecting the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 to the end electrodes 1 A of the cells 1 , and are made large enough to electrically connect the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 to the end electrodes 1 A. In the Figures, the size of the through hole 2 B in the PTC layer 2 is the same as the external shape of the convex electrode 1 b of the cell 1 . The through hole, however, does not need to be the same size as the convex electrode; and it can be larger or smaller than the convex electrode. If the through holes is made smaller, the area of the PTC layer can be made larger. However, the smaller through hole would make it difficult to connect the first electrode and the second electrode to the end electrodes over broad areas. Conversely, if the through hole is made larger, the area of the PTC layer would become smaller, but the first electrode and the second electrode can be connected to the end electrodes over broader areas. The first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 are connected to the end electrodes 1 A of the cells 1 by spot welding. Therefore, the through holes 2 B are sized so that the welding electrode can be inserted into the holes to connect the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 to the end electrodes 1 A. Further, in order to allow the welding electrode to be inserted, the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 which are attached to the both surfaces of the PTC layer 2 have through holes 3 B and 4 B respectively in positions corresponding to the through holes 2 B in the PTC layer 2 . These through holes 3 B and 4 B have sizes almost the same as those of the through holes 2 B. in the PTC layer 2 . The first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 in FIG. 7 are of thin metal sheets cut to the same external shape as that of the PTC layer 2 . The first electrode 3 protrudes from the bottom surface of the PTC layer 2 , where the through hole 2 B is positioned, to form a convex section 3 A, and this convex section 3 A is connected to the end electrode 1 A on the cell 1 . The convex section 3 A has a slightly smaller external shape than that of the through hole 2 B. The second electrode 4 has a convex section 4 A formed, which is inserted in the through hole 2 B of the PTC layer 2 . As this convex section 4 A penetrates the PTC layer 2 and protrudes from the bottom surface thereof, the height of the convex section is taller than that of the convex section of the first electrode 3 . As shown in FIG 5 , the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 have the bottom planes of the convex sections 3 A and 4 A exactly on the same plane. With this configuration, the flat electrode 1 a and the convex electrode 1 b of the two unit cells 1 are positioned exactly on the same plane, and they can be connected to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 . The battery pack according to the present invention, however, does not need to position the convex sections of the first electrode and the second electrode exactly on the same plane. For example, the first electrode may be flat, or it can be shaped to protrude upwards in FIG. 8 , so that the protruding portion may be inserted in the through hole of the PTC layer. The size of the convex section inserted into the through hole in the PTC layer is such that the convex electrode of the unit cell can be inserted; and electrical connection is made with the convex electrode inserted therein. As shown in the drawings as described above, the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 having the same external shape as that of the PTC layer 2 allows for a larger contact area with the PTC layer 2 . The first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 do not need to be the same external shape as that of the PTC layer 2 . For example, although not shown in the drawings, the external shape of the first electrode and the second electrode may be slightly smaller or slightly larger than that of the PTC layer. The battery pack having the construction as described above is assembled in the following manner: (1) The PTC device P is beforehand assembled with the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 attached to the bottom surface and the top surface respectively of the PTC layer 2 . (2) The PTC device P, with the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 connected, is placed on the unit cells 1 positioned side by side in parallel. The PTC device P is placed on the two cells so that its perimeter is aligned with the perimeter of the two cells 1 . (3) A welding electrode is inserted into the through holes 2 B of the PTC layer 2 , and the convex sections 3 A and 4 A of the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 respectively are spot welded and connected to the end electrodes 1 A of the cells 1 . (4) The cells 1 connected to the PTC layer 2 are covered with the casing 5 to form the battery pack. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION The battery pack and the PTC device incorporated into such battery pack according to the present invention are characterized in that the PTC device has the construction facilitating the connection of the first and second electrodes of the PTC device to the end electrodes of the unit cells, and further that the area of the PTC layer with electrodes attached to both surfaces thereof can be made large without the PTC device protruding considerably from the cells. This is because the battery pack and the PTC device according to the present invention have a unique construction for the PTC layer and the first and second electrodes. The PTC layer is formed in the shape that covers almost the entire end surfaces of the two cells to which the first and second electrodes are connected, and further the PTC layer has the through holes positioned against the end electrodes of the unit cells. The first and second electrodes are connected to the end electrodes of the cells at the positions where the through holes are provided in the PTC layer. With this construction, the battery pack having the PTC layer on the end surfaces of a number of the cells by connecting the first and second electrodes to the end electrodes can make the area of the PTC layer extremely large and dramatically -decrease the internal resistance of the PTC layer. Thus, when the unit cells are used under normal conditions, the current loss of the PTC layer is extremely small and the power of the cells can be supplied effectively to the load. Also, by increasing the area of the PTC layer, a large current can be passed through the PTC layer. Thus, the battery pack and the PTC device incorporated in such battery pack according to the present invention achieve the characteristic of being able to be used safely for the large current loads.

7H

02

J

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The technique of generating atomic species in the absence of ion bombardment by using "downstream" techniques is known in the prior art. Such a technique is described with regard to the etching of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 selectively over SiO.sub.2 in "Highly Selective Etching of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 to SiO.sub.2 Employing Fluorine and Chlorine Atoms Generated by Microwave Discharge" J. Electrochem. Soc. , Vol. 136, No. 7, July, 1989. This paper describes etching of silicon nitride selectively in a downstream apparatus referred to therein as a "down-flow type reactor." "Downstream" techniques have the characteristic of preserving atomic species (such as atomic fluorine and/or chlorine) while eliminating ionized species. This is because atomic species are longer lived than are ionized species, and if the gases produced by an ionizing energy are transported to a reaction chamber by a tube of sufficient length (thereby providing an appropriate transit time), ionized species will have recombined but atomic species will remain when the gases reach the reaction chamber. Chlorine (and fluorochlorine) plasmas are known in the prior art to etch titanium-containing materials. However, such plasmas are relatively "chaotic" environments which cause any number of undesirable side effects. Heretofore, little information has been available in the prior art about the etch mechanisms and etch characteristics of titanium-containing materials. Research resulting in a paper "Investigations of TiN Etch Mechanisms in a Cl.sub.2 /N.sub.2 Plasma", appended hereto and forming a part of the specification hereof, shows that atomic chlorine is primarily responsible for the etching of titanium-containing materials, and that this etch process is essentially unaffected by ion bombardment. Further, it is known that the etch rate of silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2 ) is dramatically affected by ion bombardment, and is effectively stopped in the absence of ions. These observations raise the possibility of etching titanium-containing materials selectively to SiO.sub.2 by using a "down-flow type reactor" to generate atomic chlorine in the absence of ion bombardment. Further research proved this technique to be viable. It has also been observed that the presence of fluorine in the atomic chlorine environment inhibits the etching of aluminum. This observation. By making use of an exchange reaction wherein atomic fluorine exchanges with molecular chlorine as shown below it is possible to add molecular chlorine to fluorine generated by energy discharge in a downstream chamber to provide an atomic chlorine etching environment with fluorine present. EQU F+Cl.sub.2 .rarw..fwdarw. FCl +Cl FIG. 2 shows a technique 200 for etching a wafer 201 having exposed titanium-containing material in a reaction chamber 202 joined to a plasma chamber 204 by a tube 206. Reaction chamber 202 has an exhaust port 208. Pressurized fluorine-containing gas, such as CF.sub.4, in a fluorine supply tube 210 passes through a fluorine control valve 220 (when opened) and a tube 214 into plasma chamber 204. Pressurized molecular chlorine gas (Cl.sub.2) in a supply tube 212 passes through a chlorine control valve 222 (when opened) and tube 216 into plasma chamber 204. Molecular chlorine gas also passes through a second chlorine control valve 224 (when opened) and another tube 218 into reaction chamber 202. (Only fluorine-containing gas and chlorine gas are relevant to the present invention, other gases and species are not shown. If titanium-containing material is to be etched, but no aluminum will be exposed in the process (see, for example FIGS. 1c and 1e), then fluorine control valve 220 is closed. chlorine control valve 222 is opened permitting the flow of molecular chlorine into plasma chamber 204. Second chlorine control valve 224 is closed. A plasma 226 (in this case, a chlorine plasma) is generated by applying an ionizing energy source. Plasma 226, in this case contains atomic chlorine and ionized species. The flow of gas into plasma chamber 204 causes the gaseous environment therein to be transported through tube 206 to the reaction chamber 202, forming a gaseous reaction environment 228. In the area generally indicated by 227, ions recombine. Atomic species of chlorine, however, have a longer life and are transported into the gaseous reaction environment 228. The atomic chlorine etches the titanium-containing material on wafer 201 without damaging any underlying oxide. In the event that aluminum will be exposed as the titanium containing material is removed (see, for example, FIGS. 1a and 1b) then an alternative technique may be used whereby fluorine control valve 220 is opened, chlorine control valve 222 is closed, and second chlorine control valve 224 is opened. This permits the flow of a fluorine containing gas, (CF.sub.4 for this example) into the plasma chamber 204. The plasma chamber 204 generates a gaseous plasma 226 including CF.sub.3, atomic fluorine, and ionized .species. The gaseous environment is transported through tube 206 to reaction chamber 202. Ions are recombined in tube 206 in the area generally indicated by 227. The gases exiting tube 206 combine with molecular chlorine gas entering the reaction chamber 202 to form a gaseous reaction environment 228. In this case, the atomic chlorine etchant is formed by the aforementioned exchange reaction between atomic fluorine and molecular chlorine. The presence of fluorine in the gaseous reaction environment 228 inhibits etching of aluminum, but does not impede the etching of titanium-containing materials. FIG. 2b shows another embodiment of the invention: a technique 230 for etching titanium-containing material on a wafer 248 generates atomic chlorine by the discharge of high frequency energy (such as RF energy or microwave energy) from a high-frequency energy source 242 via discharge means 243 into a gaseous environment in discharge area 245. Pressurized fluorine-containing gas, such as CF.sub.4 in a supply tube 252 is admitted through a tube 254 to discharge chamber (tube) 240 into discharge area 245. Pressurized molecular chlorine gas in a supply tube 256 is admitted by valve 264 through tube 254 into discharge area 245 of discharge chamber 240. Energy discharge means 243 apply the high-frequency energy from high-frequency energy source 242 to the gas(es) in discharge area 245. creating atomic species and ionized species. Discharge chamber 240 is sufficiently long in an area 262 removed from the discharge area 245 that ion recombination occurs as gases pass through this area, but atomic species survive and are passed into a gaseous environment 260 in reaction chamber 244. Molecular chlorine gases is admitted by valve 266 through a tube 258 into reaction chamber 244. Other than the specific energy discharge mechanism used to generate the atomic species, this apparatus is essentially identical to the apparatus of FIG. 2a. Instead of a plasma chamber (204) as in FIG. 2a, this technique uses a discharge chamber 240. Only a portion (245) of the discharge chamber 240 is actually used for energy discharge into a gaseous environment, leaving a significant remaining portion of discharge chamber 240 removed from the discharge area 245. This area is analogous to tube 206 with respect to FIG. 2a. Valve 262 corresponds to valve 220, valve 264 corresponds to valve 222, and valve 266 corresponds to valve 224. The operation of these valves and the resulting reactions are identical to those discussed with respect to FIG. 2a. The only difference is that instead of using a plasma to generate the atomic species, the technique of FIG. 2b uses high-frequency energy discharge. In one embodiment of the invention this high-frequency energy is microwave energy. In another embodiment of the present invention, the high-frequency energy is radio-frequency (RF) energy. Discharge of microwave energy and RF energy are both known to those of ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 3a shows etching of titanium-containing material 314 on a wafer 300 in a fluorine-chlorine exchange environment 320, wherein titanium-containing material 314 is etched selectively without etching underlying aluminum 304 and without eroding an upper oxide layer 302. A hole 310, etched into upper oxide layer 302 exposes a portion 314 (shown as dashed lines) of a layer 312 of titanium-containing material overlying an aluminum wiring layer 304. Underlying all of this is lower oxide layer 306. In the presence of atomic chlorine in the fluorine-chlorine exchange environment, the portion 314 of the layer 312 of the titanium containing material in hole 310 is etched away, exposing aluminum wiring layer 304. Fluorine in the fluorine-chlorine exchange environment inhibits etching of aluminum layer 304 by the atomic chlorine. The fluorine-chlorine exchange may be generated by a downstream technique as described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 2a and 2b. FIG. 3b shows etching of titanium-containing material 342 on top of a wafer 330 in a gaseous environment 346 containing atomic chlorine, wherein titanium-containing material 342 is etched selectively without etching an underlying upper oxide layer 332 and without creating trenches around a tungsten plug 344 deposited into a hole 340 etched into layer 332. Tungsten plug 344 makes electrical contact with an underlying aluminum wiring layer through hole 340. The titanium-containing material provides a good adhesion to the tungsten plug 344. Underlying all of this is lower oxide layer 336. In the presence of atomic chlorine in the gaseous environment 346, the exposed portions of the layer 342 of the titanium containing material (shown as dashed lines) are etched away, exposing but not eroding underlying oxide layer 332. The gaseous environment 346 may be generated by the downstream techniques discussed hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 2a and 2b. While FIGS. 3a and 3b show application to via holes, whereby electrical contact is made to an underlying wiring layer, the technique of the present invention is equally applicable to contact holes (see for example, FIG. 1e) wherein the underlying material to which contact is made is silicon or polysilicon.

2C

03

C

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous. In the context of this invention, a comestible refers to any product that may used in the mouth, including food, confections, mouth wash, dentifrices, and the like. Confections include both chewing gum and all types of candy. Chewing gum refers to chewing gum, bubble gum and the like. Moreover, all percentages herein are based on weight percentages unless otherwise specified. Further, although some terms are referred to in the singular, it is understood that such references may also encompass the plural. For example, although chewing gum coating is referred to in the singular, it is understood that coated chewing gum normally contains multiple layers of coating. Menthol may be added to consumer products for flavoring and breath freshening. To enhance the menthol flavor and cooling perceived in a consumer product, numerous physiological cooling agents can be added along with the menthol. Preferred physiological cooling agents do not have a perceptible flavor of their own, but simply provide a cooling effect. Physiological cooling agents include menthyl succinate, acyclic carboxamides, menthyl lactate, N-substituted p-menthane carboxamides, and mixtures thereof. Two particularly useful cooling agents are WS-3 [n-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide] and WS-23 [2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethyl butanamide]. Substituted p-menthane carboxamides, especially N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,060,091; 4,190,643 and 4,136,163, all assigned to Wilkinson Sword. Acyclic carboxamides, especially N-2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide (WS-23), are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,296,255; 4,230,688; and 4,153,679; all assigned to Wilkinson Sword. Another N-substituted p-menthane carboxamide is N-tert-Butyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, known as WS-14. The concentration of physiological cooling agent in a product will depend on the intensity of the physiological cooling agent and the desired cooling effect. In general the concentration of physiological cooling agents used is between about 0.001% and about 2% by weight of the product. The preferred concentration of physiological cooling agent is between about 0.01% and about 1.0%, more preferably between 0.02% and about 0.5%. The preferred physiological coolant agents of this invention are WS-3 and/or WS-23 combined with menthol. WS-3 and WS-23 are individual coolants with their own physical properties and sensory attributes. WS-3 is a p-menthane carboxamide based on menthol. WS-23 is an acyclic carboxamide based on menthol with an open ring. Their physical properties are different as well as their sensory attributes. Menthol, WS-3, and WS-23 give different types of cooling in different areas of the mouth. Menthol gives an airy, aromatic, nasal, vapor action type cooling, whereas the other two give an odorless type cooling in the front or back of the throat. To give a more complete cooling sensation, a combination of all three coolants may be used in products. Menthol, WS-3, and WS-23 are solid materials at room temperature and, once melted, will quickly solidify and recrystallize upon cooling. Other cooling agents such as menthyl lactate, menthyl succinate, and other WS compounds (such as WS-14) may also be used. Although many coolants are liquids and can be easily dispersed in products, these coolants are solid materials and need to be dissolved in a solvent or other flavors to properly admix them to various types of food products. Table 1 shows the melting temperatures of these physiological coolants. TABLE 1Cooling agentMelting temperatureMenthyl Lactate40-42° C.Menthyl Succinate59-61° C.WS-388° C.WS-14148° C.WS-2362-64° C. A mixture of menthol and one or more physiological cooling agents can be melted and cooled to form a liquid composition that is stable for a period of time at room temperature. This allows the use of a liquid flavoring composition at room temperature which comprises menthol and one or more physiological cooling agents. The method of preparing the liquid flavoring composition includes combining menthol and at least one physiological cooling agent selected from the group consisting of N-substituted p-menthane carboxamides, acyclic carboxamides, menthyl succinate and combinations thereof. The menthol and the at least one physiological cooling agent are heated to form a liquid composition. The composition of the menthol and the at least one physiological cooling agent is cooled to less than about 30° C. while maintaining the composition in a liquid state to create the liquid flavoring composition. In one embodiment, the composition of the menthol and the at least one physiological cooling agent is cooled to about 25° C. while maintaining the composition in a liquid state to create the liquid flavoring composition. In one embodiment, the liquid flavoring composition comprises about 25% to about 75% by weight menthol and about 25% to about 75% by weight of the at least one physiological cooling agent. In particular embodiments, the flavoring composition includes about 25% to about 75% by weight menthol and about 25% to about 75% by weight WS-3; about 25% to about 75% by weight menthol and about 25% to about 75% by weight WS-23; and about 25% to about 75% by weight menthol and about 25% to about 75% by weight a mixture of WS-3 and WS-23. The menthol and the at least one physiological cooling agent are heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the menthol and the physiological cooling agent. In one embodiment, the menthol and the at least one physiological cooling agent are heated to a temperature of at least about 65° C. The heating of the menthol and the physiological cooling agent melts the menthol and the physiological cooling agent. While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the lower-melting point component(s) melt first and then help to dissolve the higher-melting point component(s). The heated components may be mixed by any suitable method, and may be mixed before or after melting. After cooling to around room temperature, the liquid flavoring composition maintains a stable liquid form. The liquid flavoring composition maintains a liquid form at 25° C. for a period of at least about 90 minutes, preferably at least about 24 hours, more preferably at least about 4 days, and most preferably at least about 30 days. The present invention also provides a flavoring composition which is liquid at 25° C., comprising about 25% to about 75% by weight menthol and about 25% to about 75% by weight of at least one physiological cooling agent selected from the group consisting of N-substituted p-menthane carboxamides, acyclic carboxamides, menthyl succinate and combinations thereof. Preferably, the physiological cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), 2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethyl butanamide (WS-23), and combinations thereof. The physiological cooling agent can be 100% WS-3, 100% WS-23, or a combination of the two physiological cooling agents in any amount. In one embodiment, at least about 75% of the flavoring composition is the menthol and the at least one physiological cooling agent. In one embodiment, the flavoring composition contains no additional flavoring or solvent. In another embodiment, the flavoring composition comprises less than about 25% by weight of any additional flavoring or solvent. The invention also provides a method of making a flavored product which includes preparing the liquid flavoring composition as described above and incorporating the liquid flavoring composition into a comestible. In one embodiment, the liquid flavoring composition is incorporated into a coating for a comestible. The comestible may be a food product, or a confection such as chewing gum or candy. In one embodiment, a confection includes the flavoring composition at about 0.1% to about 2% by weight. In a further embodiment, the chewing gum includes the flavoring composition at about 0.1% to about 2% by weight. Methods of incorporating physiological cooling agents into various confections are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,233 (chewing gum); U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,783 (a confectionary tablet product); and U.S. Published Application 2004/0191402 (hard candy), the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,233 to Wolf et al. discloses the use of menthol and physiological cooling agents in chewing gum. The physiological cooling agents disclosed include menthyl succinate; acyclic carboxamides; menthyl lactate; 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol; N-substituted p-menthane carboxamides; and menthone glycerol ketals. The menthol and physiological cooling agents are preferably added with a flavor addition. The menthol and physiological cooling agents may also be added to the syrup used to make a coating for the gum, or applied to the gum center. Using the flavoring composition of the present invention, the menthol and physiological cooling agents could be added to the gum separately from the other flavoring ingredients. U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,783 to Clark et al. discloses a confectionary tablet product containing a physiological cooling agent. Exemplary cooling agents include substituted p-menthane carboxamides, acyclic carboxamides, menthone glycerol ketals, menthyl lactate, menthyl succinate, and 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2 diol. The cooling agents are preferably preblended with the flavor before being added to the mixture of ingredients used to form the tablet. Menthol may be preblended with the flavor or may be added to the tablet composition mixture in its crystalline form. The liquid flavoring composition of the present invention allows for the addition of high levels of menthol and physiological cooling agents without increasing the product's moisture or solvent levels. The liquid flavoring composition also allows the menthol and physiological cooling agents to be added to the tablet separately from the other flavoring ingredients. U.S. Published Application 2004/0191402 to Stawski at al. discloses the use of physiological cooling agents in hard candy. Typical cooling agents include substituted p-menthane carboxamides, acyclic carboxamides, menthone glycerol ketals, menthyl lactate, menthyl succinate, menthyl glutarate, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2 diol, 1-isopulegol, p-menthane-3,8-diol and mixtures thereof. Menthol and physiological cooling agents are added at least to the jacket material of the candy. These cooling agents may be preblended with the flavor before being added to the mixture of ingredients used to form the hard candy. Menthol may be preblended with the flavor or may be added to the hard candy composition in its crystalline form. The core and the outer layer of the candy may have different levels of cooling agents. Using the flavoring composition of the present invention, the menthol and physiological cooling agents could be added as a uniform surface coating due to its liquid form, without the need for additional liquid flavors or solvents. The present invention provides a method of incorporation that increases the flexibility of batch processing by separating the liquid menthol and physiological cooling composition from the other liquid flavors in the production of consumer products. The liquid cooling composition can be made and stored until it is needed for production. A master batch of the liquid cooling composition could be made and pulled from for different finished consumer products which each contain different flavoring components. This is particularly of interest to manufacturers producing smaller batches and/or producing a wide variety of finished product formulas. In one embodiment, the liquid flavoring composition is used in coated pellet products. When making coated pellet products, liquid flavor is often added to the pellets as they tumble as a mass in a rotating pan. Adding flavors in liquid form allows uniform addition and pellet coating. Addition of flavors as crystalline powder will not uniformly adhere to the pellets, leading to uneven flavor addition to the pellets. If melted coolants were added, the cool pellets and cool air used to dry coatings would cause rapid crystallization and not allow the coolant to evenly cover the surface of the products. Additionally, as air is blown onto or through the mass of pellets as they tumble, dry flavor powder will be lost through the exhaust of the blowing air. The composition of the present invention allows for the addition of menthol and physiological cooling agents to the pellets as a uniform surface coating due to its liquid form, without the need for additional liquid flavors or solvents. In one embodiment, the liquid flavoring composition is used in molten glass confections. When making molten glass confections, components such as sugars or sugar alcohols are heated into a molten mass and moisture is reduced to less than 3%. The lower the moisture content, the more stable the cooled confection. The invention allows for the addition of menthol and physiological cooling agents to the molten glass with uniform distribution without the need for additional liquids. Additional liquids could add moisture to the molten glass or interfere with the glass stability, causing the glass to “cold flow.” The liquid flavoring composition as disclosed herein allows the menthol and physiological cooling agents to be added to the molten glass as the product cools, allowing for reduced evaporation and loss of menthol. In one embodiment, the flavoring composition comprises less than about 5% by weight water, preferably less than about 3% by weight water. In one embodiment, the liquid flavoring composition is used in pressed confection tablets. When making pressed confection tablets, components such as sugars and polyols are combined with flavoring compounds and binders and then compressed to the size and texture desired. Moisture and solvent content must be limited or capping or cracking can occur. The liquid flavoring composition allows for the addition of high levels of menthol and physiological cooling agents without increasing the product's moisture or solvent levels. Additionally, the liquid flavoring composition allows for the homogenous mixing of the menthol and physiological cooling agents with the other components without the stratification that could occur with dry addition of the menthol and physiological cooling agents to the other dry components. Dry addition of menthol and physiological cooling agents could also create visual defects through its particle size and uneven incorporation. In one embodiment, the liquid flavoring composition is used in nutritional food bars. With nutritional food bars, excess moisture and solvents will create a sticky texture, which could be cause sticking to the packaging, create unacceptable visual appearance, and create unacceptable eating texture. The liquid flavoring composition allows for the uniform addition of menthol and physiological cooling agents to the food product without the addition of moisture or solvents. Using the disclosed flavoring composition, solvents in quantities sufficient to dissolve the menthol and the physiological cooling agents are not necessary to give consumer products even flavor profiles throughout production batches and individual product units. The liquid flavoring composition disclosed herein, unlike solid flavoring additives, will not interfere with consumer product texture through grittiness, and will not interfere with consumer product appearance through product visual heterogeneity and opacity. EXAMPLES In Examples 1-16, menthol, WS-3, and/or WS-23 were dry mixed, heated in an oven at 65-70° C., and the mixture gently stirred after melting began. A temperature of 65-70° C. was sufficient to melt all the formulations shown in Examples 1-16. Samples were then stored at room temperature (22-25° C.) and observed for hardening and crystallizing. TABLE 2Ex. 1Ex. 2Ex. 3Ex. 4Ex. 5Ex. 6Ex. 7Ex. 8Menthol5050757030307570WS-30500150352530WS-235002515703500Time to>4>4>4>424 hrs>4<9024 hrshardendaysdaysdaysdaysdaysmin TABLE 3Ex. 9Ex. 10Ex. 11Ex. 12Ex. 13Ex. 14Ex. 15Ex. 16Menthol9095959030202070WS-310050700800WS-2305010080030Time to<90<90<90<9090 min>2 hrs<2 hrs>4 dayshardenminminminmin From Tables 2 and 3, it can be seen that the compositions in Examples 1-4, 6 and 16 remained liquid and non-crystallizing for at least 4 days. The compositions in Examples 9-12 and 15 solidified and crystallized in less than 24 hours, often in less then 90 minutes. Results indicate that the menthol percentage for the greatest stability against crystallization was about 25% to about 75% menthol. A stability time of at least 90 minutes is preferred. In Examples 17 and 18, shown in Table 4, the combination of menthol and physiological cooling agents can be first melted together and then added to the gum batch without the need for the menthol or cooling agents to be first dissolved in a flavor or solvent ingredient. This allows flexibility in formulation, as a formula may not contain enough liquid flavor or solvent to dissolve the formula quantities of menthol and cooling agents. In other situations, the manufacturer may want to add the liquid flavors and the combined coolants at separate stages of the gum production. TABLE 4Chewing Gum with Menthol and Cooling AgentsExample 17Example 18Sorbitol48.6049.60Base25.0025.00Glycerin11.4011.40Coevaporated Glycerin/Lycasin*7.677.67Maltitol5.005.00Spearmint Flavor1.090.78Liquid flavoring composition**0.460.76Lecithin0.300.30Encapsulated Sweeteners0.340.34Salt Solution***0.100.10Color0.040.04Total100.00100.00*Contains 25% glycerin, 67.5% Lycasin brand hydrogenated starch hydrolysate solids and 7.5% water**Contains 44% menthol and 56% WS-23 in Example 17 and 50% menthol and 50% WS-23 in Example 18.***Contains 10% NaCl and 90% water In Example 17, a 44:56 ratio of menthol: WS-23 can be melted and added to the gum separately from the Spearmint flavor. In Example 18, a 50:50 ratio of menthol: WS-23 can be melted and added separately to the gum formulation. Both products would have good coolness with an even distribution of cooling. Examples 19-21 show the use of the combination of menthol and coolants in a gum center and gum coating. TABLE 5Example 19 CenterSorbitol39.5%Base32.0%Calcium Carbonate15.0%70% Liquid Sorbitol7.5%Encapsulated Menthol2.2%Eucalyptus flavor0.8%Glycerin0.9%Encapsulated sweeteners0.9%Liquid flavoring composition*1.2%Total100.0%*Contains 75% menthol and 25% WS-23 TABLE 6Example 20Example 21CoatingCoatingIsomalt90.5%90.3%Gum Arabic5.5%5.5%Titanium Dioxide1.0%1.0%Eucalyptus flavor0.8%0.1%Intense Sweetener0.5%0.8%Color0.1%0.1%Polishing Agents0.2%0.2%Liquid flavoring composition*1.4%2.0%Total100.0%100.0%*Contains 71% menthol and 29% WS-23 in Example 20 and 75% menthol and 25% WS-23 in Example 21 The gum center of Example 19 can be coated with the coating of Example 20 to give a 33% coated product (⅓ coating:⅔ center) with a eucalyptus/menthol type flavor with good cooling. The eucalyptus flavor can be applied in two coating applications of the coating syrup and the menthol/WS-23 mixture (1.0/0.4) can be applied at two other coating syrup applications to give a menthol/eucalyptus type product with good cooling. The gum center of Example 19 can also be coated as in Example 21 to give a 33% coated product with a menthol type flavor with good cooling. The eucalyptus flavor can be applied in one coating application of the coating syrup and the menthol/WS-23 mixture (1.5/0.5) can be applied in three applications of the coating syrup. This will give a mentholated-type chewing gum product with good cooling and menthol taste. Example 22 A eucalyptus/menthol hard candy can be made with good cooling using the formulation of Table 7 and the process described below. TABLE 7Example 22Isomalt97.68%Xylitol1.00Acesulfame K0.05%Aspartame0.10%Flavor0.80%Liquid flavoring composition*0.35%Color0.02%Total100.0%*Contains 71% menthol and 29% WS-23 Isomalt, xylitol, and acesulfame K are mixed in water and cooked until the cooked syrup reaches a moisture level of about 1-2%, forming a thick syrup. The thick syrup is poured on a stainless steel cooling table and allowed to cool. Aspartame, eucalyptus flavor, color, and the melted blend of menthol and WS-23 are then added and mixed by kneading. The mix is cooled to room temperature and cut as needed. Example 23 A peppermint compressed mint tablet with strong menthol/cooling can be made using the formulation of Table 8 and the process described below. TABLE 8Example 23Sorbitol98.7%Aspartame0.1%Magnesium Stearate1.0%Flavor0.1%Liquid flavoring composition*0.1%100.0%*Contains 50% menthol and 50% WS-23 The ingredients are weighed in suitable containers. Sorbitol is placed in a mixing bowl and flavor, sweetener, and a liquid blend of menthol and WS-23 are added. The components are mixed for 3 minutes. The magnesium stearate is added and mixed for 3 minutes. Tableting is started and size, weight, and hardness are adjusted. Example 24 A peppermint, sugarless gum drop with strong menthol cooling can be made using the formulation of Table 9 and the process described below. TABLE 9Example 24Gelatin, 200 Bloom type B7.0%Crystalline sorbitol68.6%Hot water (80°-90° C.)14.0%Water10.0%Flavor0.2%Liquid flavoring composition*0.10%Color0.10%Total100.0%*Contains 50% menthol and 50% WS-23 Gelatin is dissolved directly in hot water. The sorbitol and water are cooked at 115° C. and the gelatin solution added. The mixture is stirred slowly in order to obtain a smooth homogeneous mixture. Air bubbles are removed with de-aeration equipment or other available means. Color, flavor, and melted mixture of menthol and WS-23 are added. The mixture is deposited into cool and dry starch trays, and some starch sprinkled onto articles. The temperature at depositing is 70° C., and the total solids when depositing is 78 Brix. The starch trays are then stored at room temperature for 24 hours. It should be appreciated that the methods and compositions of the present invention are capable of being incorporated in the form of a variety of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated and described above. The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. It will be appreciated that the addition of some other ingredients, process steps, materials or components not specifically included will have an adverse impact on the present invention. The best mode of the invention may therefore exclude ingredients, process steps, materials or components other than those listed above for inclusion or use in the invention. However, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

0A

23

L

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION According to the presently claimed invention, it has been found that starting mixtures of transition metal oxides or alkali oxide compounds thereof and a carbon powder with a volatile part can be nitrided, carbonitrided or carburized. The transition metals are the metals of Groups IVa and Va of the Periodic Table. In this way, it is possible to synthesize submicron diameter whiskers of carbide, nitride or carbonitride of the transition metals, preferably of Ti, Ta, Hf, Zr and Nb of superior quality, useful as reinforcement in different types of materials, e.g., plastics, metals, intermetallics, metallic bonded hard materials and ceramics. According to the presently claimed invention, it has been found that by using a carbon powder, with a primary grain size (that is, a majority of the powder) of 10-50 nm, and with a volatile part, between 10 weight % and 30 weight %, which part volatilizes at temperatures up to 1000.degree. C., preferably above 500.degree. C., the porosity of the starting mixture is kept at a high level through the whole reaction. This facilitates the growth of whiskers within the volume of the starting mixture and provides the whisker with an accurate mixture of gas species that are generated from the starting mixture. The porosity also makes it easy for nitrogen to penetrate the reaction mixture in case of synthesizing a nitride whisker. Carbon powder with such a volatile portion is commercially available, for example, from Degussa AG. The carbon source is an oxidized carbon black that has oxygen-containing functional groups like carboxyl and chinon on the surface of the powder which are the volatile portion and which volatize at temperatures up to 1000.degree. C. It may also contain some hydrocarbons. The carbon powder is easily obtainable, either easy to produce in great amounts or commercially available on the market, for example Degussa Color Black FW200 or FW2, Degussa Special Black 6, 5 or 4, which normally are used as black pigment. This way of obtaining a porous reaction mixture can easily be controlled compared to the use of chopped carbon fibers as described in earlier patents. The reaction mixture contains transition metal oxide or alkali oxide compounds thereof with a grain size of about -325 mesh and preferably a fluffy appearance and the above-mentioned carbon powder, in amounts to satisfy the stoichiometric requirements of the desired compound to be produced (e.g., carbide or nitride). An alkali metal chloride like NaCl, KCl of CaCl of conventional grain size, alone or in combination, in the molar ratio 0.1-2, preferably 0.5-1 (alkali metal chloride/transition metal oxide), is added as a volatilization agent for the transition metal. A 50/50 mixture of microsized salt, about 10 .mu.m in size, and a coarse salt of about 2 mm in size has been found to give a good result. A catalyst for the whisker growth, Ni and/or Co powder of conventional grain size, is added in a catalyst/transition metal oxide molar ratio of 0.01-0.5, preferably 0.02-0.1. The reactant powders are mixed, wet or dry, preferably dry, in some conventional manner using a high speed blender so as to intimately mix them. The bulk density of the reaction mixture should be low so that the mixture shall have a flowing appearance, the surfaces of the powders are accessible to reaction gases and reaction products can be removed. The bulk density for a particular mixture can be readily determined by the skilled artisan. The reactant mixture is heated in a graphite furnace at 1000.degree.-1800.degree. C., preferably 1100.degree.-1500.degree. C., in an atmosphere containing Ar, N.sub.2, H.sub.2 or Cl.sub.2 or mixtures thereof, with a small (.apprxeq.50 ml/min), gas flow. The holding time at reaction temperature ranges from 1 to 15 hours and the pressure from 10 mbar to 50 bar, preferably 0.5 to 2 bar. The mole fraction carbon/transition metal depends on the transition metal oxide and the desired product (nitride, carbide or carbonitride), and preferably has a carbon surplus of 0.2-0.7 mol. Also, depending on the type of transition metal and the type of whiskers to be produced, different synthesis parameters such as temperature and gas phase composition must be chosen. For the production of nitride-whiskers according to the presently claimed invention, N.sub.2 -gas is utilized. An oxide of Ta, Nb, Ti, etc., alone or in combination is mixed with the carbon powder with C/metal oxide mole ratio such that a surplus according to the chemical equation is obtained. The overall chemical reaction can be written, e.g, for Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 : EQU Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 (s)+5C(s)+N.sub.2 (g).fwdarw.2TaN(s)+5CO(g) It is essential for this reaction to proceed to the right, that the CO-partial-pressure is held sufficiently low and that nitrogen gas is provided to the interior of the reaction mixture. This means that the nitrogen must penetrate the reaction mixture whose porosity is held at highest possible level using the carbon powder according to the presently claimed invention. The temperature is held between 1100.degree. and 1500.degree. C. and the pressure in the reaction-zone can be up to 50 bar, preferably 0.5-5 bar. In this way, high quality whiskers of nitride with low levels (.ltoreq.1 weight %) of residual free oxygen are obtained. The amount of carbon left depends on the surplus used in the starting mixtures. If carbon fulfilling the stoichiometric requirements for producing carbide whiskers plus a surplus is used in the starting mixture, the overall chemical reaction can be written, e.g., for Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 : EQU Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 (s)+7C(s).fwdarw.2TaC(s)+5CO(g) The temperature shall be held between 1200.degree. and 1400.degree. C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for three hours and then the gas is switched to Ar and the temperature raised to 1300.degree.-1500.degree. C. for two hours. The reason for using nitrogen is that the reaction can take place at a lower temperature compared to Ar atmosphere. The nitrogen that has been incorporated in the structure of the carbide is then replaced with carbon during the annealing in Ar. However, in the titanium system, the nitride is stable at the reaction temperature so in this case, Ar gas is preferred. If this synthesis route is followed, carbide whiskers of extremely high quality with low level of nitrogen (.ltoreq.0.2 weight %) and oxygen (.ltoreq.0.5 weight %) can be produced. By choosing an intermediate amount of carbon, a nitrogen atmosphere and a temperature in the same range as the carbide synthesis, but no extra holding temperature in Ar, carbonitride whiskers are obtained. The result of the synthesis according to the presently claimed invention, is a mixture of generally submicron diameter whiskers in an amount between 70 and 80% by volume and very small (.ltoreq.1 .mu.m diameter) particles of the synthesized product. This high yield makes an extra separation of whiskers and particles plus the residual carbon unnecessary. However, if an even higher yield is desired, a subsequent refinement step can be applied. The optimal conditions given above, both starting formulation and synthesis parameters, depend on the equipment used for the synthesis and the choice of raw materials. It is within the purview of the skilled artisan using other equipment and other raw materials to determine the optimal conditions by experiments. The invention is additionally illustrated in connection with the following Examples which are to be considered as illustrative of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific details of the Examples. EXAMPLE 1 Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 powder (Cerac, T-1013, -325 mesh) was mixed with carbon powder (Degussa FW200) with mole fraction C/Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 =5.1, 0.5 mole fractions of NaCl/Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 (NaCl, Akzo) and 0.02 mole fractions of Ni/Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 (Ni, Cerac, N1023, -325 mesh) were also added. The powders were mixed in a high speed blender and then subjected to a carbothermal nitridation with the following process parameters T=1220.degree. C. t=5 hours p(N.sub.2)=1 bar The whiskers produced consisted of Ta(N,C) with a lattice parameter of 4.33 .ANG.. The amount of inorganic bound oxygen was less than 1 weight %. The whiskers are straight and of submicron size, FIG. 1. EXAMPLE 2 Example 1 was repeated with the following synthesis parameters: C/Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 =7.1 T=1250.degree. C./1300.degree. C. t=5 hours and 2 hours p(N.sub.2) and p(Ar)=800 mbar A SEM-micrograph of the resultant TaC whiskers, which were straight with smooth surfaces of submicron size, are shown in FIG. 2. The whiskers were pure TaC with a lattice parameter of 4.45 .ANG.. The amount of inorganic bound oxygen was less than 0.1 weight %. EXAMPLE 3 NbC whiskers were produced using Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 (Cerac N-1117, -325 mesh) and with the following synthesis parameters: C/Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 =7.1 Ni/Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 =0.02 NaCl/Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 =0.5 T=1300.degree. C./1400.degree. C. t=5 hours and 2 hours p(N.sub.2) and p(Ar)=800 mbar The whiskers were pure NbC with a lattice parameter of 4.47 .ANG.. The amount of inorganic bound oxygen was less than 0.9 weight %. The whiskers had smooth surface morphology and were of submicron size. EXAMPLE 4 HfC whiskers were produced using HfO.sub.2 (Cerac H1012,-325 mesh) and with the following synthesis parameters: C/HfO.sub.2 =2.05 Ni/HfO.sub.2 =0.02 NaCl/HfO.sub.2 =0.5 T=1400.degree. C./1500.degree. C. t=5 hours and 2 hours p(N.sub.2) and p(Ar)=600 mbar The whiskers were pure HfC. The amount of inorganic bound oxygen was less than 0.5 weight %. The whiskers had smooth surface morphology and with submicron size. EXAMPLE 5 For producing TiN whiskers starting from TiO.sub.2 (Cerac T1156, -325 mesh) the following synthesis parameters were chosen: C/TiO.sub.2 =2.05 Ni/TiO.sub.2 =0.02 NaCl/TiO.sub.2 =0.5 T=1400.degree. C. t=5 hours p(N.sub.2)=1 bar The whiskers were pure TiN. The amount free carbon was less than 0.4 weight % and the amount of inorganic bound oxygen was less than 0.5 weight %. The whiskers had smooth surface morphology and with submicron size. EXAMPLE 6 For producing TiC whiskers starting from TiO.sub.2 (Cerac T1156, -325 mesh) the following synthesis parameters were chosen: C/TiO.sub.2 =3.1 Ni/TiO.sub.2 =0.02 NaCl/TiO.sub.2 =0.5 T=1450.degree. C./1500.degree. C. t=5 hours and 2 hours p(Ar) =800 mbar The whiskers were pure TiC. The amount of inorganic bound oxygen was less than 0.5 weight %. The whiskers had smooth surface morphology and with submicron size. The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein, however, is not to be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, since these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

2C

30

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The I-shaped wooden beam 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises two elongated chords 3 , 5 extending in parallel relationship. It also comprises a plurality of rectangular blocks 7 extending between the chords. The blocks 7 act as joining members. They are regularly spaced apart along the length of the beam 1 and have opposite ends rigidly connected to the chords 3 , 5 so as to form a unitary structure of I-shape. As aforesaid, this basic structure is known per se. However, in accordance with the invention, this structure is improved in that, as is better shown in FIG. 3 , each of the chords 3 , 5 is made of two pieces of wood 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b which have adjacent surfaces 19 that are in contact with each other and extend in parallel relationship with respect to the joining blocks 7 over the corresponding opposite ends thereof. The two pieces of wood 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b also have tongues 11 and grooves 13 positioned close to their adjacent surfaces 19 and sized to match with opposite tongues 15 and grooves 17 made on the corresponding opposite ends of the joining blocks 7 . Of course, the pieces 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b are rigidly connected to each other and to the joining blocks 7 so as to form the requested unitary structure of I-shape. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , each opposite end of each joining block 7 has opposite flat faces with opposite notches made therein. The notches define the grooves 15 of this opposite end whereas the remaining portion of the flat faces adjacent these notches define the tongues 17 of this opposite end. As is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as well as in FIGS. 6 and 7 , each of the pieces of wood 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b is rectangular in shape and comprises one side having one edge with a recess made therein. This recess is shaped to define the tongue 11 and groove 13 of the piece. The remaining portion of the one side of the piece that is adjacent to this recess, defines the adjacent surface 19 of the piece that is in contact with the adjacent surface of the adjacent piece. As is also shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as well as in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the tongues 11 and 15 and grooves 13 and 17 made in the pieces 3 , 5 and the opposite ends of the joining blocks 7 are preferably rectangular in shape. They could however be of other shapes. Thus, for example, in accordance with a first variant shown in FIG. 4 , they could be triangular in shape. In accordance with a second variant shown in FIG. 5 , they could be round-shaped. As a matter of fact, there could be of any shape provided that they fit into each other and provide proper connection between the chords 3 , 5 and the blocks 7 . Also, in all the Figures, the tongue 11 and groove 15 of each piece 3 a or 5 a (and the corresponding groove and tongue of the opposite end of the blocks) have been shown as having the same shape and size as the tongue 11 and groove 15 of the adjacent piece 3 b or 5 b. Such is actually preferred but not essential. Indeed, the tongues and grooves on one side of the I-shaped beam could be of different shape and/or size as those on the opposite side of the same beam. Similarly, in all the Figures, the adjacent surfaces 19 of the pieces 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b have been shown as extending in a same plane extending vertically and centrally with respect to the beam. Once again, such is preferred but not essential. Indeed, the adjacent surfaces of the two pieces forming one chord could extend in a plane different from the one in which could extend the adjacent surfaces of the pieces forming the other chord, and these surfaces could also extend at an angle with respect to the axis of the blocks 7 . Instead of spaced apart blocks 7 of rectangular shape as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , use can be made of struts 9 as joining members extending between the chords 3 and 5 . Such is shown in FIG. 8 . Of course, the struts 9 must have tongues 15 and grooves 17 at their opposite ends to allow their connection to the chords 3 and 5 . These struts 9 can extend perpendicularly or at an angle with respect to the chords. They can also extend at an angle with respect to each other. They may further have their opposite ends in adjacent position and be positioned in such a manner as to give to the joining member a zigzag configuration. Such is well known in the art and needs not be further described. Instead of using blocks 7 or struts 9 , use could also be made of an elongated web (or board of wood or plywood) or oriented straight board as joining member. Such web would extend over the full length of the beam and would of course also have tongues and grooves on its opposite edges. Once again, such is well known and needs not be further described. Preferably, the pieces and the blocks, struts or web may be connected to each other with a glue. They could however be connected to each other by other means, such as nails or screws. When the I-shaped beam is long, it can be made of a plurality of pieces 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b having adjacent ends 21 of finger scarf configuration that are rigidly connected to each other preferably by gluing (see FIGS. 1 and 7 ). Once again, this is well known and need not be explained in greater detail, except to mention that the connections between the pieces extending on one side of a given chord (like, for example, those numbered 5 b ) should be positioned in such a manner as not to be parallel or close to the connections between the other pieces of the same chord (viz. those numbered 5 a ). Such a offset positioning of the connections between the ends 21 of both sets of pieces (see FIG. 1 ) makes the resulting beam as strong and resistant as a beam having chords made of pieces each extending all over its length. The I-shaped beam 1 disclosed hereinabove can be manufactured as shown in FIG. 7 , by: (a) positioning the pieces of wood 3 b, 5 b that extend on a same side of both chords, in a spaced apart, parallel relationship onto a flat surface(s); (b) applying a layer of glue 23 onto all the surfaces of the tongues 11 , grooves 13 and surfaces 19 of the pieces 3 b, 5 b; (c) positioning and pressing the blocks 7 (or struts 9 or web) onto the pieces 3 b, 5 b onto which the glue was applied into step (b) to cause the tongues 15 and grooves 17 made on the bottom side of the opposite ends of blocks 7 to snap and fit into the tongues 11 and grooves 13 of the spaced apart pieces 3 b, 5 b; (d) applying another layer of glue 25 onto the other tongues 15 and grooves 17 made on the upper side of the opposite ends of the block 7 ; and (e) positioning and pressing the other pieces of wood 3 a, 3 b of the chords to cause their tongues 11 and grooves 13 to snap and fit into the other grooves 15 and tongues 17 of the block 7 , and the surfaces 17 of these other pieces 3 a, 3 b to come into contact and be glued to the adjacent surfaces of the pieces 5 a, 5 b. As can be appreciated, this process of manufacture is very single to carry out and have numerous other advantages. First of all, large chords 3 , 5 can be prepared from small pieces 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b. Secondly, the pieces 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b are easy to manufacture. As a matter of fact, as shown in FIG. 6 , each pair of pieces, like, for example, those numbered 3 b and 5 b, can be obtained from a log 29 by making therein a large groove to form the tongues 15 , then making deeper grooves on both sides of the large groove to form the grooves 13 and finally cutting the piece of wood 21 into two parts to form the requested pieces 3 b and 5 b. Thirdly, the chords 3 , 5 and blocks 7 or web 9 are easy to assemble. Fourthly, when assembled and glued, the pieces and the corresponding blocks or web form a very strong beam. Last of all, since each of the members 3 and 5 is not made of the same piece of wood but of two separate pieces glued to each other, they are much less subject to warping over the time and/or in the presence of humidity. In use, the I-shaped beam 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may, for example, have a total height of 3 . Its chords 3 , 5 may each have a height of 1 and a width of 1 . Its blocks may have a total height of 1 with tongues and grooves each having a length of 1 and a depth of {fraction (7/16)} . The set of pieces 3 a, 5 a or 3 b, 5 b may be cut from logs having a cross-section of 2 . The I-shaped beam having such dimensions is usually called 2 4 I-shaped beam in the trade. It is worth noting that instead of having its chords made of two 2 1 logs, the beam 1 has its chords made of pieces cut from two 3 1 logs. The length of the pieces 3 a, 3 b and 5 a, 5 b may of course vary. In practice, they can be 8 long and the blocks 7 may be spaced apart at a distance preferably varying from 12 to 24 . Of course, the beam and/or its elements could have other dimension without departing from the scope of the invention.

4E

04

C

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning to the drawings and first referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a work locating unit embodying the invention is indicated at 12 and in these figures is shown in use with a table member 14. The table member may broadly be part of any one of a wide variety of machines for performing work operations on workpieces with the workpieces typically being handled in batches with the workpieces of any one batch being substantially identical to one another. The table member may therefore take on various different sizes and shapes and may be otherwise designed and equipped to suit the particular machine with which it is used. In the illustrated case the table member 14 is taken to be one forming part of an automated optical inspection machine for inspecting circuit boards in either finished or partially finished states. As such inspection machines are well known in the art and in themselves form no part of the present invention, further details of the machine with which the table member 14 is used are not shown or described. The table member has a planar horizontal upwardly facing work supporting surface 18. In FIG. 1 the table member is shown holding in place, as a workpiece, a circuit board 16 which is one of a batch of many such circuit boards to be placed one at a time on the supporting surface 18 to be optically inspected by the associated machine; and for the inspection process it is critical that the circuit board 16 be accurately located at a desired position on the supporting surface 18 of the table member and that such accuracy be repeatedly obtained as the circuit boards of the given batch are successively placed onto the table member. For this purpose, the circuit board 16 includes a pair of locating features in the form of one hole 20 and one slot 22 for cooperation with two workpiece locating devices fixed relative to the supporting surface of the table. The first of these locating devices is a first pin 24 passing through the hole 20 in the circuit board 16, and the second of these locating devices is a second pin 26 forming part of the unit 12 and passing through the slot 22 of the circuit board. The pins 24 and 26 are dimensioned to fit into the hole 20 and slot 22 of the circuit board 16 with essentially no looseness existing between the pins and the circuit board and therefore hold the circuit board against any movement relative to the table member in the plane of the supporting surface 18. In a given batch of identical circuit boards the holes 20 and slots 22 are identically located from board to board so that as each board is placed onto the table member 14 in mating relationship with the locating pins 24 and 26 that board will assume the same position on the supporting surface 18 as all other boards of the same batch. The illustrated locating pins 24 and 26 are not designed to aid in holding a circuit board vertically to the supporting surface 18. To perform this vertical holding function the table member 14 includes a large number of small openings 28 distributed over the entire supporting surface 18 to which openings vacuum may be supplied in well-known ways to attract and hold a circuit board to the supporting surface 18 during a work procedure. Since the circuit boards with which the table 14 is used may vary in size and shape and in the positioning of their locating holes 20 and slots 22 from one batch to another, it is often necessary to change the positions of the locating pins 20 and 22 in advance of processing a new batch of circuit boards. To accommodate this change in pin position the pin 24 is designed to be insertable in and fixed to any selected one of a number of bushings 30 carried by the table member 14 and placed at strategic fixed points on the supporting surface 18. The locating unit 12 is in turn slidably receivable in any one of a number of T-slots 32 formed in the table 14 and is slidable to and lockable at any point along the length of each slot. As shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3 each slot 32 in the table member 14 is of an essentially inverted T-shape, has a center line 34 running parallel to the supporting surface 18 and has a mouth 36 communicating with the supporting surface 18 and defined by two laterally spaced vertical surfaces 38. Below the mouth 36 and on opposite sides of it are two downwardly facing planar guide faces 40 located in a common horizontal plane parallel to the supporting surface 18. A vertical guide surface 42 extends downwardly from the inner side edge of each downwardly facing guide surface 40 to an upwardly facing bottom surface 44. The center line 34 is located in a vertical plane exactly midway between the two vertical slot surfaces 42. The bottom surface 44 of the slot consists of two upwardly facing co-planar surfaces 46 each located directly below a respective one of the downwardly facing guide surfaces 40, and a planar middle surface 48 extending between the two upwardly facing surfaces 46 and recessed relative to said upwardly facing surfaces 46 so as to be located in a plane slightly below the plane of the surfaces 46. The recessing of the middle surface 44 below the level of the surfaces 46 has the advantage that if desired the surface 44 may be coated with a layer of material 50 of low light reflectivity, while the two upwardly facing surfaces 46 are kept free of such coating, without that coating interfering with the slidability of the work locating unit 12 along the length of the slot. When, as in the illustrated case, the table member 14 is one forming part of an optical inspection machine its work supporting surface 18 is often coated with a material 50 of low light reflectivity, as shown in FIG. 2, and the application of a coating of such material to the middle surface 48 of the bottom of the slot inhibits the production of unwanted stray light reflections from that surface. The details of the construction of the slidable work locating unit 12 are shown in FIGS. 4 to 10. Referring to these figures the unit 12 includes a slide body 52 which can broadly be any one of many different sizes and shapes to suit it to a particular application. In the illustrated instance, however, the slide body 52 is of generally rectangular shape as seen from above, as in FIG. 6, and has a longitudinal axis 54 running essentially parallel to the center line 34 of the slot 32 in which the unit 12 is received. Two side portions 56,56 extend along the slide body 52 and have upwardly facing guide surfaces 58. When the slide unit is received in a slot 32, as shown in FIG. 10, the two side portions 56 of the slide body are received in the spaces between the downwardly facing guide surfaces 40 and the upwardly facing bottom surfaces 46 with the upwardly facing guide surfaces 58 of the side portions being engageable with the downwardly facing guide surfaces 40 of the slot to limit upward movement of the slide body relative to the table member 14. As seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the rectangular shape of the slide body 52 provides the body with four corners, two of which are on each one of the two side portions 56. At two diametrically opposed ones of these corners are two rigid abutment surfaces 60 which are rigidly fixed relative to the remainder of the slide body; and on the other two diametrically opposed corners are two resilient abutments surfaces 62 which are resiliently moveable laterally of the remainder of the slide body in the direction toward the longitudinal axis 54. The two rigid abutment surfaces are arcuately curved about vertical axes 64, as shown in FIG. 6, and have identical radii of curvature. The two resilient abutment surfaces 62 of the slide body 52 are located on arms 66 which are integrally connected with the remainder of the slide body with each being formed by a slit 68 in the associated side portion 56 which slit extends longitudinally from adjacent the associated resilient abutment surface 62 toward the rigid abutment surface 60 of the same side portion 56 to provide the arm 66 with a free end 70 and an opposite end 72 fixed to the slide body. The two resilient abutment surfaces 62 are located on the free ends 70 of the arms 66 and are formed by laterally outwardly extending protrusions 73. The two rigid abutment surfaces 60 are spaced from one another in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54 by a distance smaller than the spacing between the two resilient abutment surfaces 62 in the same direction. Further, the spacing between the two rigid abutment surfaces 60 is slightly smaller than the horizontal spacing between the vertical surfaces 42 of the slot 32 while the spacing between the resilient abutment surfaces, when the slide unit 12 is out of the slot 32 with no forces applied to the resilient abutment surfaces 62, is slightly greater than the spacing between the vertical surfaces 42 of the slot. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the slide unit 12 is in a slot 32 the two resilient abutment surfaces 62 are held in slightly laterally inwardly deflected states by the vertical surfaces 42,42 of the slot, and since these surfaces are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis 54 they urge the slide body 52 about the vertical axis 74 to bring the rigid abutment surfaces 60 into engagement with the slot vertical surfaces 42 and to hold them in engagement with said vertical surfaces. The engagement of the rigid abutment surfaces of the slide body 52 with the vertical surfaces 42 of the slot is maintained as the slide body is moved from one position to another along the length of the slot. Further, the vertical axis 74 of the pin portion 26 of the locating unit 12 is arranged so as to pass through the midpoint of the straight line 76 connecting the two axes of curvature of the two rigid abutment surfaces 60, and as a result of this the pin axis 74, by virtue of the continual contact of the rigid abutment surfaces 60 with the vertical slot walls 42, is kept continually in intersecting relationship with the center line 34 of the slot. The pin portion 26 of the slide unit 12 may be implemented in various different ways and may have various different sizes and shapes without varying from the broader aspects of the invention. In the illustrated case, however, it has a cylindrical outer surface 77 concentric with the axis 74 and is provided by a circular insert 80 received and fixed in a conforming opening 83 in the slide body 52, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 9. As also seen in these figures, and in FIG. 2, the slide body 52 preferably includes a portion extending upwardly above the upwardly facing surfaces 58 of the side portions 56, which upper portion is received in the mouth 36 of the slot 32 and has a planar upper surface 82 co-planar with the work supporting surface 18 of the table member 14 when the upwardly facing surfaces 58 of the slide body are engaged with the downwardly facing guide surfaces 40 of the slot. The pin portion 26 extends upwardly from the upper surface 82 of the slide body, and surrounding the pin portion 26 the insert 80 has an upwardly facing annular surface 84 co-planar with the upper surface 82 so that the insert surface 84 and slide body upper surface 82 both form continuations of the workpiece supporting surface 18 of the table member 14 and provide vertical support for the circuit board or other workpiece in the vicinity of the pin portion 26. The work locating unit 12 also preferably includes a locking means for securing it to the table member at any position to which it may be moved in the slot 32. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 this locking means comprises a circular disc locking member 86 having a downwardly facing locking surface 88 of relatively large extent. The insert 80 and the opening 83 in the slide body are of conforming stepped shapes so that the opening 83 has a downwardly facing annular shoulder 90 and the insert 80 has an upwardly facing shoulder 92, which shoulders 90 and 92 co-engage to limit movement of the insert upwardly relative to the slide body beyond the position shown in FIG. 9. The insert is also fixed to the slide body, as by being press fit into and/or adhesively secured in the opening 83 in the slide body, so as to be held against movement downwardly from the position shown in FIG. 9. The insert has a downwardly facing bottom surface 94 located above the bottom surface 96 of the slide body and the locking member 88 is partially received in the recess formed in the slide body by the opening 83 below the insert 80 for movement vertically toward and away from the middle bottom surface 48 of the slot. Between the locking member 86 and insert 80 is an annulus 98 of resilient foam material having a lower face adhesively secured to the upper surface of the locking member 88 and an upper face adhesively secured to the bottom surface 94 of the insert 80. The resilient annulus 98 therefore tends to hold the locking member 88 in an upper retracted position out of engagement with the slot bottom surface 48 and resiliently resists its movement toward an advanced or locking position at which it tightly engages the slot bottom surface 48. A set screw 100 is threadably received in a threaded opening 101 passing centrally through the insert 80. The upper end of the set screw 100 is accessible to an operator for manual rotation of the screw, and the lower end of the screw passes through the resilient annulus 96 and engages the locking member 88. Therefore, by rotation of the set screw 100 in one direction or the other the locking member 88 can be readily brought into and out of locking engagement with the slot surface 48. It should further be noted that the direction in which the set screw 100 and the opening 101 are threaded is selected to be such that as the screw 100 is turned to move the locking member 88 downwardly into tight engagement with the slot surface 48 the direction in which such rotation of the screw tends to rotate the slide body 42 is that direction which moves the rigid abutment surfaces 60 of the slide body toward the vertical surfaces 42 of the slot. Various different versions of the locking means may be used with the work locating unit 12, and one such other version in shown in FIG. 11. Referring to this figure the locking means there shown is generally similar to that of FIG. 9 but includes a locking member 88' which, instead of being entirely separate from the insert 80 is, along one short portion of its periphery, integrally connected with the remainder of the insert by a small bridging portion 104. The bridging portion 104 resiliently connects the locking member 88' to the remainder of the insert 80 and thereby essentially replaces the resilient annulus 98 of FIGS. 5 and 9.

1B

23

Q

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the above figures, the device according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a supporting structure 2, which is meant to be connected to a knitting machine or the like at a region for feeding the threads to be knitted and supports at least one tube 3 provided with an outlet 3a to be directed towards the working region of the needles of the knitting machine. The device according to the invention furthermore comprises means for injecting air through the tube 3 so as to facilitate the dispensing and orientation, through the outlet 3a, of the thread 4 introduced in the tube 3 through its inlet 3b. The means for injecting air in the tube 3 can be constituted, for example, by a feeder duct 5 connected to the tube 3 by means of an appropriate valve 6 that can be actuated so as to activate or deactivate the connection of the duct 5 to the tube 3, according to the requirements, as will become apparent hereinafter. Proximate to the inlet 3b of the tube 3 there are provided abutments that set a path for the approach of the thread 4 to the tube 3. Said abutments comprise at least one pair of pins 7a and 7b whereon the thread 4 rests in its path for approaching the tube 3. Other thread passages, such as for example the passages designated by the reference numerals 8 and 9, can be provided along the path for the approach of the thread 4 to the tube 3. The device according to the invention also comprises a thread takeup element 10, which is movable transversely with respect to at least one portion of the approach path formed by the pins 7a and 7b and by the passages 8 and 9, and thread clamping means 11 that are arranged upstream of the takeup element 10 along the feeding direction of the thread 4. According to the invention, the takeup element 10 has a body that is arc-shaped and is pivoted to the supporting structure 2 about an axis 12 that is located on the concave side of the body of the takeup element 10. The takeup element 10 has a passage 13 for the thread 4 proximate to one of its ends, and there are provided means for actuating the takeup element 10 so that it oscillates about the axis 12, in order to make it pass from a working position, in which the takeup element 10 is arranged so that its passage 13 is proximate to the path for the approach of the thread 4 to the tube 3, to a takeup position, in which its passage 13 is moved away from the path for the approach of the thread 4 to the tube 3, so as to lengthen the path followed by the thread, causing takeup of the thread inside the tube 3, as shown schematically in FIG. 2. More particularly, the body of the takeup element 10 is substantially composed of a portion 14 that is arc-shaped and is provided, proximate to one end, with the passage 13, whereas at the other end it is connected to an arm 15 that is orientated radially with respect to the portion 14 and is pivoted to the supporting structure 2, about the axis 12, with its end lying opposite to the portion 14. The arm 15 is pivoted about a shaft 45 the axis whereof is the axis 12, and is connected thereto by elastic means, constituted for example by a spring 16, which act on the takeup element 10 so as to keep it in the working position, i.e., in the position shown in FIG. 1. Conveniently, the portion 14 of the takeup element 10 has, on its convex side, a channel 17 that is open outwards and is meant to accommodate a portion of the thread 4 when the takeup element 10 is moved into the takeup position, shown in FIG. 2. The takeup element 10 is arranged between the two pins 7a and 7b so that its oscillation about the axis 12 moves the portion 14 transversely with respect to the portion of the path of the thread 4 that runs between the pins 7a and 7b. Advantageously, the center of curvature of the portion 14 of the takeup element 10 is located on the axis 12. The takeup element 10, with its arm 15, interferes, when it is in the takeup position, with the valve 6 that constitutes the actuation means of the injection means. In practice, the valve 6 is constituted by a needle valve the shutter element 18 whereof is pushed by a spring 19 in the open position. The shutter 18 faces the arm 15 of the takeup element 10, which, when moved into the takeup position, engages the shutter 18, moving it to the closure position, in contrast with the action applied by the spring 19. The supporting structure 2 is provided with a plurality of pins 20 arranged along a curved path that faces the concave side of the portion 14 of the takeup element 10, so as to keep the thread 4 adjacent to the takeup element in the takeup position, as shown in particular in FIG. 2. The clamping means 11 comprise a presser element, constituted by two arms 21 and 22, one of which faces the pin 7b; said presser element is arranged upstream of the takeup element 10 along the direction in which the thread 4 is fed. The arm 22 is connected, through a tab 23, to a shaft 24 that can be rotated about its own axis over an arc of preset width. The arm 22 is connected, by means of a spring 25, to the arm 21, which is also supported by the shaft 24. In practice, by turning the shaft 24 about its own axis it is possible to move the arm 21 so that it presses the thread 4 against the pin 7b, braking said thread. The presence of the spring 25 prevents the thread from being subjected to an excessive pressure that could damage it. Furthermore, the tab 23 engages a groove 26 of the shaft 24 the angular extension whereof is adequately greater than the angular extension of the tab 23 about the axis of the shaft 24, so as to allow rotation of the shaft 24 about its own axis without affecting the arms 21 and 22, whereas the arm 21 is kept engaged with the thread 4 by the action applied by said takeup element 10 in the takeup position. The takeup element 10 in fact has, along the portion 14, a shoulder 27 that makes contact with the arm 22 when the takeup element 10 is moved into the takeup position. The device according to the invention can have a plurality of side-by-side tubes 3, each meant to feed one thread 4 to the knitting machine; each tube 3 will be served by a takeup element 10 of the described and illustrated type. The various takeup elements 10 are arranged side by side, are mounted on a same shaft 45, and are separated by appropriate plate-like separators 28 of the type shown in FIG. 4. For each tube 3 there are provided means 11 for clamping the thread 4, and each tube 3 is supplied with a jet of compressed air through a respective supply duct 5, which can optionally be connected to a single manifold duct 30. The means for actuating the various takeup elements 10 comprise first means for the collective actuation of the takeup elements 10, which make them pass from the working position to the takeup position, and second actuation means, which individually retain the takeup elements 10 in the takeup position. The first means for the actuation of the takeup elements comprises a cam device that causes the simultaneous oscillation of all the takeup elements 10 about the axis 12 to pass from the working position to the takeup position. More particularly, the cam device is substantially composed of a cam 31 that is connected to an element of the knitting machine that moves with respect to the pneumatic device according to the invention and is connected, by means of a cam follower element 32, to a rod 33 acting on the takeup elements 10. The second actuation means comprise a plurality of levers 34, one for each takeup element 10, which can be engaged and disengaged, for example by means of actuators of the electromagnetic type 35, with respect to the takeup elements 10 so as to retain them or release them in the takeup position. The operation of the pneumatic thread feeder in knitting machines or the like according to the invention is as follows. When a thread 4 must be fed to the needles of the knitting machine, the cam 31 performs a sort of reset of the device, which substantially consists in causing, by means of the cam follower 32 and the rod 33, the passage of all the takeup elements 10 from the working position, shown in FIG. 1, to the takeup position, shown in FIG. 2. Prior to the oscillation of the takeup elements 10 about the axis 12 in passing from the working position to the takeup position, the clamping means 11 are activated and, by locking the thread 4 upstream of the takeup elements, produce, by virtue of the action of the takeup elements 10, the takeup of the thread 4 inside the tube 3. Of course, the action of the rod 33 is irrelevant for the takeup elements 10 that are already in the takeup position. The passage of the takeup elements 10 to the takeup position also entails the interruption of the delivery of the jet of air through the tube 3, as a consequence of the closure of the shutter element 18 performed by said takeup elements 10. At this point, the electromagnets 35 corresponding to the tubes that must deliver the thread to the needles are activated, whereas the electromagnets corresponding to the tubes that internally accommodate the threads that must not be fed are not activated. The activation of the electromagnets 35 causes the disengagement of the corresponding levers 34 from the takeup elements 10 which, through the action of the spring 16, are returned to the working position, disengaging the shutter element 18, which opens the duct 5, allowing the flow of air that causes the dispensing of the thread to the needles of the machine. It should be noted that directly after the takeup elements 10 have been moved into the takeup position, the shaft 24, previously actuated so as to clamp all the threads 4, has been turned in the opposite direction, so as to free the clamping means which, however, are kept engaged with the thread 4 by the takeup elements 10 that are kept in the takeup position, whereas they disengage from the thread 4 for the takeup elements 10 that are instead not retained in the takeup position and therefore move into the working position. The threads 4 that correspond to the takeup elements 10 in working position are correctly fed to the needles of the knitting machine. Whenever one wishes to change the thread being knitted, or whenever one wishes to interrupt thread feeding, the cycle as described above is repeated, i.e., the clamping means 11 are first activated and then the corresponding takeup elements 10 are moved from the working position to the takeup position to then allow a fresh selection of the threads to be fed to the machine. It will be clear from the above description that the term "thread" was in fact used as having the meaning of "yarn" which is the technical term more commonly used in the textile industry. In practice it has been observed that the device according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, since it provides high reliability in operation that considerably reduces the possibility of jamming or anomalies in operation during use. Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that it has an extremely compact structure that allows to have, on board the knitting machine, a small space occupation despite a number of thread feeder tubes that is capable of meeting the most disparate knitting or pattern requirements. The device thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

3D

04

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate an excavation tool28that includes one or more removably coupled tool bodies. Accordingly, a first tool body30may be removably coupled with a second tool body32using pin assembly34. Although first tool body30is illustrated as an adapter and second tool body32is illustrated as a tooth horn for illustration purposes, it is generally recognized that pin assembly34may be used to couple other excavation equipment components found on a bucket, shovel or other excavating machine. Accordingly, first tool body30may instead comprise a tooth or shroud and second tool body32may instead comprise an adapter to be fitted on a tooth horn. Pin assembly34may be used to couple any combination of such excavation components. During excavation and/or mining operations, first tool body30is subject to significant wear and tear. Extreme shock loading is experienced as removable first tool body30impacts adjacent earth, rocks, and other abrasive material. Therefore, it is desirable to make first tool body30readily replaceable with a new or reconditioned component of similar or identical configuration. Otherwise, second tool body32, or buckets, shovels or other excavation equipment would need to be replaced more frequently, increasing equipment and labor costs associated therewith. By providing a removable first tool body30at a location upon second tool body32that would otherwise experience the most wear, the service life of such equipment is prolonged by replacing selected parts associated with the excavation equipment. In order to prevent excessive wear of second tool body32, for example, first tool body30is coupled with and at least partially conceals and/or protects second tool body32from abrasive materials during excavation. First tool body30includes first and second tapered surfaces36and38and first and second sides40and42. First and second sides40and42may be generally parallel to one another. First and second tapered surfaces36and38and first and second sides40and42cooperate to define an opening44at first end45. Opening44converges toward a second end46of first tool body30. Opening44is configured to receive second tool body32at least partially therein. Accordingly, opening44generally corresponds to the shape of second tool body32such that first tool body30may be slidably mounted on second tool body32and held in place using pin assembly34. As discussed above, second tool body32is configured to be received in opening44. In particular embodiments, second tool body32may include first and second tapered surfaces48and50that correspond generally with first and second tapered surfaces36and38of first tool body30. Accordingly, first and second tapered surfaces48and50may converge toward a first end56of second tool body32. Second tool body32also includes first and second sides52and54that may be generally parallel to one another. When first and second tool bodies30and32are coupled, first and second sides52and54of second tool body32may be disposed adjacent to first and second sides40and42of first tool body30. The configuration of first tool body30and second tool body32may vary significantly within the teachings of the present invention. For example, although first tool body30is described as having first and second tapered surfaces36and38, other embodiments may include only one tapered side. Alternatively, first tool body30may not have any tapered sides. Furthermore, although first tool body30is described as having first and second sides40and42that are generally parallel to one another, in other embodiments one or both of first and second sides40and42may be tapered such that first and second sides40and42may not be parallel to one another. Such alterations may also be made to second tool body32within the teachings of the present invention. In general, the configurations of the excavation components are selected to receive and provide protection from excessive wear caused during excavation operations. Second tool body32also includes a pin bore58that originates at first side52of second tool body32and extends at least partially through second tool body32. In the illustrated embodiment, pin bore58extends through second tool body32from first side52to second side54. Pin bore58is configured to at least partially receive pin assembly34through first end52and/or second end54. Pin bore58and pin assembly34cooperate to provide for the simplified installation and/or removal of first tool body30from second tool body32. Accordingly, first tool body30may be installed, removed or replaced by an operator in the field, quickly and easily. Additionally, the configuration of pin bore58and pin assembly34prevent shifting of first tool body30, with respect to second tool body32, during use. Pin assembly34includes an elongate insert60. Insert60is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore58. Accordingly, the shape and size of pin bore58corresponds generally to the shape and size of insert60. The configurations of pin bore58and insert60may vary significantly within the teachings of the present invention. In particular embodiments, insert60may be of a geometric shape that includes a number of sides70of equal width72. Because the shape of pin bore58corresponds with the shape of insert60, pin bore58may also be of a geometric shape that includes a number of sides of equal width. In particular embodiments insert60and pin bore58may each be of a shape having between three and eight sides70. In the particular embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, insert60and pin bore58each have six sides70. In other words, the shapes of insert60and corresponding pin bore58are hexagonal. The illustrated shape, however, is for example purposes only. It is generally recognized that insert60and pin bore58may be of any suitable geometric shape. Accordingly, some alternative example embodiments for insert60are described in more detail with regard toFIGS. 2 and 3. Pin assembly32also includes one or more plugs62configured to cooperate with a plug bore64. Plug bore64extends at least partially through insert60and is configured to at least partially receive one or more plugs62therein. In the illustrated embodiment, plug bore64extends entirely through insert60from a first end66to a second end68. Accordingly, plug bore64is configured to receive a first plug62aat first end66and a second plug62bat a second end68. It is recognized, however, that plug bore64need not extend entirely through insert60. Where plug bore64does not extend entirely through insert60, a single plug62may be used. Because plugs62are received in plug bore64of insert60, the shape of plugs62corresponds generally to the shape of plug bore64. Thus, where plug bore64is substantially cylindrical, plugs62are also substantially cylindrical. In the illustrated example, plugs62include a generally cylindrical, tapered surface74that corresponds to a tapered surface76of insert60. Tightening of a plug62forces tapered surface74of plug62along tapered surface of insert60to at least partially prevent overtightening of plug62beyond an installed position. The configuration of plugs62and corresponding plug bore64may vary significantly, however, within the teachings of the present invention. In operation, plugs62and insert60cooperate to couple first tool body30to second tool body32in the installed position. As such, sides46and48of first tool body32include respective openings78and80, which are configured to receive a portion of plugs62at least partially therethrough. The respective positions of openings78and80upon sides46and48are selected to align with first and second ends64and66of plug bore58, respectively. In other words, when first tool body30is properly positioned upon second tool body32, plug bore58and openings78and80are aligned such that an imaginary central longitudinal axis I extends through openings78and80and insert60. In the installed position, plugs62are inserted through openings78and80and into at least a portion of plug bore58to couple first tool body30to second tool body32. In the correct installed position, plugs62may be recessed from sides40and42of first tool body30by approximately 0.125 to 1.000 inches. In particular embodiments, plugs62may be recessed from sides40and42of first tool body30from 0.25 to 0.5 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, plugs62each include a head82. Head82may be outfitted with a groove84to enable the removal and replacement of plugs62through openings78and80. As will be described in further detail with regard toFIG. 3, each plug62may include one or more threaded surfaces that engage with insert60and/or first tool body30. Plugs62operate to seal plug bore64and protect it from ambient environment, fluids, and debris that may be encountered during use of the excavation equipment. Plugs62also allow for the easily decoupling of first and second tool bodies30and32in the field. In order to decouple first tool body30and second tool body32, plugs62having threads may be rotated and removed from plug bore64using head82and a suitable tool. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1A, excavation tool28includes an elastomeric member57that is generally positioned between first tool body30and second tool body32, when excavation tool28is in the assembled position. When installed, elastomeric member57provides an interface between the interior portion of first tool body30and first end56of second tool body32. Elastomeric member57alleviates “slack” between first tool body30and second tool body32. This alleviates or eliminates metal to metal contact between first end56of second tool body32and first tool body30, that can lead to premature wear of such components. Elastomeric member57may be provided in one of a number of different materials, including rubber, plastic, or other deformable materials that generally exhibit memory. In other words, such material may be compressed and yet return to its initial shape. Elastomeric member57may be coupled with, or be integral first body30or second body32, in order to simplify installation. For example, elastomeric member57may be coupled with the interior portion of first tool body30(e.g., using an adhesive material). Thus, when second tool body32is coupled with first tool body30using insert60, the holes of these components may be configured such that elastomeric member57will be at least slightly compressed to remove any slack between such components. FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate alternative configurations of pin assembly34. Specifically,FIG. 2illustrates a pin assembly100that includes a substantially cylindrical insert102having a non-rotation tab104. Similar to insert60described above, insert100is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore58of second tool body32. Accordingly, where insert102is substantially cylindrical and includes non-rotation tab104, the shape and size of pin bore58is also substantially cylindrical and includes a recess that corresponds to non-rotation tab104(not shown inFIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment non-rotation tab104extends the full length of insert102from a first end106of insert102to a second end108of insert102. It is generally recognized, however, that non-rotation tab104need not extend the entire length of insert102. Rather non-rotation tab104may originate at first end106and extend some suitable distance toward second end108without reaching second end108. Non-rotation tab104operates to eliminate the rotation of insert102in the installed position in plug bore58. Non-rotation tab104also operates to provide strength to pin assembly100. Pin assembly100also includes a plug bore110that is configured to cooperate with one or more plugs112. Plug bore110and plugs112may be configured similarly to plug bore64and plugs62, respectively, as described above with regard toFIG. 1. For example, plugs112may include a generally cylindrical, tapered surface114that corresponds to a tapered surface116of insert102. Tightening of a plug112into plug bore110forces tapered surface114of plug112along tapered surface116of insert102to at least partially prevent overtightening of plug112beyond an installed position. FIG. 3illustrates a pin assembly200that includes a cylindrical insert202. Similar to insert102described above, insert202is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore58of second tool body32. Accordingly, where insert202is cylindrical, pin bore58is also of a similar cylindrical shape and size. Pin assembly200also includes a plug bore210that is configured to cooperate with one or more plugs212. As illustrated, plug bore210extends throughout the entire length of insert202from a first end206of insert202to a second end208of insert202. Generally, plug bore210and plugs212may be configured similarly to plug bore64and plugs62, respectively, as described above with regard toFIG. 1. To effect the coupling of plugs212and insert202, however, plugs212and plug bore210are each outfitted with one or more corresponding threads. For example, insert202includes a threaded surface214that interacts with a threaded surface216of plug212. When plug212is in an installed position in plug bore210, threaded surface214and threaded surface216engage one another such that plug212may be removably coupled to insert202. Accordingly, plug212may be removed from insert202by rotating plug212with respect to insert202. When installed, plugs212operate to conceal and/or protect pin assembly200from abrasive materials during excavation operations. In the illustrated embodiment, insert202also includes a threaded surface218that is configured to interact with a threaded surface220of a head222of plug212. Threaded surfaces218and220may cooperate to hold plug212in place within insert202when plug212is in the installed position. Threaded surfaces218and220may be in addition to or as an alternative to threaded surfaces214and216, respectively. As described above, at least a portion of heads222of plugs212may protrude from the first and second ends206and208of insert202. As such, threaded surfaces220of plugs212may engage corresponding threaded surfaces within openings78and80of first tool body30. In the installed position, threaded surfaces220may operate to secure first tool body30to second tool body32. Additionally, threaded surfaces220, when engaged with corresponding threaded surfaces within openings78and80, may operate to eliminate the rotation of pin assembly200within pin bore58. Heads222may also include at least one groove224, which is configured to cooperate with a tool to extend or retract plugs212to and from the installed position within insert202. Groove224may be configured to cooperate with simple hand tools, such as a screwdriver or power drill head. Accordingly, groove224may include a standard or Phillips head-type screw receptacle. In other embodiments, groove224may comprise a protrusion configured to cooperate with tools other than those described above. For example, head222may include a fastener head configuration in order to cooperate with various hand or power (impact) wrenches. The specific configuration of head222may vary significantly within the teachings of the present invention. The configuration is generally selected to cooperate with one or more hand or power tools to allow for the installation or removal of pin assembly202from pin bore58of second tool body32. FIG. 4illustrates excavation tool300that includes one or more tool bodies that are removably coupled to one another using a pin assembly302. In the illustrated example, pin assembly302includes an insert304that is shown in the installed position within pin bore58. Insert304may have any combination of the characteristics that were described above with regard to inserts60,102, and202ofFIGS. 1,2, and3, respectively. For example, insert304is illustrated as having a shape that substantially prevents the rotation of insert304within pin bore58. Additionally, insert304is shown to extend through second tool body32from first side52to second side54. Accordingly, plug bore306may also extend entirely within insert304from a first end corresponding with first side52of second tool body32to a second end corresponding with second side54of second tool body32. Plug bore306is configured to at least partially receive plugs312. Plugs312comprise a disc or plate having an edge314that includes a threaded surface316. When plugs312are in the installed position, threaded surfaces316may cooperate with threaded surfaces318located in plug bore306of insert304. Similar to the threaded surfaces described with regard toFIG. 3, threaded surfaces316and318may cooperate to engage one another such that plugs312may be removably coupled with insert304when plugs312are in the installed position in plug bore306. Accordingly, plugs312may be removed from insert304by rotating plugs312with respect to insert304. As described above, at least a portion of plugs312may protrude from insert202when plugs312are in an installed position. As such, threaded surfaces316of plugs312may engage corresponding threaded surfaces320within openings78and80of first tool body30. Threaded surfaces316and320may cooperate to secure first tool body30to second tool body32when first tool body30is slidably mounted on second tool body32. Additionally, threaded surfaces316, when engaged with corresponding threaded surfaces320within openings78and80, may operate to eliminate the rotation of pin assembly302within pin bore58. Similar to head222described above with regard toFIG. 3, plug312may also include at least one groove324, which is configured to cooperate with a tool to allow for the installation or removal of pin assembly304from pin bore58of second tool body32. In the illustrated embodiment, threaded surface316is long enough to engage each of threaded surfaces318and320. It will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art that threaded surfaces318and320are optional, and not required. In any particular embodiment, one or both threaded surfaces318and320may be provided. Furthermore, the length of threaded surface316may be adjusted accordingly. The teachings of the present invention may be used for coupling various excavation, earth moving, and/or mining equipment components. In general, any removable and/or replaceable component will benefit from the fastening and component cooperation techniques disclosed herein. More specifically, removable adapters may be coupled with tooth horns of buckets, shovels, or practically any heavy equipment components in accordance with the present invention. Similarly, ripper shanks may be coupled with various removable components provided to protect the ripper shank and/or prolong the life of the ripper shank. Another example of excavation equipment incorporating aspects of the present invention is described with regard toFIG. 5. FIG. 5illustrates a shroud400coupled with a shank402of an excavating machine part. Shank402may be referred to as a “ripper shank.” For the purposes of this specification, a shank is a type of adapter that may be coupled with various excavation equipment components, and may receive one or more removable teeth. Shroud400provides protection to shank402when the excavating machine is in use. The excavating machine may be a dragline used in mining operations or any other machine used for excavating purposes. Shroud400is coupled with shank402using pin assembly404, which may be similar in configuration to the pin assemblies described above with regard toFIGS. 1–4. Accordingly, fastening components similar to the pin assemblies described herein may be used to couple shroud400with shank402. Similarly, such pin assemblies may be used to couple shank402with the excavation equipment component. Pin assemblies404may be inserted through openings406, into an internal bore through shank402, and extend at least partially into openings406formed in shroud400. A plug like those described above, may be used to secure pin assembly404within shroud400, to prevent lateral movement of pin assemblies404. Removable tooth408is also coupled with shank400using pin assembly404. For purposes of this specification, shroud400may be considered a removable tooth, which protects one end of shank402. As discussed above, the teachings of the present invention may be used to removably couple practically any components. Removable tooth408, shank402, and shroud400are described and shown herein, for illustrative purposes. Shroud400and tooth408are used to protect shank402from the abrasive environment encountered during excavation. Accordingly, shroud400is placed at a location upon shank402where significant wear and tear is anticipated. By providing a removable shroud400and removable tooth408, wear and degradation of shank402is reduced, thereby increasing its overall service life. FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating method for assembling the components of excavation tool28using pin assembly34. At step602, first tool body30is provided. In particular embodiments, first tool body30may have a pin bore58that extends at least partially through first tool body30from a first side52. Insert60is slid into pin bore58at step604. In particular embodiments, insert60may extend through first tool body30from first side52to second side54when insert60is in the installed position. At step606, first tool body30is slidably mounted on second tool body32. In order to mount first tool body30upon second tool body32, first end56of second tool body32is slid into opening44of first tool body30until first end56is proximate to first end46of first tool body30. In the installed position, openings78and80of first tool body30are aligned with insert60in pin bore58of second tool body32at step608. Plugs62are inserted into openings78and80at step610. In the installed position, at least a portion of plugs62extend into plug bore54of insert60. In particular embodiments, each plug62may include at least one threaded surface216that corresponds to threaded surfaces214of insert60. When engaged, threaded surfaces214and216may operate to couple first tool body30to second tool body32. Accordingly, the step of inserting plugs62into openings78and80may include using a screw driver or other tool to rotate plugs62relative to insert60in pin bore58. In particular embodiments, the shape of insert60and corresponding pin bore58may prevent the rotation of insert60within pin bore58as plugs62are being inserted and tightened. For example, the shape of insert60and corresponding pin bore58may be that of a geometric figure having a number of sides70of equal width72. In particular embodiments, the number of sides70may be between three and eight, and may preferably be six. Alternatively, insert60and corresponding pin bore58may each be of a substantially cylindrical shape and include a tab104configured to eliminate rotation of insert60in pin bore58. In particular embodiments, plugs62may include tapered surfaces74that correspond to tapered surfaces76of insert60adjacent plug bore64. Tightening of plugs62may force tapered surfaces74along tapered surfaces76to at least partially prevent overtightening of plug62beyond the installed position. In the correct installed position, plugs62may be recessed from first and second sides40and42of first tool body30by approximately 0.125 to 1.000 inches. In particular embodiments, plugs62may be recessed from sides40and42of first tool body30from 0.25 to 0.5 inches. Although embodiments of the invention and their advantages are described in detail, a person skilled in the art could make various alterations, additions, and omissions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

4E

02

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1A and 1B show one embodiment of a double radiation source assembly 24 according to the invention. Double radiation source assembly 24 includes radiation source 1A and radiation source 1B which are laterally displaced from axis 5 of the assembly. Axis 5 typically forms the optical axis of assembly 24 or an orientation axis parallel thereto. The two radiation sources comprise measurement radiation source 1A and reference radiation source 1B. While it is presently deemed preferable to have sources 1A and 1B closely spaced to optical axis 5 and in the same plane perpendicular to optical axis 5, the invention is not limited to such a configuration. The wavelength region of the radiation emitted from the sources should be adapted to the specific use to which the assembly is put and the optical filters 2 and 3 for sources 1A and 1B, respectively, can be used for this purpose, if necessary. Thus in front of measurement radiation source 1A there can be an optically narrow bandpass filter 2 transmitting radiation absorbed by the gas to be measured. In front of reference radiation source 1B there can be an optically narrow bandpass filter 3 with a wavelength transmission band essentially outside the absorption bands of the gas to be measured. Filter 3 can, for example, be a cell filled with the same type of gas as that to be measured, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,349. In such a case, filter 2 is not necessarily needed assuming both radiation sources are spectrally broad enough for the intended purpose. Normally radiation sources 1A and 1B are, at least in the wavelength region of interest, more or less perfect blackbody radiators, e.g. incandescent sources. They can be e.g. miniature lamps but a preferable source is micro-mechanically produced, such as those described in publication EP-96301174.7 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,376). The so called silicon micro-machining technique has become common in recent years, and has made it possible to fabricate different micro-mechanical components having details with dimensions on the order of micrometers. In this technique, related to the methods used in manufacturing of semiconductors, different structures are made in a silicon crystal directly by etching, e.g. with the aid of different protecting masks, or by growing different thin films on the surface of the silicon crystal by vaporizing, sputtering, printing or another technique known from the manufacturing of integrated circuits, the so called thin-film technology. The individual narrow filaments can be formed and protected against oxidizing and their emissivity can be made high, thereby widening the wavelength emission region to different parts of the infrared light region, lowering the necessary working temperature, and increasing the service life. The sources can be closely spaced in the same lateral plane as is presently preferred. The radiation from both sources 1A and 1B is applied to an optical diffuser 4, spaced from sources 1A, 1B along the optical axis 5, before exiting the source assembly 24. Optical diffuser 4 may be plate-like in form. Diffuser 4 alters, or diffuses, the radiation applied to the diffuser from each of radiation sources 1A and 1B such that one source's radiation, or at least a portion thereof, exiting the diffuser is the same as the other source's radiation, or a portion thereof, exiting the diffuser, when viewed by a detector, such as detector 16, in a cross section taken cross-wise to the optical axis 5. The foregoing is shown in a highly schematic form in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows the cross section A of the radiation from radiation source 1A as separated from the cross section B of the radiation from radiation source 1B along the optical axis 5, for ease of explanation. It will be appreciated that, in reality, the optical paths of the exiting radiation are the same and if radiation sources 1A and 1B were operated simultaneously, the radiation of one source would be superimposed on the radiation of the other source on detector 16. FIG. 12A shows an example in which the configuration of the radiation cross sections A and B are the same as seen by detector 16. It is to be understood that an even distribution of the radiation over the cross sections is not required, only that the distribution of radiation in each cross section be the same. With similar cross sectioned radiation patterns A and B, dirt or mucus on one or both of windows 11 and 13, of gas sample chamber 12, shown in FIG. 8, will affect the radiation from both sources equally, reducing measurement errors arising from such causes. FIG. 12B shows a circumstance in which the radiation cross sections A.sub.1 and B.sub.1 differ but each contain a portion C in which the radiation distribution is the same as seen by detector 16. Portion C can be defined by the geometry of detector 16, or by an aperture device along optical axis 5 as for example, applied to window 11 shown in FIG. 7. While the cross sections A and B are shown as perpendicular to optical axis 5 in FIGS. 12A and 12B, it will be appreciated that the foregoing analysis can be carried out with cross-sections tilted with respect to optical axis 5. As noted above, the purpose of optical diffuser 4 is to spread out the radiation coming from radiation sources 1A and 1B so that the cross-sectional radiation distribution, or a portion thereof, from the two radiation sources is the same. This may be accomplished by changing the direction of the incoming radiation by an angle within a range characteristic of the specific diffuser. The diffuser can be a ground plate of a material transmissive to the radiation employed in assembly 24, e.g. a ground glass plate, whereby the angular scattering of the incoming radiation is about .+-.10.degree.. Or diffuser 4 can be a plate structured randomly (FIG. 13E) or using microlenses or microprisms on one or both surfaces of plate-like diffuser 4, as shown in FIGS. 13A through 13D. Diffusers with structured surfaces are manufactured e.g. by Fresnel Technologies, Inc. of Forth Worth, Tex. and by Rochester Photonics Corp. of Rochester, N.Y. With a diffuser 4 using microlenses or microprisms the angular distribution can be chosen to be anything up to that of a Lambertian source with even distribution in all directions. However, with too wide an angular spread, much radiation will not reach the detector 16 and is thus wasted. Thus, for practical cases a scattering angle of about .+-.30.degree. may be considered an upper limit. Diffuser plate 4 could also be an internally diffusing material like white quartz or alumina or it could be some form of diffractive optics as described in the publication Laser Focus World, June 1997, page 113. The important thing is that the cross sectional radiation distribution from both sources 1A and 1B as seen by detector 16 is generally the same when applied to window 11. While diffuser 4 is shown as a flat plate in the Figures of the drawing, it will be appreciated that it may be formed as a curved plate, or some other configuration, if desired. In FIG. 1B, the individual, closely spaced radiation sources 1A and 1B are not symmetrically located relative to the optical axis 5, i.e. one is above the optical axis, the other is below the optical axis. Only the central parts of diffuser plate 4 will give a cross sectional radiation distribution which is generally the same for both sources for the portion viewed by detector 16. To provide a larger cross sectional area in which the radiation distribution is generally the same, radiation sources 1A and 1B can, in effect, be split. Preferably this source splitting is performed around an axis of symmetry, typically the optical axis 5, but for smaller cross sectional areas this is not necessary. A simple form of source splitting is shown in FIG. 2 in which each source has been split into two diagonally positioned part source components, 1A.sub.1, 1A.sub.2 ; 1B.sub.1, 1B.sub.2. It will be appreciated that the resulting source pattern has axial symmetry relative to the optical axis 5, which is a preferred, but not essential configuration. The source components are drawn as squares but could have any appropriate form. In a practical embodiment of radiation source assembly 24, the source components could comprise two crossed filaments. It is recognized that if the filaments are coiled, the axial symmetry is, strictly speaking, not valid but in practice the two parts of each source are still confined within approximately equal areas represented by the squares in FIG. 2 so that as a practical matter such sources can be considered symmetrical. If optical filter 2 and/or 3 are to be used in front of the sources, the structure in FIG. 2 is simple enough for practical constructions. The sources 1A, 1B may be further divided into several smaller part source components, in the checkerboard-like pattern shown in FIG. 3, resulting in the potential for enhancing the performance of assembly 24 but at a possible increase in cost and complexity. The structure of FIG. 3 also possesses axial symmetry and the pattern can be produced by duplicating the pattern of FIG. 2 and making appropriate translations and/or rotations. In FIG. 4, axial symmetry is produced using arcuately spaced, alternating part source components 1A.sub.1, 1B.sub.1, 1A.sub.2, 1B.sub.2, etc., the part source components of source 1A being spaced 90.degree. from each other. The same is true of the part source components of source 1B. Another axial symmetry configuration is shown in FIG. 5 where arcuate displacement by a multiple of 120.degree. of each of the part source components of each source 1A, 1B has been used. In this case, a third source 1C has been added and the angular rotation from one part source component to the next is 40.degree., not half the repetition angle as with the two sources shown in FIG. 4. The example of FIG. 5 shows that additional sources can be used according to this invention even if two sources are normally used. The use of multiple sources, such as third source 1C, permits use of a different spectral bandwidth, a use of further sampling chamber, etc. and other advantages. In FIG. 6, the source pattern is produced using a set of elongated, strip-like part source components 1A.sub.1, 1B.sub.1, 1A.sub.2, 1B.sub.2, etc. This structure works better, for example than that shown in Figure 1B, because the individual sources have been divided into several smaller elongated part source components. FIG. 15 shows a source pattern similar to that of FIG. 6, but with the addition of a third source 1C. Still further embodiments of the radiation sources are shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B in which the radiation sources, and component parts thereof, are arranged around the axis in a coaxial manner. It will be appreciated that the smaller and more numerous the part source components, the better is the approximation of symmetry and the better is the mixing of the radiation from the different sources. However it must be recognized that with optical filters, such as 2,3 in front of the part source components, such solutions may, however, be more difficult and expensive to manufacture because of the corresponding complexity in the filter structure. A further technique for obtaining a similar cross-sectional distribution pattern in the radiation from sources 1A and 1B is to use mirror images of the sources, so called virtual sources. Such a technique is shown in FIG. 7 which is a view similar to FIG. 1 but schematically showing a source structure of FIG. 2 having part source components 1A.sub.1 and 1B.sub.1 above axis 5 and part source components 1B.sub.2 and 1A.sub.2 below axis 5. A plane, two-sided mirror 6 is placed along optical axis 5 so that radiation from both sources can be at least partly reflected from each surface of the mirror. As can be seen from FIG. 7, due to the reflection from mirror 6, radiation from the upper part source component 1A.sub.1 appears to radiate from the lower part source component 1B.sub.2. This means that a virtual partial source for radiation source 1A.sub.1 has been created at the location of part source component 1B.sub.2, and vice versa, thus optically creating a virtual translation of the part source component to the other side of mirror 6 and optical axis 5. It should be noted that use of a fully reflective mirror 6 does not work with the source assembly 24 shown in FIG. 1 because, despite the existence of a virtual source for source 1A at the position of source 1B, all radiation from source 1A would be confined in a space above mirror 6 and, similarly, all radiation from source 1B would be confined in a space below mirror 6. With a fully reflective mirror, it is thus a requirement that both sources 1A, 1B or components of both sources 1A and 1B must be located on the same side of the mirror. With symmetrical sources or those having well divided part source components, such as shown in FIG. 6, or with the use of a partially reflective mirror, the use of a mirror and the resulting virtual images will facilitate obtaining similar cross-sectional distribution patterns in the radiation from sources 1A and 1B. FIG. 8 shows a transducer incorporating radiation source assembly 24 in which the measuring and reference radiation sources include part source components arranged in the manner shown in FIG. 2. Radiation source assembly 24 incorporates two diffusers 4 and 9 in order to form the same cross sectional radiation distributional pattern for the radiation from sources 1A and 1B. Preferably diffuser 4 near the sources has a wider scattering angle than diffuser 9. Diffuser 4 may have a scattering angle of about .+-.30.degree. and diffuser 9 may have a scattering angle of about .+-.10.degree.. This will create a radiation distribution pattern which is generally the same for both sources as viewed by detector 16. The transducer of FIG. 8 is shown in connection with windows 11 and 13, between which the substance, such as a gas sample, being measured is confined in space 12. The radiation distribution patterns from sources 1A and 1B on window 11 do not have to be, and may not be, identical to those on window 13, but the radiations from both sources behave similarly on each window so that the result is that of a single path for the detected radiation. The problems associated with dirt, mucus, condensed water, or other absorbing materials on the windows are thus correctly compensated for. The transducer shown in FIG. 8 also includes a narrow bandpass filter 14 that limits the wavelength region of the radiation to that relevant for both sources and at the same time it blocks possible ambient disturbing radiation. If the gas to be measured is carbon dioxide and a filter 3, associated with reference radiation source 1B and filled with an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide, is used to establish the radiation band of the reference radiation, then filter 2 is not needed in connection with measuring radiation source 1A. For carbon dioxide measuring, filter 14 is transmissive for a narrow wavelength band at about 4.26 .mu.m. The transducer further includes detector 16, preferably a lead selenide detector, because of its quick response time. As radiation sources 1A and 1B are normally used alternatingly, only one detector 16 is necessary to obtain signals from both sources. If for example, the breathing of a patient has to be reliably sampled, pulses of radiation from each radiation source must be generated in sequence at least five times per second. This means detector 16 must be able to resolve pulses occurring at a frequency of at least 10 Hz. The amount of radiation from sources 1A and 1B seen by the detector in the transducer construction of FIG. 8 may in some cases be too small for reliable noise-free, gas measurement. This can be overcome by the use of optical collecting and concentrating components, a number of which are shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows the same basic structure as shown in FIG. 8. On the radiation source side of the sample space 12, a cone shaped reflector 8 has been placed between diffusers 4 and 9 thus reflecting parts of the peripheral radiation to second diffuser 9. A positive lens 10 close to diffuser 9 acts as a field lens, further collimating the radiation through the first window 11 and the second window 13 of the sample area 12. Comparably good radiation patterns over a large cross-sectional area are obtained in such a case. To collect the radiation on the detector 16, an off-axis parabolic mirror 17 may used, since detectors big enough to receive all the collimated radiation are expensive or otherwise lack feasibility or availability. FIG. 10 shows another alternative embodiment of the transducer of the present invention. The embodiment uses radiation sources of the type shown in FIG. 2. A cylindrical reflector 7 is placed between sources 1A and 1B and diffuser 4 and, like the reflecting cone shaped mirror 8, will reflect back part of the peripheral radiation from the sources 1A and 1B in a direction toward detector 16. A plane double-sided mirror 6 is introduced after the diffuser 4 inside the cone shaped mirror 8. By creating virtual images of the sources, as described above, mirror 6 helps to establish a similar cross-sectional radiation pattern for the radiation of each source. A second diffuser, such as diffuser 9, is not necessarily needed in this embodiment. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9, a lens 10 collimates the radiation through the window 11 into the sample space 12 and further through the window 13 and optical filter 14 toward lens 15, which focuses the radiation on the detector 16. The function of lens 15 is similar to that of parabolic mirror 17. In the infrared light region, a lens often either absorbs radiation, or without expensive anti-reflective coatings, transmits less radiation than a mirror reflects. On the other hand, a mirror of the off-axis parabolic type may be more expensive than a lens. FIG. 11 shows the transducer of FIG. 10 incorporated in a typical mainstream gas sensor adapted to measure carbon dioxide. Radiation source assembly 24 and detector 16, and the associated components of each are located in body 23 of the gas sensor on either side of a detachable sample adapter 18 having sample windows 11 and 13. If necessary, protective windows 19 can be mounted in body 23 adjacent to sample adapter windows 11 and 13. The detected radiation beam 20 from the measurement source 1A and the detected radiation beam 21 from the reference source 1B, shown as displaced from each other for exemplary purposes, will alternately both pass through the sample space 12 of the sample adapter 18 and its windows 11 and 13 in similar manner. This means that their background corrected signal ratio calculated from the signals alternatingly generated by the detector 16 and transmitted through a cable 22 to a monitor, as described in detail in the publication EP-96301174.7 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,376), will be insensitive to possible dirt, mucus, water or other absorbing material on the windows 11 and 13 and the transducer will work as a single-path photometer. Other transducer and source assembly alternatives are within the scope of this invention and it will be apparent that many other variations are possible for making a single-path photometer using two or more adjacent radiation sources and at least one optical diffuser.

6G

01

N

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the Figure, a collimated laser beam 12, pulsed or continuous, is aligned with an acousto-optic cell 10 at the Bragg angle, .theta.. With the pulsed or continuous beam an accurate time synchronisation between incoming radar signal and readout can be achieved. A radar pulse to be classified forms the input through a transducer 14 to the acousto-optic cell 10 where it appears as an acoustic pressure wave. As the acoustic pressure wave propagates through the acousto-optic cell 10, it produces changes in the index of refraction, making the cell appear as a phase grating to the laser beam 12. Brillouin scattering occurs by the interaction of the laser beam 12 with the acoustic pressure wave, and since the acousto-optic cell 10 is oriented at the Bragg angle, the scattered light is deflected at the Bragg angle to form a diffracted beam 16. The loser part of the Figure shows a laser 4 emitting a collimated beam 6 which passes through expanding optics 8 and becomes laser beam 12. Any expanded laser beam output system can be used. One possible system is U.S. Pat. No. 3,609,590. The diffracted beam 16 carries a spatial intensity modulation proportional to the temporal modulation of the acoustic pressure wave, and hence, the radar pulse to classified. Since the far-field diffraction pattern of a collimated coherent light beam is proportional to the spatial Fourier power spectrum of the spatial intensity variations in the light beam, Fourier transform optics 18 are used to produce the far-field diffraction pattern for the steered beam 16 in the form of a continuous light pattern whose intensity is proportional to the power spectrum of the radar pulse. This light intensity pattern 20 is sensed by a photodetector array 22 and stored as an analog pattern of voltages. A digitizer 24 converts the analog voltage pattern to a digital pattern which is fed via coupling means 26 to a digital classifier 28. The digital classifier 28 can immediately use the Fourier power spectrum transform to classify the radar pulse. "Introduction to Mathematical Techniques in Pattern Recognition", by H. C. Andrews, Wiley-Interscience, 1972, describes classification techniques. The undiffracted beam 30 is absorbed by a light trap 32 to avoid interference by backscattering with the diffrated beam 16. Also, optical scattering, or noise, due to imperfections of the optical system, can be subtracted by digital techniques following the photodetector array 22 before the classification is performed. With this subtraction, the signal to noise ratio of the signals for classification can be significatly improved. Since classification can be achieved with only a small number of features or Fourier coefficients, only an array of a few detectors are required for the photodetector array 20. Subtractor 34 contains a memory that records the signal present when the laser is off. This is background light that includes scatter from cell 10, lens 18, other optical components and dust particles present in the system. Over short periods of time this background light is invariant. A background reading should usually be good for at least one day. Once this background signal is stored in memory it is subracted in the conventional electronic fashion from the signal present when the laser is on. Thus, subtractor 34 provides a means for digitally subtracting the effects of undesirable optical scattering. The present invention provides a real time Fourier transform process with an overall processing time considerably faster than that realizeable by discrete Fourier transform implementation in digital computers and able to process signals with a very wide bandwidth.

6G

01

S

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and examples given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology as defined above will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. In a first preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4, a triangular geogrid10shown inFIG. 4is prepared from a starting material1shown inFIG. 1. The starting material is preferably a uniplanar sheet of extruded plastics material having planar parallel faces, although other sheet-like materials can be used. Holes2are punched or formed in an array of hexagons3of substantially identical shape and size so that substantially each hole2is at a corner of each of three hexagons3. To produce the triangular geogrid10from the punched sheet, the starting material1is heated and a first stretch is applied in the notional MD, i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the MD sides of the hexagons3shown inFIG. 1. The resulting uniaxially oriented grid5, shown inFIG. 3, is then subsequently stretched in the TD to produce the biaxially oriented triangular geogrid10, shown inFIG. 4. The resulting multi-axial geogrid10consists of triangular apertures12with ribs or strands14that meet at each junction16with angles of approximately 60°. As shown inFIG. 4, the grid or mesh structure10includes a generally uniform array of substantially straight oriented transverse strands or ribs18interconnected in line by junctions16to extend transversely across the grid or mesh structure in spaced apart transversely extending rows, generally designated by reference numeral20. A plurality of substantially straight oriented connecting strands or ribs22interconnect the junctions16in adjacent rows20, which together with the transversely extending strands or ribs18form apertures or openings12that have a generally equilateral triangular shape. In accordance with the present invention, the thickness of the starting material1, and the dimensions for the spacing of the punched holes2, noted as a, b, and c inFIG. 2, i.e., punched pitch, are selected so that the aspect ratio of the ribs or strands14of the triangular geogrid10is greater than 1.0, preferably in the range between about 1.4 and about 2.2, but can vary as high as about 2.5, or above. More specifically, if the hole spacing, i.e., punch pitch, is held constant, then the aspect ratio of the ribs or strands will increase as the starting sheet thickness is increased. However, there is an interaction effect between the starting punch pitch and the sheet thickness that determines the final rib aspect ratio of the final geogrid because both pitch and thickness can be varied independently. In a second preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 6-8, a rectangular geogrid30shown inFIG. 8is prepared from a starting material32shown inFIG. 6. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,798, the starting material32shown inFIG. 6is preferably a uniplanar sheet36of extruded plastics material having planar parallel faces. However, other extruded starting materials can be employed. Holes or depressions34are punched or formed in a square or rectangular array38to produce the multi-axial geogrid30from the punched or formed starting sheet32. The starting sheet32is heated and a first stretch is applied in the notional MD, i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the MD sides of the rectangular hole pattern indicated inFIG. 6. The resulting uniaxially oriented geogrid40, shown inFIG. 7, is subsequently stretched in the TD to produce the biaxially oriented final product30, as shown inFIG. 8. The resultant multi-axial geogrid30consists of square or rectangular apertures42with ribs or strands44that meet at each junction46with angles at approximately 90°. As shown inFIG. 8, the grid or mesh structure30includes a generally uniform array of substantially straight oriented transverse strands or ribs48interconnected by junctions46extending transversely across the grid or mesh structure in spaced apart transverse rows, generally designated by reference numeral52. A plurality of substantially straight oriented connecting strands or ribs54interconnect the junctions46in adjacent rows52, which together with transversely extending strands or ribs50form generally rectangular apertures or openings42. In accordance with the present invention, the thickness of the starting sheet32, and the size and spacing of holes or depressions34, are selected so that the ribs or strands of the resultant rectangular geogrid30have an aspect ratio greater than 1.0 and less than about 4.0, with an accompanying aperture stability modulus (ASM) greater than 0.3 Nm/degree at 20 kg-cm of applied torque and, more preferably, greater than 0.45 Nm/degree at 20 kg-cm of applied torque. Test Methods for Examples A general method for measuring the aperture stability modulus (ASM) for the examples is outlined in “GRI Test Method GG9, Standard Test Method for Torsional Behavior of Bidirectional Geogrids when Subjected to In-Plane Rotation,” Geosynthetic Research Institute, Mar. 10, 2004. For the ASM testing described herein, multi-axial geogrid samples having approximate dimensions of 350 mm×350 mm with a junction, or node, positioned exactly in the center of the frame were clamped all around their peripheries using a square clamping frame or containment box. The torquing device, consisting of a matched set of plates, was fastened to the test sample using four bolts for conventional biaxial geogrid products having strands or ribs intersecting at or nearly at 90 degree angles. In order to adapt the test method to the six-strand geogrid geometry, for example, the torquing device was modified such that the bolts would immediately bear against the ribs or strands of the sample when the torque was applied. In this case, a torquing device with six bolts spaced at 60 degrees around the device was employed. To carry out the test, the torquing device was rotated relative to the perimeter clamp by applying increasing amounts of torque in order to determine in-plane torsional rigidity, as described in test method referenced above with the exception that only one loading cycle was performed. In the teaching of the '112 patent, results of the aperture stability modulus test were presented as the number of degrees that the junction clamp attached to the sample has rotated for the applied torque value of 4.5 Nm. The smaller the number of degrees of rotation for a given torque value, the higher the ASM, or torsional rigidity, value. This convention is used for triangular geogrids in this specification. Another unit of measure for reporting ASM test results for geogrids with rectangular apertures is Nm/degree (Newton-meter per degree) at an applied torque value of 20 kg-cm. The higher the Nm/degree value, the higher the torsional rigidity of the sample. For rectangular aperture geogrids in this specification, AMS values are reported using Nm/degree at 20 kg-cm applied torque. The performance of a multi-axial geogrid for resisting rutting due to vehicle traffic was evaluated using a new small-scale test to simulate well-established field tests such as the one described by Webster (above). The small-scale test is designed to reproduce the results of well-established field tests for traffic performance of multi-axial geogrids and comprises a test section consisting of an underlying clay subgrade, a single layer of geogrid, and a compacted granular sub base. The test section is subjected to the load of a single weighted wheel. The wheel traverses the test section along a single horizontal path, constantly reversing direction from one end of the test section to the other end. A control test section with no geogrid present will rapidly fail under such testing. For example, after 1000 passes of the wheel on an unreinforced test section, a deep rut will be formed. By using properly designed multi-axial geogrids as reinforcement, decreased amounts of rutting depth will occur for a given number of wheel passes compared to an unreinforced test section. This decreased rut depth has an impact on the lifetime of the civil engineering structure and can extend this lifetime by factors of up to 50 times that of an unreinforced structure. Hence, a roadway or other civil engineering structure reinforced in accordance with the present invention will have increased longevity and decreased maintenance requirements. EXAMPLES FIGS. 1 to 5and Table 1—First High Aspect Ratio Samples In a first set of high aspect ratio rib samples configured according to the present invention, the samples were prepared as described in accordance with theFIGS. 1-4embodiment using the preferred strictly uniform starting material. The dimensions for the spacing of the punched holes, or pitch, noted as a, b, and c inFIG. 2, was varied. In these samples, the resulting multi-axial geogrid consisted of triangular apertures with ribs or strands that meet at each junction with angles at approximately 60°. TABLE 1First Set of Geogrid Samples According to the PresentInvention with Triangular AperturesSheetthickness,DimensionDimensionDimensionRib AspectExamplemma, mmb, mmc, mmRatioC14.79.510.540.63C24.710.6311.524.430.3813.26.196.712.581.06*23.46.196.712.580.9733.45.415.862.261.0243.44.645.031.941.1953.43.864.191.611.8863.66.196.712.581.19*73.86.196.712.581.2846.196.712.581.26945.415.862.261.391044.645.031.941.561143.864.191.612.19124.87.748.353.221.27*134.86.196.712.581.4144.85.415.862.261.81*154.84.645.031.942.1*164.83.864.191.612.55*175.87.748.353.221.53*185.86.196.712.582.01195.85.415.862.262.18*205.84.645.031.942.54*215.83.864.191.613.08*226.86.196.712.582.2*Predicted Table 1 presents geogrid Samples 1 through 22 to illustrate the instant invention using triangular apertures (a few of the samples are from actual tests, the others are representative), along with Comparative Examples C1 and C2 taken from data presented in the '112 patent. Compared to the '112 patent, the spacing or pitches of the holes, shown as dimensions a, b, and c inFIG. 2, have been reduced for the instant invention in order to produce the higher aspect ratio rib shape. As shown in Table 1, it is possible to obtain a wide range of rib aspect ratio values greater than unity by varying both punch pitch and starting sheet thickness. For example, using a small punch pitch, i.e. close hole spacing, the aspect ratio of the ribs can be significantly higher than for the Comparative Examples even when the starting sheet thickness is less than that of the Comparative Examples. In the '112 patent, a key objective was to obtain a high value of aperture stability modulus compared to previously established commercial products based on Webster's findings. The aperture stability modulus for Comparative Example C2, as taken from FIG. 13 of the '112 patent, is 6.7 degrees of rotation at 4.5 Nm torque. The smaller the number of degrees of rotation for the specified 4.5 Nm torque value, the higher the ASM value. The '112 patent indicates that ASM was increased 65% relative to a comparable conventional biax geogrid tested under the same test conditions. (See FIG. 13 of the '112 patent and related description in the specification.) At the time it was believed that this increase in a geogrid's ASM would be favorable for improving the resistance of a reinforced structure to rutting by vehicular traffic. According to the instant invention, however, an objective is to increase the triangular geogrid's rib aspect ratio, rather than maximizing ASM, in order to improve resistance to rutting. It has been observed that ASM has in fact decreased for samples according to the present invention compared to the test samples of the '112 patent, i.e. triangular geogrid samples tested for the instant invention have ASM values between 16 and 21 degrees of rotation at 4.5 Nm torque. The rutting resistance of a reinforced structure has, however, substantially improved compared to a reinforced structure according to the '112 patent, despite the significantly decreased ASM. Even though ASM values for samples according to the present invention are lower than for the '112 patent examples, the ASM values are nevertheless indicative of a stiff multi-axial geogrid with rigid junctions. The combination of an adequately rigid geogrid aperture plus the high aspect ratio rib shape produces superior performance, i.e. rutting resistance, in the reinforced structure. Furthermore, these first samples combine the aforementioned rigidity and high aspect ratio rib with the advantage of improved load distribution demonstrated in the '112 patent arising from the geometrical arrangement of six ribs attached to each junction at 60° angles and triangular apertures. FIG. 5displays in graphic form the rutting resistance of reinforced structures containing multi-axial geogrids having triangular apertures as described herein versus rib cross-sections of varying aspect ratios.FIG. 5presents the results according to a traffic simulation test that was carried out as described under “Test Methods” above. The results demonstrate that resistance to rutting improves substantially as the aspect ratio of the geogrid rib is increased.FIG. 5compares integral-junction geogrids having triangular apertures as described which possess rib aspect ratios ranging from 0.38 to 2.2. The low aspect ratio sample, corresponding to Comparative Example C2, was produced using the teaching from the '112 patent, and the samples with aspect ratios greater than unity are according to the instant invention. As demonstrated by the examples of Table 1, rib aspect ratio can be increased as desired by employing even thicker plastics sheet for the starting material or by further modifying the punching conditions such as the hole sizes, shapes, and spacing, or by other techniques that could be developed by those skilled in the art. The types of starting materials for the plastics sheet, the nature of the holes or depressions used to form the finished products, the available methods of manufacture, and other desired features for the final geogrid or mesh structure have been described in the prior art, including the '112 patent and other patents cited hereinbefore, and further explanation is not deemed necessary for those skilled in the art. FIGS. 6 to 9and Table 2—Second High Aspect Ratio Samples In a second set of high aspect ratio rib samples configured according to the present invention, the starting material11shown inFIG. 6was a strictly uniplanar sheet of extruded plastics material having planar parallel faces. Holes or depressions12are punched to form a square or rectangular array. To produce the multi-axial geogrid product from the punched sheet, the starting material11was heated and biaxially stretched as described above. In these samples, the resulting multi-axial geogrid consists of square or rectangular apertures with ribs or strands that meet at each junction with angles at approximately 90°. TABLE 2Second Set of Geogrid Samples According to the Present Invention with Rectangular AperturesActual (measured)Predicted surfaceTraffic ImprovementSheetRibAperture stabilitysurface deformationdeformation atFactor (TIF) versusExam-thicknessaspectmodulus, Nm/0atat 10,000 passes10,000 passesunreinforced testple(mm)ratio20 kg-cm torque(mm)(mm)sectionC36.80.760.30C43.10.340.385749.73.322340.520.2752.453.12.44244.80.570.3646.250.14.572540.860.2552.152.91.99266.81.220.5039.244.323.5277.51.920.5046.243.33.27287.53.680.3844.243.85.78 The above Table 2 presents geogrid samples 23 through 28 to illustrate the instant invention using rectangular apertures. Comparative Example C3 is a biaxial geogrid with square apertures sold commercially as Tensar type SS-30, and C4 is a similarly produced commercial product with rectangular apertures sold as Tensar BX1100. Samples 23 through 25 are additional comparative examples with AR less than 1.0 that are included for reference. Samples 26 through 28 were produced according to the instant invention with a high aspect ratio rib cross-section. In order to increase the rib aspect ratio for Samples 26 through 28, the starting sheet thickness, the punched hole size and the hole spacing were varied in a manner similar to that described for Samples 1 through 22 of Table 1. As shown, samples 26, 27 and 28 illustrate the ability to achieve rib aspect ratios greater than unity by manipulation of sheet thickness, punch pitch, and hole size. Table 2 indicates that the best performance, i.e. the minimum rut depth value of 39.2 mm, occurs at a rib aspect ratio of 1.22 for the limited number of samples produced. The expected improvement in performance, i.e. rutting resistance, for samples with rib aspect ratios greater than 1.0 is demonstrated. Table 2 also shows the “Traffic Improvement Factor,” defined as ratio of the time to reach a specified rut depth for a test sample relative to the time to reach the same rut depth with no geogrid reinforcement present. Note that Sample 26 with a 1.22 rib aspect ratio has a Traffic Improvement Factor (TIF) of 23.5, i.e. 23.5 times the lifetime compared to an unreinforced soil. Samples 26 through 28 generally have rut depths that are significantly lower than comparative example C4 and examples 23 through 25. The mean rut depth is 51.9 mm for the four samples with rib aspect ratio less than one, i.e. C4 and samples 23 through 25. The mean rut depth for samples 26 through 28, with rib aspect ratio greater than one, is 43.2 mm. The mean reduction in rut depth for the instant invention (rib aspect ratio greater than 1.0) compared to samples with rib aspect ratio less than 1.0 is 17%. Looking at the Traffic Improvement Factor, the mean TIF increases from 3.08 for samples with an aspect ratio less than 1.0 to a mean TIF of 14.6 for samples with an aspect ratio greater than 1.0. The longevity of the civil engineering structure in terms of traffic improvement factor for the instant invention is thus shown to be improved. One observes that Sample 28, although possessing the highest rib aspect ratio, does not exhibit the best performance as measured by rut depth or TIF. Further investigation was made, and the aperture stability modulus (ASM) was also considered. Table 2 indicates that Sample 28 has a relatively low ASM value such that the benefit of the high rib aspect ratio has been offset somewhat by the relatively low ASM value. A multi-linear model was constructed to examine the impact of both rib aspect ratio and ASM for rectangular geogrids. For the examples in Table 2, the following model was generated by performing a least-squares regression: Rut depth at 10,000 passes=62.4−1.83*Rib Aspect ratio−31.4*Aperture Stability Modulus (Nm/degree at 20 kg-cm applied torque). Therefore, the rut depth in rectangular geogrids is observed to be impacted by the combination of two geogrid properties, i.e. rib aspect ratio and ASM. As explained in the background of the invention, this is consistent with a known correlation between rectangular-aperture geogrid performance and ASM. As seen from the examples in Table 2 and in accordance with the numerical model, one can vary both aspect ratio and aperture stability modulus to arrive at an optimum product performance. For rectangular geogrids, the preferred ASM is greater than 0.3 Nm/degree at 20 kg-cm applied torque and more preferably greater than 0.45 Nm/degree at 20 kg-cm applied torque. High aspect ratio rib geogrids made by the methods described in both the first and second sets of samples, as outlined above, can be made with a wide range of thicknesses for the starting sheet from about 3.0 mm to at least about 9.0 mm. Polymeric grids and meshes have also been used in various commercial and geotechnical applications such as fencing (U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,196), cellular confinement (U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,455), mine stopping (U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,990) and other commercial enclosure, containment and barrier applications. The present invention can have certain advantages over known products for these applications. For example, in mine stopping, sealant, such as shotcrete, is sprayed onto the mesh structure to prevent air flow. The problem with the lower aspect ratio grids is that the sealant material tends to rebound off the wider rib surface and thus does not adhere as well and/or more sealant is required. With a higher aspect ratio product as in the present invention, the spray-on material should adhere more readily and a lesser quantity is thus required to achieve the desired barrier effect. Alternate Embodiments Following the teaching from this invention, other methods for manufacturing multi-axial geogrids with high aspect ratio ribs can be similarly demonstrated by relatively simple modifications to the existing methods of manufacturing geogrids, for example by stitch bonding fabrics made of, for instance, polyester filaments and applying a flexible coating such as a PVC coating, or by weaving or by knitting, by spot-welding oriented plastic strands together, by extruding undrawn parallel filaments into a net structure and subsequently stretching the structure, or by other methods of multi-axial geogrid manufacture known to those skilled in the art. One need only apply the principle of increasing the aspect ratio of the rib dimensions as taught by this invention. Such multi-axial geogrids can have rectangular apertures consisting of longitudinal and transverse strands or ribs, or the strands can be arranged to meet at the junctions with angles not equal to 90°. Stiff junctions are preferred as a desirable, but not a sole condition, to contribute toward minimizing the rutting effects of vehicular traffic. The invention being thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be recognized by one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

3D

04

H

EXAMPLE 1 32.2 Grams (0.1 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride powder and 21.2 g (0.1 mol) of 3,3 -diaminobenzophenone powder were uniformly mixed by stirring in a mortar for 5 minutes to obtain a solid mixture. This solid mixture was uniformly spread all over a tray and heat-treated at 200 C. for 1 hour to obtain a polyimide resin powder. The resulting polyimide resin powder had a glass transition temperature of 252 C., a melting point of 300 C., and a weight-average molecular weight of 50000 in terms of polystyrene. The weight decreased by 6.7% after the heat treatment, and this suggests that the monomers in nearly equal molar amount reacted with each other (caused dehydration condensation reaction) in theoretical manner. The resulting polyimide resin powder was ground to 1 mm or smaller in particle size by a grinder, and molded by an injection molding machine at a molding temperature of 380 C. and a mold temperature of 150 C. to obtain a satisfactory polyimide molded product. EXAMPLE 2 A polyimide resin powder was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 34.0 g (0.1 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid monoanhydride was used in place of 32.2 g (0.1 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride powder. The resulting polyimide resin powder had a glass transition temperature of 250 C., a melting point of 297 C., and a weight-average molecular weight of 42000 in terms of polystyrene. The weight decreased by 9.7% after the heat treatment, and this suggests that the monomers in nearly equal molar amount reacted with each other (caused dehydration condensation reaction) in theoretical manner. The resulting polyimide resin powder was ground to 1 mm or smaller in particle size by a grinder, and molded by an injection molding machine at a molding temperature of 380 C. and a mold temperature of 150 C. to obtain a satisfactory polyimide molded product. EXAMPLE 3 A polyimide resin powder was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 35.8 g (0.1 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid was used in place of 32.2 g (0.1 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride powder. The resulting polyimide resin powder had a glass transition temperature of 248 C., a melting point of 296 C., and a weight-average molecular weight of 38000 in terms of polystyrene. The weight decreased by 12.3% after the heat treatment, and this suggests that the monomers in nearly equal molar amount reacted with each other (caused dehydration condensation reaction) in theoretical manner. The resulting polyimide resin powder was ground to 1 mm or smaller in particle size by a grinder, and molded by an injection molding machine at a molding temperature of 380 C. and a mold temperature of 150 C. to obtain a satisfactory polyimide molded product. EXAMPLE 4 A polyimide resin powder was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a mixture of three benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid components (3.4 g (0.01 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid monoanhydride, 3.6 g (0.01 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid and 25.8 g (0.08 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride powder) was used in place of 32.2 g (0.1 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride powder. The resulting polyimide resin powder had a glass transition temperature of 250 C., a melting point of 298 C., and a weight-average molecular weight of 46000 in terms of polystyrene. The weight decreased by 7.6% after the heat treatment, and this suggests that the monomers in nearly equal molar amount reacted with each other (caused dehydration condensation reaction) in theoretical manner. The resulting polyimide resin powder was ground to 1 mm or smaller in particle size by a grinder, and molded by an injection molding machine at a molding temperature of 380 C. and a mold temperature of 150 C. to obtain a satisfactory polyimide molded product. EXAMPLE 5 32.2 Grams (0.1 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride powder and two diamines (10.6 g (0.05 mol) of 3,3 -diaminobenzophenone powder and 12.5 g (0.05 mol) of , -bis(3-aminopropyl)dimethyldisiloxane) were successively added and mixed in a mortar to obtain a solid mixture. The , -bis(3-aminopropyl)dimethyldisiloxane used here was liquid in the state of monomer, but rapidly became a solid mixture by the mixing in the mortar. Thereafter, a polyimide resin powder was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The resulting polyimide resin powder had a glass transition temperature of 220 C., a melting point of 268 C., and a weight-average molecular weight of 42000 in terms of polystyrene. The weight decreased by 7.3% after the heat treatment, and this suggests that the monomers in nearly equal molar amount reacted with each other (caused dehydration condensation reaction) in theoretical manner. 350 Parts by weight of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was added to 150 parts by weight of the resulting polyimide resin powder to prepare a polyimide resin solution of 30% by weight in resin concentration. This resin solution was coated on a release surface of a stainless steel foil (50 m thick) subjected to releasing treatment by a die coater so as to give a dry thickness of 25 m, followed by subjecting the coat to successive heat treatments of 100 C./3 minutes, 150 C./3 minutes and 200 C./3 minutes. Then, the dry coat film was peeled off from the stainless steel foil to obtain a polyimide resin film. The resulting polyimide resin film was a film high in flexibility and excellent in characteristics. EXAMPLE 6 33.4 Grams (0.1 mol) of 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane was successively added to 44.4 g (0.1 mol) of 4,4 -(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic acid anhydride and these were mixed in a mortar to obtain a solid mixture. Thereafter, a polyimide resin powder was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The resulting polyimide resin powder had a glass transition temperature of 322 C., a melting point of 366 C., and a weight-average molecular weight of 43000 in terms of polystyrene. The weight decreased by 4.6% after the heat treatment, and this suggests that the monomers in nearly equal molar amount reacted with each other (caused dehydration condensation reaction) in theoretical manner. 400 Parts by weight of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was added to 100 parts by weight of the resulting polyimide resin powder to prepare a polyimide resin solution of 20% by weight in resin concentration. This resin solution was coated on a release surface of a stainless steel foil (50 m thick) subjected to releasing treatment by a die coater so as to give a dry thickness of 25 m, followed by subjecting the coat to successive heat treatments of 100 C./3 minutes, 150 C./3 minutes and 200 C./3 minutes. Then, the dry coat film was peeled off from the stainless steel foil. Furthermore, the edge faces of the film was fixed by a frame, followed by subjecting to heat treatments of 250 C./3 minutes, 300 C./3 minutes and 350 C./10 minutes to obtain a polyimide resin film. The resulting polyimide film was a film high in flexibility and transparency, and excellent in characteristics. Comparative Example 1 206 Grams of dried and purified N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was charged in a four-necked flask equipped with a dry nitrogen gas introducing pipe, a condenser, a thermometer and a stirrer, and 21.2 g (0.1 mol) of 3,3 -diaminobenzophenone powder was introduced therein under stirring while flowing nitrogen gas therethrough, followed by stirring until the system became homogeneous. After the homogeneous dissolution, under keeping the system at 20 C., the same mixture of the three benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid components as used in Example 4 (3.4 g (0.01 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid monoanhydride, 3.6 g (0.01 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid and 25.8 g (0.08 mol) of 3,3 ,4,4 -benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride) was successively introduced into the flask, followed by continuing the stirring for 8 hours. During this stirring, the flask was kept at 20 C. Thereafter, the nitrogen gas introducing pipe and the condenser were removed, and a Dean-Stark tube filled with toluene was fitted to the flask and 100 g of toluene was added to the system. The system was heated to 175 C. by using an oil bath, and the water produced was removed from the system. After heating for 6 hours, production of water was not recognized. The system was cooled to obtain a polyimide resin solution. The resin had a weight-average molecular weight of 8000. In the same manner as in Example 5, the resulting resin solution was coated on a release surface of a stainless steel foil (50 m thick) subjected to releasing treatment by a die coater so as to give a dry thickness of 25 m, followed by subjecting the coat to successive heat treatments of 100 C./3 minutes, 150 C./3 minutes and 200 C./3 minutes. Then, it was attempted to peel off the dry coat film from the stainless steel foil, but probably owing to the low molecular weight, the film was fragile and broken, and any polyimide resin film could not be obtained. According to the method of the present invention, not only tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides of high purity, but also ring-opened tetracarboxylic acids or tetracarboxylic acid monoanhydrides contained as impurities in the tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides can be used as starting monomers. Moreover, polyimide resins can be easily obtained through a very simple process without using expensive and harmful organic polar solvents which are difficult to handle. Therefore, the method of the present invention is an excellent and industrially suitable method for producing polyimide resins as compared with conventional methods for producing polyimide resins using solvents through production of polyamic acids.

2C

08

G

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated a body, generally indicate at 10, of a female having a enlarged abdominal area 12 which is due to a pregnancy condition. In accordance with the present invention, the area is covered by stretch preventing membrane 16 adapted to prevent stretching of the individual's underlying skin. The stretch prevention membrane 16 comprises a thin adhesive-backed-high-moisture-vaporization-elastomer film 18. Such a film may be made from polyurethane, a copolyester, or a block copolymer. The film 18 preferably has a thickness not exceeding 0.0020 inches (e.g., 2.0 mil.) and most preferably has a thickness within the range of about 0.5 to 1.0 mil. The adhesive 20 is applied to one surface of the film within the range of about 0.5 to 0.1 mil. in thickness. The adhesive is also preferably pressure-sensitive and nonsensitizing hypoallergenic. The adhesive may be an acrylic copolymer. The adhesive properties may have a typical peel adhesion value within the range of about 300 to 900 g/in..sup.2, and preferably within the range of about 400 to 600 g/cm.sup.2. The moisture-vapor-transmission rate of the adhesive-backed film or membrane is preferably within the range of about 1,000 to 12,000 g/m.sup.2 /day. A releasable backing sheet 22, made of silicon-coated paper, for example, may be placed over the adhesive coating and subsequently removed when the membrane is to be applied to a patient's or individual's skin. Another releasable backing sheet 24 may be placed over the film 18, if desired, as is shown in FIG. 3. The adhesive backed film or sheet 16 preferably has a ratio of tensile strength in pounds/inch width (lbs/in. width) to elongation in inches within the range of about 1.0 to 2.0 with applied loads of 3 to 7 lbs/in. width and most preferably about 1.25 to 1.50. For example, with an applied load of about 5 lbs/in. width, the elongation of an adhesive-backed polyurethane film is preferably about 350% and at 3.0 lbs/in. width the elongation is about 275%. The presence of the stretch preventing membrane 16 inhibits and substantially prevents separation of the epidermis tissue during the time that portions of the underlying dermis structure are undergoing adverse changes, that is, losing their elasticity and strength, (due to changes in the elastic fibers and collagen tissue) necessary to hold the epidermis in a cohesive structure and prevent separation of the epidermis or outer skin layer. The film may be provided with a multiplicity of very small or microscopic holes to enhance its breathability. Two suitable materials (polyurethane and copolyester, respectively) for use in the present invention are marketed by the Specialty Tape Division of Avery Dennison under the product number MED 5020 and by Bertek, Inc. Under the product name Medifilm 325 (or 390,426). Both films are provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing. These films are marketed for securing IV's in place and for covering wounds. The membrane sheet 16 has a length (extending horizontally about the body) of say about 20 cm or more and a width of at least 10 cm (i.e., 10-20 cm) to accommodate a women's lower and upper abdominal area which expands due to pregnancy. The membrane may be considerably larger than the above dimensions depending upon the size of the individual. Preferably the membrane should cover approximately the area between the symphyses pubis to the xyphoid, in width, and extend lengthwise from 10 to 20 cm on each side of the midline (or the linea nigra) of the abdomen. Such area may be referred to as the major area of the abdomen which is likely to develop stretch marks during pregnancy. In accordance with my method, the membrane is taped across the surface area of the body when the elastic fibers of the underlying tissue or dermis may be or is being subjected to excessive stress, e.g., during the sixteenth-fortieth week of pregnancy. Talcum power, titanium oxide powder or other suitable non-sensitizing moisture absorbent powder may first be applied to the skin area to receive the membrane. Preferably a non-oily, quick-drying, emulsion-based lotion is applied to the skin area prior to the application of the membrane. The lotion provides moisturizing and emollient properties while the membrane is in place and is very important for the comfortable release of the adhesive when the membrane is removed. In addition, the lotion should provide a correct balance for skin ph, antioxidant and antibacterial properties and stabilize the emulsion. One such lotion is sold under the tradename Nivea. The lotion aids in the subsequent, relatively pain-free, removal of the membrane without adversely affecting the ability of the adhesive-backed film to reinforce and stabilize the underlying epidermis area. The membrane is to be left in place for an extended period of time until the underlying cause for the degradation of the elastic fibers or dermis has been removed during the term of the pregnancy. For example, the membrane should be left in place about 75 to 90% of the time, and preferably about 80-95% of the time, from about the twentieth week of the pregnancy through the termination of the pregnancy and preferably from about the sixteenth week through the fortieth week, or sooner if the pregnancy is terminated before the fortieth week. It should be noted that development of stretch marks in the epidermis is a slow process and it is not necessary for the patient or individual to have the stretch prevention sheet to be continuously attached to the area to be protected. While the membrane may be left in place during a shower or bath, it can be removed for short periods of time, if desire, to allow the individual to wash the area underlying the membrane. FIG. 4 illustrates a sheet of the adhesive backed membrane with one centimeter markings 26 thereon to aid one in cutting the sheet to the desired length. The foregoing should only be considered as illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes may readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claimed invention.

0A

61

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a differential gear 1 comprises a gear carrier or gear 2 formed of two halves 3, 4 which are a male-female fit and made unitary with each other by screws 5. The screws 5 also secure a conical toothed wheel 6 to the case 2. The case 2 is supported rotatably, as by means of taper roller bearings 9, within a front axle 8, only partly shown, of an agricultural tractor. The ring gear 6 receives its motion through a bevel pinion gear 7 with which it is in mesh engagement. Supported in the case 2 are two journals 10 arranged in a cross-like configuration and each carrying a pair of planet gears 11 for idle rotation therearound. Said planet gears 11 enmesh with a pair of crown wheels generally indicated at 12a and 12d, respectively. The crown wheels 12a, b are made, in turn, unitary rotation-wise with respective axle shafts 13a, b each connected to one wheel (not shown) of the front axle. Each crown wheel has an internally splined ring wheel 15 and a ring gear 16 which are structurally independent of each other. The ring wheel 15 has a splined central bore 17 in sliding engagement with a splined end of the corresponding axle shaft 13a, b, and a radial outboard flange 18 provided at an intermediate location between an outside splined section 19 and a cylindrical outer section 20. Spline keyed on the splined section 19 are a series of friction plates 21 alternating with clutch plates 22. The latter are each made unitary rotation-wise with the case 2 by four radial projections fitting into four radial grooves 23 which are formed in each case half 3, 4. The clutch plate assembly 21, 22 forms a friction clutch adapted to make the axle shaft 13a, b with which it is associated unitary rotation-wise with the case 2. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, defined on the flange 18 are two opposing flat surfaces 25, 26; the former lying close against the clutch plate assembly 21, 22 and the latter facing a corresponding flat surface 27 on the ring gear 16, with said gear 16 fitted rotatably over the cylindrical section 20. Each of the surfaces 26, 27 is formed with a corresponding series of notches, respectively indicated at 28 and 29. All the notches 28, 29 have a teardrop shape in plan view and a sawtooth shape in section along a middle circumferential line, thereby a breast 30 and back or bottom 31 are defined which lie at an angle A to the plane of the corresponding surface 26, 27. Said angle A varies between 30.degree. and 80.degree., preferably between 45.degree. and 75.degree.. The notches 28 located on the surface 26 are so oriented as to have the tapering end of the teardrop shape concurrent with the direction of rotation of its respective axle shaft 13a, b, with the tractor driven in forward gear, whereas the notches 29 on the surface 27 are oriented in the opposite direction. The direction of rotation in forward gear is indicated by arrows in FIG. 2 and 3. A ball 35 is accommodated between each pair of corresponding notches 28, 29. A shimming ring 36 provides shim adjustment at the free end of each axle shaft 13a, crown wheel 12a, b, and ring wheel 15 to maintain a predetermined amount of backlash between said crown wheels 12a, b and the planet gears 11 irrespective of the axial load to which the wheels 12a, b may be subjected. The differential gear 1 operates as follows. The conical toothed gear 6 receives its motion through the bevel pinion gear 7 and entrains the case or carrier 2 rotatively on the bearings 9. The rotary motion is then transferred, via the planet gears 11 to the crown wheels 12a, b, and via the axle shafts 13a, b to the front road wheels of the tractor. Under a condition of straight travel in forward gear, the ring gear 16 of each crown wheel 13a, b will be shifted angularly with respect to the corresponding ring wheel 15 by the action of the oppositely-acting driving and resisting torques respectively induced on the axle shaft by the crown wheels and the wheel rolling resistance. The angular displacement takes place along a direction in which the breasts 30 of the facing notches 28, 29 tend to be moved farthest apart. Accordingly, the balls 35 will be forced to climb up the backs or bottoms 31 of the corresponding notches 28, 29 and cause the ring wheel 15 to move axially away from its corresponding ring gear 16 and the clutch plate assembly 21, 22 to become compressed and lock each axle shaft relatively to the carrier or case 2. Due to the sloping bottom of back 31 of the notches 28, 29, the axial component of the thrusts generated by the displacement of the balls 35 is significant even under a small resisting torque. It has been observed that the inertia of the road wheel is alone sufficient to generate a resisting torque effective to cause the differential gear to be locked. The ramp-like bottom of the notches 28, 29, owing to the balls 35 provided, behaves therefore respectively as a first (notches 28) and second (notches 29) clutch engaging-member of an engaging device for the corresponding clutch. The shimming rings 36 oppose any axial movements of the crown wheels 12a, b toward the ring wheel 15, thus providing for proper enmeshing with the planet gears 11. When travelling a curving path in forward gear, the outboard road wheel will cover a longer distance than the inboard wheel. Accordingly, the axle shaft associated with the outboard wheel, e.g. 13a, will be driven at a higher rotational speed than the axle shaft 13b associated with the inboard wheel. As a result, the ring wheel 15 connected to the axle shaft 13a will be rotated, relatively to its corresponding ring gear 16, in a direction tending to bring the breasts 30 of the corresponding notches 28, 29 closer together. The balls 35 are therefore caused to roll down the ramps of the backs or bottoms 31 toward the corresponding breast 30, thereby allowing for an axial approaching movement between the ring wheel 15 and the ring gear 16 and unloading the clutch plate assembly 21, 22 and, consequently, unlocking the differential gear. Owing to the axle shaft 13a being released relatively to the rotational speed of the carrier 2, there also occurs partial unloading of the clutch associated with the axle shaft 13b, thereby making for more favorable steering condition. In reverse gear movement, the differential gear 1 will operate the same way as a conventional self-locking differential gear because the orientation of the notches 28, 29 prevents the balls 35 from compressing the clutch plate assemblies 21, 22 of the respective clutches in reverse gear. Thus, the compression of the clutch plate assemblies 21, 22 will take place on account of the axial component of the thrust generated at the sides of the enmeshed teeth between the crown wheels 12a, b and the planet gears 11. FIG. 5 shows a modified embodiment, generally indicated at 50, of the differential gear according to this invention. Similar parts have been identified with the same reference numerals as in the preceding figures. The differential gear 50 differs from the above-described example mainly by the configuration of the elements which control the engagement of each clutch in either direction of travel. The cylindrical outer section 20 of the spigot 15 is formed with threads 51 which engage threadably in threadways 52 formed within an axial bore 43 in the ring gear 16. This is effective to produce an axial displacement of the ring wheel 15 relatively to the ring gear 16 to thereby compress the clutch plate assembly 21, 22 in an equivalent fashion of the action of the balls 35 into the notches 28, 29 of the previous embodiment. On the other hand, when one of the axle shafts, e.g. the axle shaft associated with the outboard wheel on turning, is being entrained by its respective wheel, or when operating in reverse, the threaded section of the ring wheel 15 will thread itself in, through the bore 53, to bring the surfaces 26, 27 into contact and, accordingly, release the corresponding clutch. The major advantage of the inventive differential gear is that is provides, in addition to a conventional locking action in either travel directions of the tractor, an improved locking action at least while driving in forward gear, thereby a prompt differential gear locking effect is ensured even with the wheels of any one axle encountering definitely different traction conditions.

4E

16

H

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1schematically illustrates the steps in the manufacturing process of the present invention. Above a work surface10are located feed rollers12and14. Each of the rollers12,14dispenses a continuous sheet of thin plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene film. The plastic sheets from the rollers are positioned one on top of another above work surface10such that the sheets are aligned. The aligned sheets pass into a bag forming station which includes a platen16containing heating elements. Platen16is reciprocated vertically such that it presses the aligned sheets and heat seals the edges and bottom of what will become each plastic bag, generally designated A. The portion of the aligned sheets which will become the top or mouth of the bag is not sealed. The bag forming process is conventional and is therefore not illustrated in detail in the figure. Bags A with either simple side edges (illustrated inFIG. 2) or with gusseted sides A′ (shown inFIG. 5) can be formed by this process, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. After leaving the bag forming station, the plastic sheets move to the plasma treatment station where the exterior surface of the top plastic sheet is exposed to low temperature corona discharge plasma to create a surface charge magnitude of at least 43 Dyne. This station includes corona discharge plasma treatment equipment18in the form of a high-frequency power generator and a high-voltage transformer. Extending downwardly from equipment18is a linear array of sharp tipped stationary ceramic or metal electrodes20. The electrodes of the array are spaced alone a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the aligned sheets so as to form a charged region through which the bags pass. A grounded roller22is situated under the bags, spaced from and aligned with the electrodes. The corona discharge plasma is generated by the application of high voltage to the sharp tips of electrodes20which forms plasma at the ends of the electrodes. Spacing the electrodes in a linear array creates a uniform curtain of corona discharge plasma across the sheets which form the bags. As the plastic sheets pass through the air gap between electrodes18and the grounded roller22, the plasma imparts changes in the properties of the exposed plastic surface by increasing the surface energy of the material. Although not illustrated in the drawing, it is possible to include a second plasma treatment station, with the electrodes situated below the aligned plastic sheets and the grounded roll above the sheets, so as to treat the exterior surface of the bottom plastic sheet in addition to or instead of the exterior surface of the top plastic sheet. Accordingly, either or both of the exterior surfaces of the aligned plastic sheets of the bags can be treated. The treated bags then pass into the cutting station. The cutting station includes a reciprocating knife24which cuts the sealed and treated sheets at appropriate locations to separate the individual bags A. The bags then exit the work surface and are moved by a conveyor26to a stacking station where the bags accumulate into a pile or stack28on a platform at the end of the production line. On the platform, stack28is situated below a second reciprocating platen30. The undersurface of platen30includes one or more sharp-tipped tools32aligned with the upper section of the bags. Tools32create aligned openings36in all of the bags in the stack. As many tools32are required as the number of openings36that are necessary. In the drawings, two spaced opening36in the upper section of the bags are provided to receive the two support rods of a dispensing rack. Platen30also has one or more blunt-tipped tools34which are shorter and smaller in diameter than tools32. Tools34create one or more sets of aligned rounded recesses42in all of the bags in the stack. In the drawings tools, two recesses are formed, one recess As seen inFIG. 1, tools32and34are aligned such that the holes42and recesses42are situated Each tool32punches aligned openings36in the all of the bags of the stack each time the platen is moved downwardly. One or more sets of openings36can be created at a time. Openings36are adapted to receive the support rods38of a bag rack40such that the stack of bags hang in face-to-face relation from the rack, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The number of openings formed depends upon the number of support rods of the rack on which the bags will be hung. Typically, at least two spaced openings designed to accept two support rods are provided in each bag. Tools34are provided with blunt ends such that they create aligned recesses or “dimples”42in all of the bags in the stack at the same time as platen30is pressed into the stack of bags. The blunt ends of the tools34are configured such that the bags are not pierced. No openings in the bags are created by this tool, only recesses. As many different tools34are provided as the number of recesses which are required in each bag. The number of recesses required is a function of the size of the bags being produced. The larger the bag, the more recesses that are required. The purpose of the recesses42is to further increase the adhesion between to bags beyond that which is imparted by the corona discharge plasma treatment. The completed stacks of bags28are the packaged and shipped to retail establishments. At the retail establishment, the stack of bags A is mounted on a rack40by inserting the support rods38through openings36in the bags, as seen inFIG. 2. Rack40may be a floor standing rack or may be designed to rest on a counter. As the first bag A1of the stack28is being removed from the rack (FIG. 3), the mouth44of the next bag A2on the rack is automatically opened due to the adhesion between the exterior surface of the first bag and the exterior surface of the second bag (FIG. 4), one or both of which exterior surfaces having been treated with the corona plasma discharge. Once suspended from the rack, the bags can be easily removed from the rack, one at a time, for use in packaging produce or other food products. Removal of one bag automatically opens the mouth of the succeeding bag because of the adhesion forces between the bags, making the use of the bags easy and dramatically decreasing the amount of bags which are wasted. FIG. 5illustrates a bag A′ fabricated with the process of the present invention which is essentially the same as bag A except for the gusseted sides50. Bag A′ can be formed and treated by the same equipment and process disclosed above except that the gusseted sides are formed by an additional folding processes known in the art. The bags A′ function in the same manner as the simple edge sided bags A in the sense that the adherence between adjacent bags causes the mouth of the second bag to automatically open as the first bag is removed from the rack. FIG. 6illustrates a dispenser, generally designated B, which includes a pouch or pocket52with an open mouth54. The lower portions of the bags are received in and supported by the pouch. Dispenser B is formed of a back51and a pouch or pocket52. The dispenser is made of paper or plastic material which is somewhat more ridged than that of the bags. The dispenser and stack of bags is provided with an exterior wrapper surrounding it can form a package in which the bags can be shipped. When the package is received by the retail establishment, the exterior wrapper is removed and the package hung on a rack40as illustrated inFIG. 6. Pouch or pocket52supports the lower portions of the bags in a pouch and reduces the number of bags which are wasted and end up on the floor. This dispenser is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,137, which describes the structure and function of dispenser B in greater detail. In this embodiment, as with the bags which hang freely from the rack, the mouth44of the next bag A2in the stack is opened automatically as the first bag A1in the stack is removed from the dispenser because of the adhesion forces between the adjacent bags. The bags may be formed with one or more than one recess42as needed.FIG. 6shows two recesses42. However the number of recesses depends upon the size of the bag. Larger bags are provided with additional recesses to further increase the adhesion forces between the bags. It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing plastic bags from sheets of plastic film in which a first bag having an exterior surface is formed and a second bag having an exterior surface is formed. An exterior surface of one or both of the bags is treated by exposing the surface to low temperature corona discharge plasma. The bags are aligned, for example being hung from a rack, such that the treated surface of one bag faces the exterior surface of the second bag. The exterior surface of one or both of the bags is treated to have a surface charge magnitude of at least 43 Dyne. The surface treatment increases the adhesion between the bag surfaces. Aligned recess are created in the bags. The recesses further increase the adhesion forces between the bags. The adhesion forces cause the mouth of a next bag in the stack to automatically open as the first bag is moved away relative to the next bag, such as being removed from a rack. The number of aligned recesses to be created in the aligned plastic bags is based upon the size of the bag. The number of aligned recesses necessary increases as the size of the plastic bags becomes larger. Preferably, the recesses have a substantially round shape. Preferably, the aligned recesses in the bags are created at the same time and by the same tool as the rod receiving openings. The invention also relates to a headerless produce bag formed of first and second plastic sheets joined at the sides and bottom to create a compartment adapted to receive a product. At least one of the plastic sheets has an exterior surface with a surface charge magnitude of at least 43 Dyne. A least one of the sheets has a recess. The bags may have a simple edge side or have a side gusset. Further, the bags may be packaged within a dispenser having a pouch or pocket adapted to receive and support the lower portions of the bags. While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

1B

31

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES AND OF OPERATION The GC chromatograms shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are typically obtained by the following general procedure. The samples are sealed in a closed container. A 10 .mu.l syringe is used to take the vapor from the head-space of the sealed container. This vapor is then injected into a GC injection port. A DB wax capillary column programmed 20 to 180.degree. C., and a FID (Flame Ionization Detector) are used to detect peaks of the components exiting the column. The resulting GC chromatograms are shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In FIG. 1, chromatograms of dry products of conventional roasted and ground coffee (1a), conventional instant coffee (1b) and the caramelized product (1c) are shown. FIG. 2 shows chromatograms the conventional roasted and ground coffee (2a) and the caramelized coffee (2b) (the vapor is taken directly from the caramelizing reactor prior to opening). FIG. 3 shows chromatograms of brew product and of powder products which are reconstituted with hot water to 1% solid concentration and sealed in a closed container. FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show chromatograms of the vapor from the headspace of the brew coffee (3a), conventional instant (3b), the caramelized low temperature extract portion product (3c) and the caramelized coffee with the combination of the cold and hot temperature extraction portions (3d). FIG. 1 indicates that the caramelized sample (1c) displayed a greater similarity to the roast and ground sample (1a) in both composition and strength, as opposed to the weaker conventional instant coffee sample (1b). Even higher levels of aroma and volatiles were observed with GC analysis of syringe samples of headspace in the sealed reactor following the caramelizing pressure reacting (see FIG. 2b). Two caramelized products (low temperature extraction portion, FIG. 3c) and the combination of the low and high temperature extraction portions caramelized product (FIG. 3d) and a current production the conventional instant powder (3b) are reconstituted with hot water, and GC analysis of these samples, as well as a brew (3a) were conducted for comparison. As can be seen from FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, the resulting chromatogram illustrated the great difference between the instant and the caramelized samples and the close similarity between the brew and the caramelized samples. In relation with FIG. 4, a mixture of coffee beans, i.e., 70% Robusta and 30% Arabica (weight basis) are ground with a roller mill to an average particle size from 2.0 to 4.0 mm. The ground green coffee was placed in a train of percolators. Hot water (8) at 160-180.degree. C. is pumped to the bottom of the most exhausted extracted percolator (7). The solution (9) from the exit of this percolator (7) is continued to flow into the bottom of the next most exhausted extracted percolator (6). This direction of flow (10) of extraction is continued to proceed into percolator (5), then the extract (12) from the exit of the percolator (4) through a pressure controlling valve (13) is flashed into a separator (14) to remove the undesired compounds from the high temperature extraction of the green coffee particles. The vapor (15) separated from this flashing stream is condensed in a heat exchanger (16). The condensate (17) is then removed by a pump (18). The separator is operated between 30 cm mercurial vacuum by a vacuum pump (19) to one or less atmospheric pressure. The noncondensible gas (20) is removed by the vacuum pump (19) to obtain a necessary vacuum in the separator (14). The cooled solution (21) by vaporization of water is pumped with a pump (22) through a heat exchanger (23) to heat to a temperature between (110-125.degree. C.) prior to enter into the bottom of the other train of percolators (3,2,1) which are operated at a lower temperature of between 100-125.degree. C. The solution (27) exiting from the top of the percolator (2) is entered into the freshly loaded percolator (1) containing ground green coffee particles. It is of imperative importance that the loading of the ground green coffee should be about half the percolator in volume, since the expansion nature of the green coffee and to avoid excess pressure occurred during the extraction. After passing predetermined amount of hot water to the most exhausted extracted percolator (7), the hot water is entered into the percolator (6) which will be the percolator (7) in the new extracting train. The content of the exhausted extracted green coffee in the percolator is blown to a spent coffee receiver. The empty percolator is reloaded with the freshly ground green coffee particles. The loaded fresh ground coffee is placed in the cold extraction train as is indicated in FIG. 4 percolator (1), and the percolator (3) is moved to hot extraction train as percolator (4). The yield of the soluble solid from the green coffee is between 40-70%. The yield which is defined as the soluble solid extracted from the green coffee particles is expressed in percent, i.e. 50% yield is 50 parts of soluble solid extracted from 100 parts of green coffee beans. The yield of the soluble solid from the green coffee depends on many processing parameters such as temperature of the hot extraction train percolators (7-4), the ratio of water to green coffee, the number of the percolators in the extraction train, time of extraction and some high temperature steam hydrolysis steps between the cold extraction train of percolators (1 to 3) and the hot extraction trains of percolators (4-7). The yield of soluble solid from green coffee in this investigation is very important. On the one hand, it is ultimately important to exhaust extracting the precursor from the green coffee and furthermore, the higher yield is also economically beneficial. However, too high a yield may dilute the quality of the final products. The solution (26) which contains the soluble green coffee matter is passed to the conventional evaporators (30) to concentrate the solution to 50 to 55 percent solid content. Half a percent to 5% oil (32) based on solid content, W/W) is added by a pump (28) to this concentrated stream (31) and pumped by a pump (33) to a high pressure homogenizer (34) to disperse the added oil to very fine particles of less than one micrometer prior to spray drying (36). The homogenization step is important since large oil droplets will cause undesirable cup appearance upon reconstitution of product with water. A green powder (37) ready for caramelizing is obtained. Another alternative of extraction scheme used in this invention is showed in FIG. 5. As was stated in the prior art for roasted and ground coffee extraction processing, a similar technique can be applied to the green coffee, i.e., the most water-soluble matter, which is easily extracted from the cold extraction percolators train, are mostly smaller molecular weight compounds, such as sugars, amino acids, trigonelline and other organic compounds. These components are believed to be the precursors of the aroma and flavour components during the caramelization process. Therefore, this portion of "cold" water extracted matter will produce a aroma/flavor enriched coffee product. This product may be suitable for its special applications. In addition, this portion of small molecular weight substances behaves very differently from the large molecular weight substance extracted from the high temperature percolator train extraction. This will be described in the next section. It is, therefore, very important in this invention to have this type of split extraction scheme. FIGS. 5 (A) shows the cold extraction percolator train and 5 (B) demonstrates the hot extraction percolator train. Instead of using the solution from the hot extraction train after separator 14, hot water (38) of temperature ranged from 110 to 130.degree. C. is entered the percolator 3. The extraction and its downstream process is the same as was described earlier to produce a E 1 portion (low temperature extraction) of soluble green coffee powder. The E 2 extraction portion (high temperature) also is the same as described earlier except the solution after the separation is sent directly to evaporator and goes on to the high pressure homogenizer and spray dryer to produce the E 2 portion of the green coffee powder. The yield of E 1 is between 20-30% while that of E 2 is between 30-40%. Again, the yield of each of these two portions depend on the extraction parameters of temperature, water to green coffee ratio, number of percolators in the extraction train and time of the green coffee remaining in the extraction train. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the caramelization, cooling and particulating system. The transport of the coffee powder from the hopper (40) to the extruder (47) for caramelization in FIG. 6 occurs through the dosing unit (42), which is driven by motor (41). The dosing unit (42) is disposed on the ground (43) and the extruder (47) below on the ground (55). From the dosing unit (42), the powder is delivered through hopper (45) into the first segment of extruder (47). A twin-screw extruder is used with eight segments, which is driven by a motor (46). The segments are heated with heated oil which was circulated and heated by an external heating system (not shown) to the desired temperature of the twin screw barrels. A venting port (60) is located at the segment next to the feeding segment to vent the air and steam generated in this heated segment. A plastification of the coffee powder is obtained in the heating zone and the pressure increased due to the formation of CO.sub.2. An homogenous, caramelized extract is discharged at the exiting port which is fitted with two dies (48) attached to the end of the extruder. After exiting the nozzle (48), the hot expanded viscous extrudate falls on a strengthened belt (49), which is running between two rolls (50). The belt stood with frame (51) on the ground (44) and presents a cooling chamber (52) for cooling the extrudate at 15.degree. C. The caramelized extract is pressed on the belt (49) for obtaining a thin layer by another belt (53) driven by two rollers (54). In order to rapidly cool the extrudate, a blast of cooling air (not shown) was applied to the other side of this belt. The caramelized product is separated from the belt (49) and ground in a mill (56). The powder (59) falls in the container (57), which stood on the ground (55). If a constant temperature profile of the segments of the extruder is used, the degree of caramelization of the coffee extract depends on the flow rate. A darker coffee powder is obtained by a smaller flow rate and a lighter color by higher flow rate. Partial soluble solids, gained from coffee beans at extraction temperatures under 100.degree. C. are caramelized in the range of 220 to 240.degree. C. Partial soluble solids gained at extraction temperatures above 100.degree. C. are caramelized in the range of 130 to 180.degree. C. EXAMPLES The following examples further illustrate and explain the present invention. Example 1 Soluble green coffee extract obtained from single stream extraction technique are divided into two portions. Portion A is spray-dried while the B portion is added with 5% oil and is homogenized at a high pressure of 100 bars in a homogenizer prior to spray drying. The moisture content of A powder is 3.0% while that of the B powder is 3.2%. Thirty kg of each powder is fed to a twin-screw cooking extruder (Werner u. Pfleiderer, model CONTINUA 58, with 8 barrels). The conditions of the caramelization in the extruder are the same for both powders, that is, a feed rate of 50 kg/h, screw speed of 200 rpm, and barrel temperature of 220.degree. C. during 40 sec. The extrudate from powder A is not expanded and some vapors are escaping out at the nozzle from the extrudate. The extrudate is cooled in the cooling belt. It is solidified and cooled in about 1 minute. The cooled extrudate is broken with a rolling bar and ground in a mill to an average particle size of 2 mm. The extrudate from powder B which contains 5% oil is well expanded and flows smoothly from the nozzle to the cooling belt. There is no vapor appearing at the exit of the nozzle. The two caramelized powders A and B are reconstituted with boiling water and are evaluated for their quality. The result is described as follows: Sample A: sharp, (slightly cereal flavor and lack of aromatic) Sample B: smooth, balanced aroma and flavor. Example 2 Fifty kg of powders C and D obtained from split extraction technique as described in FIG. 5 are used for the caramelization with Werner u. Pfleiderer twin-screw cooking extruder. Powder C is obtained from low temperature extraction fraction and 5% coffee oil was finely dispersed into the concentrated extract prior to spray drying. Powder D is obtained from the high temperature extraction fraction and is concentrated and spray dried without addition of oil. The caramelising conditions for the powders are the same as for the preceding example, except for powder D, where the feed rate is 14 kg/h and the barrel temperature is 130.degree. C. and the duration is caramelising of 25 sec. Similar to sample B in Example 1, the Powder C obtained from the caramelizing operation is smooth, the extrudate is well expanded with vapor and there is no vapor separate at the nozzle from the extrudate. The condition for caramelising the powder D is different from that of powder C. Moreover, addition of water at barrel No. 3 of the extruder is needed in order to have a smooth operation. Furthermore, unlike powders C and A+B in Example 1, a high temperature is maintained at in least two barrels of the extruder so as to flash the undesirable vapors from the extrudate. In both cases, the extrudate is cooled on the cooling belt, and is around in the hammer mill to an average particle size of 2.0 mm. The samples are reconstituted with boiling water and are taste tested separately. The samples C & D are prepared separately and also proportionally combined and are tested with sample B of Example 1. The results of the taste tests are as follows: ______________________________________ Sample C aromatic, slightly unbalanced Sample D flat, slight acidy and body Sample C + D aromatic, balance flavor better than sample B Sample B balanced flavor. ______________________________________ Example 3 A dry blend consisting of 50% each of soluble extract powder from green coffee and green chicory is prepared. The soluble coffee powder obtained by the single stream extraction is used for this trial. The soluble chicory powder is produced from dried chicory by extracting the material and by spray drying the liquid extract. The same extruder with 8 segments is used. The feed rate of the powder mixture to the extruder amounts to 60 kg/h. The barrel temperatures and the further processing of the extract powders are the same as stated in Example 1. Example 4 A dry blend consists of 10% soluble green coffee powder (from Example 1) to 90% of conventional soluble coffee powder (instant) which was manufactured in a conventional means, as stated in the prior art. Robusta coffee was used for both of the above mentioned soluble coffee powders. The single stream extraction technique is used in both cases. The yield of the green soluble coffee was 60% while that of the conventional soluble coffee (instant) was 52%. They were processed to produce powders as stated in the prior art. 50 kg of the blended powders were caramelized. The caramelization conditions are the same as stated in Example 1. The caramelized product was tested against the 100% instant coffee of the same green coffee as the raw material. The taste panel preferred the caramelized product as having more acidity, less harsh flavor, more and much stronger, brew-like, while the 100% instant coffee was described as harsh, rough, and dry (lack of acidity). Furthermore, the caramelized coffee reduced its dosage of two third and tasted against the same control which has full strength. The taste panel found that this product has a similar cup strength but is better in quality. The caramelized coffee is used to prepare Cafe au Lait with 66% of the coffee dosage (compared to regular instant) and tasted with the control sample which is made with regular instant coffee. Again, the taste panel preferred the caramelized coffee as more coffee-like than the control. Example 5 This example illustrated that the single-stream blended powders shown in Example 4 can be obtained by co-extraction of roasted coffee and green coffee beans. Robusta coffee is used. The roasting, extraction, concentration and drying steps of the soluble powder manufacturing processes are the same as stated in the prior art. The conditions of the caramelization of the powder are the same as described in Example 1. The caramelized sample was tasted with a control sample which was the conventional instant coffee with the same raw material (Robusta beans). The taste panel preferred the caramelized sample to the control sample for its more acidity, milder, stronger cup strength and more brew-like cup quality. Example 6 This example shows another alternative to produce a mixture of green and roasted soluble coffee powders for further caramelization by a twin-screw extruder. In this version, a split extraction technique for the roast and ground part was used. The roasted and ground coffee which contains 90% of the total green coffee beans (Robusta beans) was extracted with a low temperature extraction column train and was processed to produce an aroma/flavor enriched coffee powder. The yield of this fraction was 21% (of the 90% coffee). The ground green coffee (10% of the total) was mixed with the spend extracted roast and ground coffee from the low temperature extraction of the split extraction technique. The mixture was loaded in a train of extraction columns and followed the high temperature extraction of the split stream extraction technique. The yield of this stream was 35% (based on total coffee). This extracted solution was processed to produce a powder of a mixture of green and roasted coffee. Fifty kg of this mixture of soluble coffee powder was then caramelized with a twin screw extruder. The conditions of the caramelization were the same as stated in Example 2 powder D except the the temperature profile of the extruder was 210-200.degree. C. The flavor enriched powder from the low temperature extracted fraction was then combined with this caramelized product. The mixture was tasted with the samples from Example 2. The taste panel clearly selected this sample as the best balanced and most brew-like, and the caramelized coffee from Example 2 was second, while the control (also from Example 2) was the last.

0A

23

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the processing of substrates such as semiconductor wafers, it is often necessary to heat the substrate to a desired treatment temperature prior to or during treatment of the substrate. The apparatus of the present invention provides for the dual use of a UV source to heat a substrate and to facilitate photochemistry necessary for the treatment of the substrate. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a method for processing a substrate by heating the substrate on one or both sides to a temperature above ambient in one or more steps via exposure to UV radiation at a first time averaged power level and conditioning the substrate in one or more treatment steps by exposing one or both sides of the substrate to a photochemically (UV) reactive chemical in the presence of UV radiation at a second time averaged power level which is reduced from the first time averaged power level. Photochemically reactive chemicals include those that are photoactive due to an interaction, such as adsorption to the surface of the substrate, or species which are on the surface of the substrate and photodesorb due to the presence of the impinging UV radiation. The substrate materials which can be treated with the present apparatus can generally be any type of material that can efficiently couple with the delivered photons and absorb the bulk of the energy delivered by the UV source. Examples of such materials include silicon containing substrates, gallium arsenide containing substrates, other semiconductor substrates, or substrates of other materials with appropriate absorption cross sections. This definition also includes substrates which are transparent to the delivered radiation but have an appropriate absorbing thin film deposited on the surface or embedded within. FIG. 1 depicts the absorption spectrum of silicon in the ultraviolet region. The strong UV absorption is indicative of the efficient coupling between silicon and photons delivered by a source typical of that described in the present invention. Hence, the suitability of silicon containing materials for the present invention is readily apparent. The invention is useful for performing treatments such as oxide etches using UV and halogenated reactants, UV activated metals removal processes, or any other treatment process that involves photochemistry and requires preheating a substrate to temperatures above ambient but less than about 400.degree. C. Above 400.degree. C. thermal excitation makes IR based heating methods more efficient as more free carriers are present, as is observed in rapid thermal processing techniques. The photochemically reactive chemical can be any type of photochemically reactive gas known for use in etching, cleaning, bulk stripping or otherwise conditioning of the surface of a substrate, but in the preferred embodiment will be comprised of a first gas such as nitrogen, argon, or another inert gas, mixed with one or more photochemically reactive gases. The photochemically reactive gas may be a compound which reacts in the gas phase to form a reactive species such as a radical. Examples of such a photochemically reactive gases include, but are not limited to, ClF.sub.3, F.sub.2, O.sub.2, N.sub.2 O, H.sub.2, NF.sub.3, Cl.sub.2, other halogenated gases, or a mixture of such gases. The photochemically reactive chemical may also be any chemical, whether gaseous or otherwise, that is capable of reacting with a compound or adsorbing on the surface of the substrate to form a photochemically reactive species. Still other photochemically reactive chemicals include halogenated metals such as CuCl.sub.2 and others described in the above-mentioned copending application Ser. No. 08/818,890, filed Mar. 17, 1997. In this case, the photochemically reactive chemical is an adsorbed compound which can photodesorb in the presence of the impinging UV radiation. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the major component parts of the system which make up an embodiment of our apparatus. The reaction chamber is generally at 10. The UV radiation source comprises a lamphouse 14 mounted on the exterior of the reaction chamber 10. The front of the chamber 10 includes a UV transparent window 22 to allow UV light to pass from the lamphouse 14 into the interior of the chamber to reach the substrate. A chemical delivery system is shown at 26 while a control system for controlling the UV radiation is shown at 28. A vacuum pump 30 is connected to the chamber 10. In operation, chemicals are delivered into the chamber 10 through inlet 35 and are exhausted through outlet 36. Although only one UV lamp is necessary, the presence of a first lamphouse on the front side and a second lamphouse on the back side of the chamber allows for the simultaneous treatment of both sides of a substrate. Alternatively, either side of the wafer may be illuminated individually as desired. In this embodiment the back side of the chamber also includes a UV transparent window. When two UV lamphouses are employed, it is preferable that the second UV lamphouse is turned at ninety degrees to the first UV lamphouse to facilitate even heating of both sides of the substrate. For convenience we denote both the chamber and substrate as having front and back sides. However, the front side of the substrate need not face the front side of the chamber. FIG. 3 depicts the chamber and lamphouses in an embodiment involving both a front side and back side lamphouse. Chamber 10 now has two UV transparent windows 22, one each on the front and back side. Two lamphouses 14, one on the front side and one on the back side, permit illumination of both sides of the wafer. The bottom lamphouse is rotated 90 degrees relative to the front side lamphouse. In another embodiment the lamp(s) may be mounted inside the chamber. In this embodiment, the UV transparent window is unnecessary. A suitable UV lamp is a 9 inch (7 millimeter bore) linear, xenon-filled quartz flashlamp (made by Xenon corporation). In our preferred embodiment, two such lamps are placed in a lamphouse. In this embodiment, the lamphouse is provided with 1500 Watts to power the lamps. Other sources of radiation, such as mercury lamps, may also be used as long as the source produces sufficient power in the wavelength range 0.1 to 1.0 microns and the output photons react with the particular chemical system of interest. A more powerful or less powerful UV source may be used. Of course, the power of the lamp will determine how quickly the substrate may be heated. With two 1500 Watt lamphouses, one on the front side and one on the back side, the temperature of a 150 mm silicon wafer ramped from room temperature to 200.degree. C. in approximately 30 seconds. The flashlamp power supply comprises a power supply capable of delivering an input power of up to 1500 Watts to the lamphouse with a fixed input pulse. Optionally, the power supply may also comprise a pulse forming network designed to maximize power output in the region which is optimal for the desired photochemistry. While the lamphouse may simply be a device for mounting the UV source, the lamphouse may also comprise one or more cylindrical parabolic or elliptical reflectors. The apparatus of the present invention is operated in two modes, a heating mode and a photochemistry mode. In the heating mode, either the UV source is operated at a higher power level than in the photochemistry mode or the gas environment is made non-photoactive by, for example, using an inert gas or delivering UV under vacuum. In the photochemistry mode, the power output is either reduced to the level sufficient to carry out the desired photochemistry or the photochemically reactive chemical is introduced. The UV controller may be any circuitry which when connected to the UV source can allow the UV source to deliver a desired amount of time averaged power at a UV heating level and a desired amount of time averaged power at a photochemically reactive level. One method for controlling the time averaged power is through the use of a variable power supply. The Xenon 740 from Xenon corporation is an example of such a power supply which allows control over the number of pulses per second delivered by the lamphouse. Alternatively, the UV may be controlled manually by an operator. The present invention may be run in an open loop without any temperature feedback during the heating step. If the UV source is a flashlamp, the low thermal mass allows pulse energy calibration thereby allowing for repeatable temperature control of the substrate in an open loop system. Alternatively, a temperature control system may be provided in conjunction with the programmable control system to modify the output of the UV source so as to achieve and, optionally, maintain a desired substrate temperature. The chamber temperature may be controlled by a feedback mechanism associated with a feedback loop and resistive heater so as to maintain the chamber at a desired temperature after the initial UV heating step. A temperature control system suitable for the present invention may comprise a temperature sensor and a feedback temperature controller to modulate the output of the UV radiation source. The output of the UV radiation source is characterized by a pulse train, the pulse train characterized by the number of pulses per second of UV radiation and the energy per pulse. The temperature feedback controller modulates the number of pulses per second and/or the energy per pulse. The model DRS 1000 temperature sensor from Thermionics is a commercially available non-contact optical sensor which may be used in the present invention although other temperature sensors may also be used. The chemical supply system may include one or more sources of chemicals in fluid communication with a plumbing system which is, in turn, in communication with the reaction chamber. The chemical supply system may be configured so as to allow for mixing of one or more gases as well as to allow for the provision of chemicals in the gas phase via any method known in the art. The vacuum pump can pump the chamber down to less than 10 mTorr. If lower pressures are desired, a higher vacuum pump may be employed. The present invention allows for greater simplicity in design and construction as a result of diminished stray heating--the need for liquid cooling of the chamber is eliminated as the UV photons do not efficiently couple into the chamber. Moreover, the present invention further allows for greater flexibility and control in the treatment of semiconductor substrates. The apparatus in an appropriate configuration allows for heating a substrate from the back side, the front side, or both sides. Heating of a substrate from the back side is especially advantageous in applications where the substrate must be heated without exposing the front side to high energy UV photons. It is also advantageous where the front side of the substrate contains large amounts of material which does not efficiently couple with the UV photons such as, although not limited to, aluminum or copper. Heating of both sides simultaneously, on the other hand, allows for more rapid temperature ramp than heating from the back side alone. Similarly, the apparatus allows for the phototreatment of a substrate from the front side, the back side, or both sides. The present invention further relates to a method for performing a Uv photochemical treatment on a semiconductor substrate comprising at least one heating step in which UV radiation at a first time averaged power level--the heating level, is provided to the substrate to heat the substrate and at least one reaction step in which UV radiation at a second time averaged power level, the reactive level, is provided, the heating level exceeding the reactive level. During the reactive step, the UV radiation interacts with at least one photochemically reactive chemical causing a chemical reaction effecting a treatment of the substrate. The heating step may occur in the presence of or absence of a photochemically reactive chemical. The photochemically reactive chemical may be present on the surface of the substrate and/or in the gaseous environment in which the substrate is located. The photochemically reactive chemical may be supplied either directly to the reaction chamber via a chemical delivery system or indirectly as a result of a reaction of a chemical in the gaseous environment with the surface of the substrate to form a photochemically reactive chemical. The photoactively reactive chemical may be generated in the gas phase without exposing the substrate front side to UV photons by using back side only photochemical treatment. In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate is heated on both sides of the substrate simultaneously, followed by a phototreatment of one or both sides of the substrate. This allows for maximal heating. In another embodiment, involving only one lamp, the substrate is heated on one side only, the back side, to avoid facilitating any photochemistry on the front side during the heating step, followed by phototreatment of the back side so as to create radicals in the reaction chamber which will then react on the front side without desorbing any species from the front side of the substrate. In another embodiment, involving two lamps, following back side heating, the front side of the substrate is subject to direct UV phototreatment. In yet another embodiment, the phototreatment step may precede the heating step. In yet another embodiment, multiple heating and phototreatment steps may be employed. In yet another embodiment, heating can occur simultaneously with phototreatment by directing UV at a heat treatment level to one side of the substrate while simultaneously directing UV at a phototreatment level to the other side of the substrate. In yet another embodiment, the invention pertains to a method for performing a UV photochemical treatment on a semiconductor substrate, the substrate having a front side and a back side, comprising at least one heating step in which UV radiation is provided to at least a portion of the substrate with a total integrated power density between 0.1 and 1.0 microns of wavelength of 0.3 watts/cm.sup.2 or higher, and at least one reaction step in which UV radiation at a power level distinct from the heating level is provided, the UV radiation interacting with at least one photochemically reactive chemical causing a chemical reaction effecting a treatment of the substrate, wherein the power density in the heating step exceeds the power density in the reactive step. A photochemically reactive chemical may, optionally, be present during the heating step. In any of the above embodiments, the UV source may, during the photochemical step, be operated at such a power level as to maintain or increase the temperature of the substrate. The following example illustrates the full flexibility of the dual sided UV system. EXAMPLE 1 A silicon wafer, with a sacrificial SiO.sub.2 layer, is subject to UV heating and processing in an ORION.RTM. dry gas phase wafer processing tool. The tool is supplied by FSI International Inc. Chaska, Minn. and is configured in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the above disclosure. Two lamphouses, with two 9" xenon filled flashlamps (produced by Xenon Corporation) and two parabolic reflectors per lamphouse, are each powered by a variable power supply. With the two supply system, the total electrical input energy is maintained at 400 Joules per pulse and the number of pulses per second (pps) is adjusted to vary the time averaged power from 0 to 3000 watts. In the present embodiment, 3000 watts of electrical input power corresponds to approximately 1.5 watts/cm.sup.2 of optical power (between 100 and 1000 nm) at the substrate. One lamphouse is located on the front of the processing chamber and one lamphouse is located on the back of the processing chamber. After the wafer is loaded into the chamber, a first heating step is used to bring the wafer from room temperature (about 23.degree. C.) to the processing temperature of 60.degree. C. during which time the chamber is filled with nitrogen gas to 5 torr. Both lamphouses are operated at their maximum flashrate, 7 pulses per second, to maximize the temperature ramp rate. Under these conditions, the wafer reaches a temperature of 60.degree. C. within 5 seconds. Note, the heating is performed in open-loop mode, with the temperature increase associated with each UV flash calibrated in a separate step. The back side lamphouse is then turned off and the front side pulse rate is decreased to 2 pulses per second. The wafer is then treated to a five second, five torr UV/Cl.sub.2 photochemical process to remove any hydrocarbons and bring the wafer surface to a well defined condition. The front side lamphouse is next turned off so the wafer temperature is being regulated by the chamber, which itself is under feedback control and maintained at 60.degree. C. At this time, the SiO.sub.2 layer is etched away using a forty second, seventy five torr gas phase, HF based process which leaves the silicon surface in a hydrogen terminated state. When the HF etch is finished, the back side lamphouse is turned on at 7 pulses per second and the chamber is opened to vacuum. The lamphouse remains on for thirty seconds during which time the wafer temperature reaches approximately 150.degree. C. This back side only step is used to thermally desorb any oxygen containing species which are not sufficiently volatile to desorb at 60.degree. C. (during the oxide etch step) without photodesorbing any of the desirable hydrogen termination on the front side of the wafer. EXAMPLE 2a In a second example, a silicon wafer with a sacrificial SiO.sub.2 layer is processed in the same manner as described in Example 1 until the last step. After the HF oxide etch is finished, both lamphouses are turned on at the maximum power (7 pulses er second) for twenty five seconds to bring the wafer temperature to about 200.degree. C. The chamber is then filled with Cl.sub.2 to five torr and the back side lamp turned off. These conditions are maintained for 30 seconds in order to remove undesirable metal contamination. EXAMPLE 2b In a variation on Example 2a, Example 2a is repeated with all conditions remaining the same, except that the chamber is filled with Cl.sub.2 to five torr during the temperature ramp step (in which the wafer is heated to 200.degree. C.) rather than during the subsequent photochemistry step, allowing for some photochemistry to occur during the heating step.

2C

23

C

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1shows a rotary-draw bending die1together with a slide bar arrangement2in an oblique perspective view and inFIG. 2in a top view.FIG. 3shows an exploded view of this bending die, andFIG. 4shows a sectional view through the arrangement ofFIG. 2along the line of intersection IV-IV. Such a bending die is used for bending elongate strand-like workpieces3, e.g. for bending tubes, profiles, wires or other strand-like parts. Insofar as a workpiece3is shown in the drawings, it is shown in the form of a tube (only by way of example). As is shown best fromFIGS. 1 and 3, the bending die1substantially consists of a bending mandrel unit4and a clamping unit5in cooperation with the slide bar arrangement2. The bending mandrel unit4substantially comprises a base plate6which is rotatable about an axis A and a bending mandrel7which is provided with a bending groove8which is provided around three of its sides. Two guide elements9are disposed in the base plate6which are arranged in bore holes and are pretensioned upwardly in a resilient manner. It needs to be ensured that they protrude only by a very small predetermined height a under the action of the pretension (see sectional view ofFIG. 4), which will be discussed below in closer detail. The arrangement of such guide elements in the form of guide pins9for example in respective receiving bores of the base plate6, including the achievement of pretension on such pins, is a technique which is well known to the person skilled in the art, which is not shown in detail in the drawings. The drawings only show the guide elements9which sit in respective receiving bores of the base plate6and protrude towards its upper side. By arranging two guide elements9in a mirror-symmetrical manner in relation to the axis of symmetry s of the bending mandrel7and the base plate6, the possibility is provided to allow using the bending die1for right and left bending, which will be discussed below in closer detail. The bending mandrel7and the base plate6are rigidly connected with each other via a substantially hollow-cylindrical intermediate element10, in the jacket wall of which there is a cavity in the form of a window11. The bending mandrel7is arranged in the drawings with one step, which means there is only one circumferential bending groove8arranged on the same. It is also easily possible to provide the bending mandrel7with an arrangement in several steps, such that several bending grooves8are provided axially above one another and each provided with a different groove curvature for example. The bending mandrel7can preferably also be attached in a detachable way to the intermediate element10in order to allow exchanging the same at any time by another bending mandrel. Similarly, the bending mandrel7could also be attached in a nondetachable way to the intermediate element10and the latter could be fastened in a detachable and exchangeable way to the base plate6. The bending mandrel unit4with the bending mandrel7can be twisted about the bending axis A in both directions of rotation, as is shown inFIG. 1with arrows (t). The clamping unit5consists at first of a clamp die12with a forming groove13(seeFIGS. 3 and 4). It is understood that the clamp die12could also be arranged in several steps, which means it could have several forming grooves13above one another which in respect of their shaping correspond to the shaping of an associated bending groove8in a bending mandrel7which is also provided with several steps. The clamp die12is disposed on its part on a short leg14of an L-shaped lever15, which leg is parallel to the rotational axis (central axis) A of the bending mandrel unit4and is thus aligned vertically, and therefore on the outer end of a further leg16which extends perpendicularly to the central axis A of the intermediate element10or the bending mandrel unit4and thus horizontally (cf.FIGS. 3 and 4). As is shown inFIG. 3, the clamping unit5additionally consists of a crankpin17which can also be twisted about the central axis or rotational axis A of the bending mandrel unit4, but independent of the twisting of the bending mandrel unit4itself. The crankpin17comprises at first a shaft section18in the form of a rotary shaft which forms a rotary disk or plate19at its upper end which goes beyond it on both sides in respect of diameter and which is arranged to be twistable in the assembled state in an opening20of the base plate6. This rotary plate19can be arranged as a fully revolving circular rotary plate. In the embodiment as shown in the drawings, it only forms a strip-shaped section of such a circular plate which has a width corresponding to the diameter of the shaft section18and represents a middle section of a generally circular rotary disk, as is shown especially well inFIG. 3. The rotary plate19is connected with a further generally circular rotary disk or plate22via a connecting web21which sits on the same and extends over an axial length L, which rotary disk or plate is fastened to the protruding end of said rotary plate, is coaxial to the bending axis A, is arranged parallel to the rotary plate19, and is rotatably held in the mounted state in the inside opening of the hollow-cylindrical intermediate element10(FIGS. 3 and 4). The dimensions are chosen in such a way that in the mounted state the bottom side of the further rotary disk or plate22is disposed in the same horizontal plane as the upper boundary surface of the window11(cf. illustration ofFIG. 4). The window11in the jacket wall of the hollow-cylindrical intermediate element10is chosen at such an axial height that its bottom limiting wall lies in one plane with the surface of the base plate6. The leg16of the lever15carrying the clamp die12rests in a sliding manner with its bottom side on the upper side of the base plate6in the assembled state and protrudes into the window11, with the height B of said leg16corresponding to the axial length L of the connecting web21and thus precisely the height of window11in the direction of the central axis A. The end region of the leg16of the lever15which protrudes into the window11is provided with a rounded-off arrangement (semi-circular) as shown inFIG. 3and it comprises a through-bore23through which a cylinder pin24is guided which protrudes with pin regions protruding above and beneath the leg16into an opening25and26accordingly provided in the rotary plates19and22. The arrangement is made in such a way that the clamp die12which is fastened to the lever15can be twisted freely about the axis which is formed by the pin24and is disposed eccentrically in relation to the bending axis A. This can be achieved with a pin24which is fixed rigidly in the rotary disks or plates19and22, about which the lever15can pivot freely with the bore23. It is also possible that the pin24is rigidly fastened in the opening23of lever15and can be held in a freely twistable way with its end sections protruding into the openings25and26of the rotary plates19and22. As is shown inFIG. 4, the leg16of lever15comprises on its bottom side a guide groove27which extends in its longitudinal direction and in which one of the two spring-loaded latching pins9can engage which are used as guide elements and latching elements, which occurs in a respective alignment of the rotational position of the lever15and a respective relative angular position of the rotary plates19and22relative to the base plate6and the intermediate element10. When one of the guide elements9is latched in the guide groove27and is in engagement with the same, a guidance of the lever15in the radial direction is achieved in this way. As is further shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, two radial projections28are attached to the shaft section18at an axial distance from the bottom side of the rotary plate19, which projections protrude radially beyond the opening20in the base plate6and rest in a sliding manner in the installed state against the bottom side of the base plate6(seeFIG. 4). The angular range over which the window11extends in the circumferential direction of the hollow-cylindrical element10is chosen to be so large that in the mounted state the leg16of the lever15can be brought to a latching position with each of the two guide elements9, such that it assumes two mutually oppositely aligned latching positions which are symmetrically twisted in relation to the axis of symmetry s (see the mutually oppositely aligned latching positions ofFIGS. 1 and 2and6A and6B). When the crank lever17is twisted in such a latching position relative to the base plate6in such a way that the clamp die12is moved to its clamping position close to the bending mandrel7, an interlocking common twisting of clamp die12and bending mandrel unit4(in the clamping position of clamp die12) is caused in a further twisting of the crank lever17effected in the same direction of rotation. The slide bar arrangement2consists of a carrier29and two slide jaws30, of which one each protrudes to one side of the carrier29. The carrier29which carries the slide jaws30can be displaced in two mutually perpendicular directions x and y (seeFIGS. 1 and 2), of which one (x) is disposed perpendicular to the central axis of the conveyed workpiece3and of which the other (y) is disposed parallel to said central axis. A forming groove31is formed on each of the two slide jaws30at their end section averted from the carrier29, which forming groove, as shown inFIG. 1, extends over the entire length of the respective slide jaw in the direction y and is disposed at the same level as the forming groove13of the clamp die12or the bending groove8of the bending mandrel7. As a result of this arrangement of the slide bar arrangement2it is possible to place the same with a slide jaw30to the right or left on the workpiece3. In order to enable a fully automatic production of bending parts, it is necessary that the bending die1and the workpiece3can be positioned and oriented in a precise manner in relation to one another. There are different arrangements of machines for this purpose in which the bending die1can be inserted principally. The bending die1can usually be lifted upwardly and lowered downwardly in the direction Z, i.e. in the direction of the central axis A, and be displaced laterally at a right angle thereto and to the longitudinal axis3, thus in the direction x. The workpiece3is supplied to the bending die1in the direction y and can be twisted about its longitudinal axis in the direction v (FIGS. 1 and 2). It is also similarly known to displace the workpiece3laterally (in the direction x) and vertically (in the direction z) and to turn the bending die1about the longitudinal axis of the workpiece3(direction of rotation v) and to displace the same in the direction y. The bending die1works as follows: FIGS. 1,2and5A to5F show different stages in the bending of a workpiece3. FIGS. 1 and 2show the opened position in which the clamping unit5and the slide bar arrangement2have assumed a position which is remote from the bending mandrel unit4. It is thus possible to place the workpiece3in the bending groove8of the bending mandrel7. This opened position of the clamping unit5in which the clamp die12is in its position farthest from the rotary mandrel7ensures by twisting the crankpin17(t-cf.FIG. 3) in such a way that the swiveling axis of the clamp die12determined by the pin24is disposed to the left of the central axis A forming the bending axis, as seen in a top view. The clamp die12is displaced radially to the outside by the engagement of the one guide element9in the guide groove27until the end position (opened position) as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2has been reached. Finally, the closing and clamping process is started after inserting the workpiece3laterally into the bending groove8of the bending mandrel7. The slide bar arrangement2is displaced at first, as shown inFIG. 5Ain a perspective view and inFIG. 5Bin a top view, in the direction x laterally towards the workpiece3and placed laterally against the same with its forming groove31facing the same. The crankpin17is then twisted in the direction of rotation t (counter-clockwise in the top view ofFIG. 5B), through which the clamp die12which is disposed eccentrically in relation to the bending axis will perform a swiveling movement and will perform a radial forward feed motion towards the workpiece3, as is shown as a sequence inFIGS. 5A,5B, and5C (perspective view) and5D (top view of the arrangement ofFIG. 5C). InFIGS. 5C and 5D, the clamp die12has reached its clamping position. The crankpin17is twisted to its end position which is disposed to the right of the bending axis A as seen in a top view (cf. especiallyFIG. 5D). In this position, the central axes of the pin24and the two guide elements9are disposed on a straight line in the top view, with the groove13of clamp die12extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece3and clamping the latter against the bending groove8of bending mandrel7. In order to perform the actual bending process, the bending mandrel unit4and the clamping unit5are pivoted jointly with the same speed about the rotational axis A and the workpiece3is bent about the bending mandrel7. The slide bar arrangement2can also be moved simultaneously in addition axially in the direction y together with the workpiece3. The bending end state thus achieved is shown inFIG. 5E(in a perspective view) andFIG. 5F(in a top view of the arrangement ofFIG. 5E). The clamping unit5is opened again by subsequent twisting of the crankpin17in the direction of rotation opposite of the bending rotation and thereupon the slide bar arrangement2is removed in the direction x from the workpiece3. An opened position is thus reached again in which the workpiece3can be removed from the bending die1. Thereafter a next bending position can be accessed by twisting (direction z) for example and by forward feeding (direction y) the workpiece3. When the bending die1is to be converted from its arrangement for left bending as shown inFIGS. 1 to 5Fto right bending, the latched connection (in the position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) between the one guide element9(in the illustration ofFIG. 2: the left guide element9) and the guide groove27of the L-shaped lever15is released. For this purpose, either the slide bar arrangement2is moved in the direction y against the legs14and16of the L-shaped lever15and the clamping dies12, and thereby presses the clamp die12out of its latched position. Instead of this, the crankpin17(in the top view ofFIG. 2: as seen clockwise) could also be twisted and the latching engagement could be stopped thereby. Both possibilities produce a rotary movement of the clamping element consisting of the clamp die12and the L-shaped lever15, with the applied torque releasing the resiliently pretensioned latched connection between the respective guide element9and the guide groove27. Subsequently, the clamping unit5is swiveled together with the bending mandrel unit4about the rotational axis A (as seen in the top view: in a clockwise direction), whereupon the guide groove27of the clamping element can be brought into engagement with the second of the two guide elements9by renewed displacement of the slide bar arrangement2in the direction y again when the base plate6is moved to a position which is twisted by 180° in comparison with its position ofFIG. 2. The insertion position for right bending as shown inFIG. 6A(perspective view) and6B (top view of the arrangement ofFIG. 6A) is reached by a further occurring twisting of the clamping unit5together with the bending mandrel unit4about the rotational axis A and by a respective displacement of the slide rail arrangement2in the directions x and y, in which insertion position the lever15carrying the clamp die12assumes an opened position which is opposite of the opened position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The rotary drives required for twisting the bending mandrel unit4and the crankpin17are not shown in the drawings for reasons of simplicity of the illustration. The embodiment of a rotary-draw bending die as shown in the drawings leads to the realization of a compact clamping unit and thus to an overall compact bending head which is suitable for left and right bending and in which one drive axis can be saved as compared to the rotary drives used in known rotary-draw bending dies. The compact arrangement of the described rotary-draw bending die also comes with an only very small interference contour with a respective very small limitation of the bending freedom.

1B

21

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The tampon pledget of the present invention comprises a moisture activated material that produces either an endothermic or exothermic reaction upon contact with moisture. The moisture activated material reacts to (is “activated by”) contact with menstrual fluid by absorbing heat from, or releasing heat to, the surrounding area. The moisture activated material is located interior of an outer surface of the pledget. Accordingly, once activated, the moisture activated material causes a temperature change within the pledget that is detectable by a wearer of the tampon. A tampon typically includes a removal string at the distal end of the tampon. Preferably, the moisture activated material is disposed at or near the string end of the tampon, so that it will be activated when the tampon is near full saturation due to contact with bodily fluid. Preferably, there is substantially no moisture activated material at the insertion end (i.e., the proximal end) of the tampon. In use, the above-described tampon including the pledget having the moisture activated material forming a part thereof is inserted in the body. When the moisture activated material in the tampon comes into contact with menses, the user senses the temperature change and is thereby signaled that the tampon is ready to be replaced. The moisture activated material may be a heat-absorbing material that produces an endothermic reaction, such as sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, sulfate, thiosulfate, phosphate or anhydrous salts such as ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium nitrate, or organic compounds such as urea or a sugar such as xylitol. Alternatively, the temperature-change material may be a heat-releasing material that produces an exothermic reaction such as aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate or the like. The moisture activated material may be in particulate or powder form and may be packaged in between layers of a permeable, non-woven material to provide a temperature-change packet as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. The temperature-change packet10includes the moisture activated material12that is disposed in between layers14and16of the permeable, non-woven material. The layers14,16may be sealed together by an adhesive, heat seal, ultrasonic bond, stitching, or any other suitable means or any combination of the foregoing, to form a perimeter seal18around the moisture activated material. The layers14and16of the permeable, non-woven material may comprise spunbond polypropylene (SBPP), spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS), thermally bonded webs, chemically bonded webs, through-air-bonded carded webs (TABCW), carded-and-needle-punched webs, hydro-entangled webs, cotton/polypropylene webs, PET (polyester) webs, spunlace, airlaids, meltblowns, apertured films, tissues, etc. Preferably, the permeable, non-woven material is suitable for high temperature processing (e.g., handling at temperatures of about 300° F. or higher). In a particular embodiment, the layers14and16are made from a composite comprising about 30% cotton and about 70% polypropylene fibers, by weight, and has a basis weight of 33 gsm (grams per square meter). A non-woven material found to be useful in making the packets is SH-PPC-33 manufactured by Shalag Nonwoven of Israel. Optionally, the layer16may be a folded-over portion of the layer14. Optionally, the layers14and16may comprise lengths of material with which a plurality of packets are formed to provide a length20of interconnected temperature-change packets10as shown inFIG. 3. The length20of temperature-change packets may be wound up in pancake rolls or traverse spools. A length20of temperature-change packets10may then be installed on a tampon manufacturing machine. The length20of temperature-change packets10may be unwound and cut into individual temperature-change packets10for incorporation into temperature-change pledgets. As shown inFIG. 4, a pledget22is formed by placing an individual temperature-change packet10on a first layer24of pledget material. A second layer26of pledget material is then placed on the first layer24. The pledget22is used to form a tampon with the temperature-change packet10therein near the string end of the tampon. In another embodiment of the present invention, a moisture activated material is dispensed on top of, and in the central area of, a first layer24of pledget material. A second layer26of pledget material is placed over the moisture activated material to sandwich the moisture activated material12between the layers24and26of pledget material. The layers24,26of pledget material are used to form a temperature-change pledget that is used to form the tampon. Preferably, the moisture activated material is disposed near the string end of the tampon. In another embodiment, moisture activated material12is blended into the binder (polymer) and the absorbent (cellulose, cotton and/or rayon) fibers that form pledget material. For example, particles of moisture activated material12are blended into an airlaid web that is used to make layered pledget composites. The moisture activated material-containing airlaid web is incorporated into the pledget material so as to be concentrated near the string end of the tampon. A tampon30is shown inFIG. 5. The tampon30has a proximal end32, a distal end34and a removal string36attached at the distal end34. The tampon30comprises a moisture activated material as described herein, principally at the distal end34. There is substantially no moisture activated material at or near the proximal end32. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. In addition, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, upon a reading and understanding of the foregoing disclosure, that numerous variations and alterations to the disclosed embodiments will fall within the spirit and scope of this invention and of the appended claims.

0A

61

F

GLOSSARY As used herein, the term “mount component” refers to a component of a modular system for mounting ornamentation to roof gutters that attaches to a gutter or other structural component of a support structure and is adapted to receive a rail component. As used herein, the term “ornamentation” means a decorative sign, indicia or embellishment, including banners, signs, lighting, foliage, decorative art, garland, wreaths, advertising, screening, logos or any other aesthetic or symbolic composition or material known in the art. As used herein, the term “gutter contour” refers to a portion of a mount component which conforms to the k-shape, u-shape or round shape contour of any gutter known in the art. As used herein, the term “securing protuberance” refers to the portion of a mount component which engages a gutter. As used herein, the term “engage” means to attach or secure. As used herein, the term “angle of engagement” refers to the angle between the top portion of the mount component and the securing protuberance. The angle of engagement facilitates and creates tension between the mount component and the gutter to enable the mount component to rest and/or be supported against the gutter. The angle of engagement is between 15 degrees and 40 degrees. As used herein, the term “spacer component” refers to a configuration of a mount component which prevents the vertical surface portion of the mount component from resting directly against the face of a gutter. As used herein, the term “bowed vertical surface” refers to a substantially upright surface which is bent or curved downward. As used herein, the term “rail component” refers to a component to which ornamentation (e.g., lighting or signage) is attached and which is received by a mount component. As used herein, the term “friction reducing ridges” refers to protuberances on the surface of the rail component which reduce friction and allow for expansion and contraction in various environments (e.g., hot and cold climactic conditions). As used herein, the term “connector component” refers to a component used to connect two rail components to effectuate a modular system. As used herein, the term “insertion component” refers to a component that is placed on the leading and trailing ends of a rail component to facilitate insertion of the rail component into the mount component by reducing the dimension of the structure which is being inserted in the opening. As used herein, the term “accessory mount hole” refers to an aperture, slip, bore, hook, contour or protrusion which is adapted to receive a hook, tie or other securing component to secure an accessory, such as a light strand or a sign. As used herein, the term “guiding hole” refers to a hole, contour or protuberance to engage a pole, rope, line, wire or any other implement or tool known art which may be used to facilitate and/or guide the rail component through mount components. As used herein, the term “gutter” refers a water-collecting structure known in the art that has a flat side, a flat bottom and one or more curved sides with a protuberance. A curved side of a gutter may be rounded, k-shaped, u-shaped, angled, or squared. As used herein, the term “gutter corner” refers to the point at which gutter components are adjoined, generally at an angle. As used herein, the term “semi-rigid” refers to a material that is moderately or somewhat capable of being bent without breaking. As used herein, “weather resistant” refers to a material that is capable of withstanding extreme cold and is protected against UV exposure. BACKGROUND More than 80 million Americans decorate the outside of their homes each year with Christmas lights. These lights are typically secured along the edge of the roof beneath overhangs and around the gables of homes using staples, hook or nails. Each string of lights must be secured at several places. A ladder is generally needed to reach these areas requiring the ladder to be moved each time a new staple, hook or nail is placed. Hanging lights is time consuming and dangerous, particularly when extended-height ladders are required for larger homes or home with higher roofs. Often, lights must be professionally installed. Some homeowners elect to leave the lights up year-round to avoid labor associate with seasonal installation and removal. However, doing so leaves lighting exposed to the elements year-round which may cause deterioration of the lights and require replacement of one or more bulbs or light strands. In addition, visible, unused lighting strands detract from the appearance of the home during times of the year when the lights are not typically illuminated. Since lighting is a seasonal item, some homeowners decorate their homes for multiple holidays and for special occasions. Consumers may elect to change the colors of the lights they display. For example, a consumer may want to use red and green or multi-colored lights during Christmas and other colors for other holidays (e.g., orange for Halloween; red, white and blue for Independence Day). In addition to lighting, users may want to suspend or mount temporary signage for commercial uses (e.g., “For Sale”) or for special occasions (“It's a Boy” or “Happy Birthday, Mary”). There are many devices known in the art to facilitate installation of lights, signage and other ornamentation on gutters. One example of a lighting system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,128 (Prickett '128). Prickett '128 teaches a decorative trim lighting system, the base of which is composed of a folded plastic strip that is adhesively attached to a rain gutter or other exterior edge of a building. Although, the lighting system taught by Prickett '128 does not require the user to clip or hook the light strand directly to the building each time the lights are installed, the system still requires a user to climb a ladder and clip each tab onto the base each time the lights are installed, and to constantly move and reposition the ladder during the installation process. An example of a lighting system available on the market which does not require repositioning of a ladder is Up-N-Away Track. Up-N-Away Track consists of a track which is attached to the edge of a building using screws. Clips are installed at approximately 1 foot intervals along a light strand. The clips are then loaded onto a storage track by sliding clips in a slot in the storage track. The clips from the storage rack are then installed on the light track by pulling the clips along the track by hand or using a puller. A cam lock is then inserted at the beginning of the light strings. A second cam lock is inserted at the other end locking the lights in place. To remove the lights, the cam locks are removed and the lights are pulled in reverse around the track. Up-N-Away Track lighting system is not desirable because it requires the user to pull directly on the light strand to install and remove the lights from the track which is difficult to do and damages the light strand. It is desirable to have a modular system for mounting ornamentation to a roof gutter which does not require the user to move and climb a ladder at frequent intervals. It is further desirable to have a modular system for mounting ornamentation to a roof gutter which does not require the use of staples, nails, screws or adhesive to secure it to a building. It is further desirable to have a modular system for mounting ornamentation to a roof gutter which does not place stress on the light strands or lights. It is further desirable to have a modular system for mounting ornamentation to a roof gutter with components that facilitate smooth motion. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a modular system for mounting ornamentation to a roof gutter. A mount component is attached to a gutter; the securing protuberance of the mount component hooks around and engages the gutter. The shape of the securing protuberance allows the mount component to be attached to gutters having slightly varying shape and dimensions by creating tension between the mount component and the gutter. A rail component is assembled by connecting individual rail components using connector components. Light strands are attached to a rail component by hooks which are hooked through accessory mount holes. An insertion component is attached to the leading end of the rail component and the rail component is inserted in the opening of the mount component. A second insertion component is attached to the trailing end. A pole is hooked through a guiding hole at the lead end of the rail component and is used to guide the rail component through the mount component. To remove the lights, the rail component can then be pulled out of the mount component by pulling on the rail component directly or using a tool or implement to do so (e.g., a string or pole). The light strand can be easily removed from the rail component for storage. Alternatively, the rail component can be replaced with another rail component containing a different strand of lights or other ornamentation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a modular system for mounting ornamentation to roof gutters, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent components, materials and positioning may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements. Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. FIG. 1aillustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of mount component100for a modular system for mounting ornamentation to roof gutters. Mount component100securely engages a gutter of a roof while still allowing removal of mount component100. Mount component100is comprised of top portion40, front portion50, contoured track mount housing60and gutter contour30. In the embodiment shown, gutter contour30is k-shaped to conform to the shape of a k-shaped gutter known in the art. In other embodiments, gutter contour30may be rounded, squared, angled or u-shaped. In the embodiment shown, mount component100is comprised of a semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is weather resistant and which is made by extrusion. In other embodiments, mount component100may be comprised of another type of Top portion40rests on the gutter and further includes securing protuberance10which hooks around and engages the gutter. Angle of engagement20between the horizontal top portion40and securing protuberance10creates tension with standard size k style gutters and holds mount component100against the gutter. Gutter contour30conforms to the contour of a k style gutter and holds mount component100stably against the gutter. Front portion50also helps support mount component100while attached to a gutter. The shape and flexibility of mount component100allow it to be used with gutters of slightly varying shape and dimensions. Contoured track mount housing60and gutter contour30form opening65which is shaped to accommodate rail component200(not shown). In the embodiment shown, opening65is oval shaped. In other embodiments, opening65can be of any shape which conforms to structural contours230a,230b(not shown) of rail component200. In the embodiment shown, gutter contour30has optional spacer component70which prevents mount component100from resting directly against the face of the gutter. In an exemplary embodiment, mount component100comes in 8 foot sections; however, it may be available in lengths shorter or longer than 8 feet. In addition, mount component100is available in a variety of colors to match the color of commercially available gutters. FIG. 1billustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of mount component100.FIG. 1bfurther illustrates gutter contour30and spacer component70. FIG. 2aillustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of rail component200for a modular system for mounting lighting and signage. The shape of rail component200conforms to the shape of contoured track mount housing60and gutter contour30of mount component100and is slightly smaller in dimension so that rail component200can be slid between contoured track mount housing60and gutter contour30of mount component100. Structural contours230a,230bof rail component200form hollow channel210which is adapted to receive connector component400(not shown). Structural contours230a,230bare slightly smaller in dimension than contoured track mount housing60and gutter contour30so that rail component can slide within mount component100. The slight curvature of structural contours230a,230bin the embodiment shown permit slight movement of rail component200to accommodate weight of lights or signage, but prevent pivoting of rail component200when secured to mount component100. Structural contour230ahas friction reducing ridges220a,220bwhich reduce friction between rail component200and inner surface of contoured track mount housing60(not shown). Friction reducing ridges220a,220balso allow for expansion and contraction while securing mount component100allowing rail component to be removed in all weather conditions, i.e., prevent rail component200from being stuck inside mount component100. Rail component200further includes apertures37a,37b,37c,37dadapted to receive pins of connector component400and guiding holes88a,88b. In the embodiment shown, guiding holes88aand88bare used to insert a pole, but in other embodiments may be used to attach other implements, such as a rope or wire. Also visible is accessory mount hole93bfor securing accessories (e.g., string of lights or signage). In other embodiments, rail component200may have more or fewer apertures, guiding holes, and/or accessory mount holes or have them in varying locations. FIG. 2billustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of rail component200. FIG. 3aillustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of insertion component300for modular system600(not shown) for mounting ornamentation to roof gutter. Insertion component300attaches to hollow channel210of rail component200(not shown) and is used to guide rail component200through opening65on mount component100(not shown). In the embodiment shown, insertion component300is hollow and is shaped and contoured to make insertion of rail component200easier. FIG. 3billustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of insertion component300. Visible are the contours of insertion component300which correspond to structural contours230a,230bof rail component200. FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of connector component400for modular system600. Connector component400connects two rail components200(not shown) before guiding rail components through mount components100(not shown) allowing rail components200to be inserted through mount components100as one piece instead of as individual pieces. Connector component400is comprised of slide member410and back portion420. Slide member410slides into hollow channel210of rail component200. Back portion420has pins33a,33b,33c,33dwhich fit into apertures37of rail component200and accessory mount hole93b. Accessory mount hole93bremains accessible when connector400is connecting two rails components and can be used to secure an accessory. In the embodiment shown, accessory mount hole93bhas a recessed shoulder so that the same hook can be used to secure an accessory as is used for accessory mount holes (e.g.,93a) on rail component200, i.e., the same hooks can be used for all accessory mount holes. FIG. 5aillustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of optional end cap component500for modular system600(not shown). End cap500may be placed at each end of mount components enclosing opening65(not shown) after modular system600is assembled and in place on a supporting structure. FIG. 5billustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of end cap component500. FIG. 6illustrates a perspective view of modular system600comprised of mount component100, rail components200a,200b, connector component400and optional insertion components300a,300bassembled. Rail components200a,200bare connected by connector component400. One end of slide member410of connector component400is slid into hollow channel210of rail component200aand pins33a,33bare pressed into apertures37c,37dof rail component200a. The other end of slide member410is slid into hollow channel210of rail component200band pins33c,33dare pressed into apertures37e,37fof rail component200b. Once connected, rail components200a,200bare slid through opening65of mount component100. In the embodiment shown, optional guide components300a,300bhave been added to the outer ends of rail components200a,200bto enclose hollow channel210. Also visible are guiding holes88a,88b,88c,88dfor hooking pole80(not shown) used to slide rail components through mount components during installation and accessory mount holes93a(rail component200a),93b(connector component400),93c(rail component200b). In the embodiment shown, each rail component200a,200bhas a length of 1 foot with accessory mount holes93a,93ccentered lengthwise resulting in accessory mount holes spaced 6 inches apart. Mount component100also has a length of 1 foot and connector component400a length of 3 inches. In other embodiments, rail components, mount components and connector components are shorter or longer and/or have a fewer or greater number of accessory mount holes or varying spacing of apertures and accessory mount holes. FIG. 7illustrates a perspective view of modular system600comprised of mount component100, rail components200a,200b, connector component400and optional insertion components300a,300bunassembled. FIG. 8illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of modular system600in use. Mount components100a,100b,100c, etc. are secured to the gutter of a roof where the lighting or signage is to be attached. In the embodiment shown, the individual mount components are not secured, but instead are pushed together. Rail components200a,200b,200c, etc. are secured together using connector components400a,400b,400c, etc. String of lights90is secured to rail components200by hooks95a,95b,95c, etc. hooked through accessory mount holes93a,93b,93cin rail components200and connector components400. In other embodiments, string of lights90or signage is secured to rail components200using clamps, ties or another securing mechanism. Insertion component300bis placed on the leading end of rail components200and insertion component300ais placed on the end of last rail component200. Insertion component300bis inserted into opening65of mount components100. Pole80is hooked into guiding hole88aof last rail component200and is used to feed rail components200with attached string of lights90through mount components100until mount components100and rail components200line up, i.e., when end of rail components200reaches the end of mount components100. Once assembled, end cap components500a,500bmay be added to the ends of mount components100enclosing opening65. In other embodiments, instead of using pole80(or a string or wire) to push or pull the rail components through the mount components, the user may stand on a ladder at the point of insertion and feed the rail components through the mount components using his or her hands. In other embodiments, one or more components of modular system600may be motorized to facilitate the guiding of the rail components through the opening of the mount components. FIG. 9aillustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of curved mount component150for a 90 degree inside gutter turn (e.g., a roof peak). Mount component150has top portion40, front portion50, contoured track mount housing60and gutter contour30. In the embodiment shown, front portion50is curved and top portion40has first and second edges42a,42bwhich form a 90 degree angle. In other embodiments, first and second edges42a,42bmay form an angle ranging from 30 degrees to 120 degrees. In the embodiment shown, curved mount component150is comprised of a semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is weather resistant and which is made by extrusion. In other embodiments, curved mount component150may be comprised of another type of plastic (e.g., polystyrene, nylon), rubber, metal or any other semi-rigid material and may be machined, molded, cast, stamped or bent. First and second edges42a,42bof top portion40rest on the gutters along the roof peak. First and second edges42a,42bfurther include securing protuberance10a,10bwhich hook around and engage the gutter along the roof peak. Angle of engagement20between the horizontal top portion40and securing protuberances10a,10bcreates tension with standard size k style gutters and holds curved mount component150against the gutter. In an exemplary embodiment, first and second edges42a,42bof curved mount component150have a length of 1 foot. In other embodiments, curved mount component150has shorter or longer edges. FIG. 9billustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of curved mount component150for a 90 degree inside gutter turn.FIG. 9bfurther illustrates top portion40, securing protuberance10band spacer component70. FIG. 10illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of rigid rail component250for curved mount component150. Rigid rail component has structural contours230a,230bwhich form hollow channel210and joints260a,260b,260c,260dwhich allow rigid rail component250to bend as it is guided through curved mount component150. Rigid rail component250can also be used with mount component100. In the embodiment shown, joints260a,260b,260c,260dare reverse ribbed and are formed by stamping or pressing. In other embodiments, rigid rail component250does not contain joints260, but rather is made out of a rigid material which allows it bend. In other embodiments, tabs, serrations, hinges or are of another structural designs allows rigid rail component250to bend or flex. In the embodiment shown, structural contour230afurther includes friction reducing ridges220a,220bwhich reduce friction between rigid rail component250and inner surface of contoured track mount housing60(not shown) of mount component100or curved mount component150. Friction reducing ridges220a,220balso allow for expansion and contraction while securing mount component150allowing rail component to be removed in all weather conditions. Rigid rail component250further includes apertures37a,37b,37c,37dadapted to receive pins of connector component400, guiding holes88a,88bfor connecting pole80(not shown) and accessory mount hole93afor securing accessories (e.g., string of light or signage). In other embodiments, rigid rail component250may have more or fewer apertures, guiding holes, and/or accessory mount holes or have them in varying locations.

4E

04

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a method for nitriding carbon nanotubes by synthesizing and chemically functionalizing metastable N4, N8, and longer chain nitrogen polymeric clusters on SWNT, MWNT, and combinations thereof on non-brittle nanopaper formed of the carbon nanotubes. The method requires high quality, impurity free, carbon nanotube particles, which particles are initially formed into nanotube sheets, referred to as Buckypaper, or nanopaper, which carbon nanotube nanopaper sheets provide a substrate which can more effectively manipulated during the required nitriding processes, and subsequently can be easily converted back to particle size and added to propellant formulations. Pursuant to the present invention, the nanopaper is formed by first preparing a uniform dispersion of SWNT, MWNT, and/or a combination thereof, in deionized (DI) water, which dispersion process is added a small quantity, i.e. about 1% by weight, of a surfactant, for example, a nonionic surfactant such as Triton X100™ available from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo. or an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate will also function well, in fact, most common nonionic, anionic, or cationic surfactants will function equally well—to reduce the surface tension of the water, thereby allowing the nanocarbon particles to be wetted, and thereby allowing the particles to go into dispersion or suspension more easily. To provide the required uniform dispersion, i.e. suspension, after adding the carbon nanotubes, and small quantity of surfactant, to the DI water, the mixture was subjected for from about 15 to about 60 minutes, preferably for from about 15 to about 30 minutes, to an ultrasonic horn sonicator (Fisher Scientific Sonicator 3000), at 300 W, to achieve the desired dispersion. The now uniform suspension, was vacuum filtered, at about 0.2 atm pressure, through a micron sized membrane, preferably, through a Fluoropore™ Mitex™ membrane, a hydrophobic PTFE membrane bonded to a high density polyethylene support filter, available from Millipore, Billerica, Mass., which has a 10 μm pore size and is 25 mm in diameter—though, generally, about 0.5 to about 10 micron pore sized Teflon coated membranes should work equally well. The vacuum filtering process is continued until a bed or layer of nanocarbon particles of from about 0.5 to about 1 mm is deposited on the membrane. The vacuum filtered carbon nanopaper sheets, were then annealed under flowing ammonia or nitrogen, preferably ammonia, at about 800 to about 1000 degrees C., for about 1 hour—to burn off any residual surfactant, or other contaminants (such as small amounts of metal catalyst found to be present in the carbon SWNT provided by Cheap Tubes Inc.). Prior experiments of annealing the filtered nanopaper sheets with ammonia mixed with argon at 500 degrees C. for 30 minutes were not successful—the resulting nanopaper was much too brittle. Regardless, it is believed, that the annealing is crucial to removal of any surface impurities on the carbon nanopaper, to improve the bonding of the nitrogen thereto, in the subsequent nitration steps and to avoid the potential for an explosion due to an impurity. The subject annealing process, with the specified environment (i.e. ammonia or nitrogen atmosphere) and elevated temperature conditions can be done using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) equipment, such as is available commercially from CVD Equipment Corporation, Ronkonkoma, N.Y. To provide the necessary structural functionality the annealed carbon nanopaper of the present inventive process, was reinforced by simply rinsing the annealed material with a 1 to 5 weight percent solution of polystyrene polymer in a solvent, preferably an organic solvent, and most preferably toluene. The rinsed sheets were then dried under ambient conditions until fully dry—about 6 to 8 hours—and peeled off the filtration membrane—providing a free-standing sheet of nanopaper consisting entirely of carbon nanotube bundles. This rinse resulted in carbon nanopaper sheets that displayed significant improvements in Young's modulus and tensile strength—such that the resulting carbon nanopaper was functional for the subsequent required processing. SWNT particles are most preferred in the present invention due to the fiber length of each tube and the resulting flexibility of the nanopaper produced. Particular, high quality, impurity free, carbon SWNT particles useful in the present invention can be obtained from Southwest Nanotechnologies Inc., Norman, Okla.; or from Cheap Tubes Inc., Brattleboro, Vt., the importance of having impurity free carbon nanotubes is to avoid the potential of an impurity causing an unforeseen reaction and detonation during the inventive nitriding process. The Southwest Nanotechnologies Inc. carbon SWNTs have an outer diameter of 1.12 nm and an average fiber length of about 1.02 μm. Whereas, the Cheap Tubes Inc. carbon nanotubes have an outer diameter of 1 to 2 nm and an average fiber length of 5 to 30 μm—significantly longer than the carbon nanotubes from Southwest Nanotechnologies—however, this difference did not affect the quality of the nanopaper produced by the subject inventive method. The MWNT particles are shorter than SWNT particles and the resulting nanopaper is not as flexible as that produced from SWNT particles and is more brittle. However, MWNT particles are less expensive and it has been found that using a combination of MWNT and SWNT particles produces an acceptable, non-brittle, flexible nanopaper that is less expensive than the pure SWNT nanopaper. Preferably, the ratio of MWNT to SWNT should be about a 3:1 wt/wt ratio. A source of acceptable, pure MWNT useful in the present invention is from Nanolab Inc., Waltham, Mass. The present inventive method provides two alternative processes for nitriding of the carbon nanopaper, formed pursuant to the present inventive method, as detailed above. The first nitriding method, as illustrated inFIG. 1, utilizes a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method, wherein a carbon nanopaper substrate (the “substrate” shown inFIG. 1) is placed in a temperature controlled tube furnace, heated to from about 150 to about 200 degrees C., and a radio frequency (rf) energy source, about 50 to about 70 watts of power, excites a nitrogen-hydrogen gas stream (not shown inFIG. 1), or nitrogen-argon gas stream (shown inFIG. 1); which is passed over the nanopaper substrate at a rate of about 25 to about 50 standard cubic centimeters per minute, at a pressure of about 1 to about 1.4 Torr, for a period of about 1 hour. Preferably, the nitrogen-hydrogen or nitrogen-argon mixture is about 25% to about 50% nitrogen and to about 75% to about 50% hydrogen or argon—most preferably, the nitrogen-hydrogen mixture is used, and the ratio is about 50% nitrogen to 50% hydrogen. The nitrogen gas provides the chemically functionalized metastable N4, N8and longer chain, e.g. N20, polymeric nitrogen clusters that will then deposit on, i.e. nitride, the carbon nanopaper substrate. PECVD equipment useful in for the subject process is available commercially, such as from the First Nano Division of the CVD Equipment Corporation, Ronkonkoma, N.Y. The second method of depositing of the desired nitrogen groups onto the carbon nanotube nanopaper substrate according to the present invention, involves first preparing the carbon nanotube nanopaper, as detailed above, which nanopaper is used as the working electrode (WE) in an electrochemical nitriding process, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The nanopaper electrode is suspended in an electrolytic cell, containing a 1 to 2 molar, preferably 1 M, aqueous (preferably DI water) solution of sodium azide (NaN3), to provide an electrolyte solution at pH equal to about 4. Also, suspended in the cell are a platinum foil, or platinum wire counter electrode (CE), and a saturated calomel electrode, as a reference electrode (RE). Computer controlled cyclic voltammetry data was collected using a computer controlled potentiostat-galvanostat such as available from Elchema, Potsdam, N.Y., during the electro-functionalization of the nanopaper working electrode with nitrogen, that occurs as per equation (1), immediately below: 2N3−→2N30(radicals)+2e→2N30→N40+N20(1) The potentiostat-galvanostat will indicate the slowing of the ion flow and therefore the end-point in the electrochemical reaction—which should be within a period of from about 30 minutes to about 1 hour. Within the subject reaction, N40and N20radicals will form via oxidation of N3−ions and reduction will create radicals and further reduction will convert the radicals back to N3−anions. If active sites are present on the nitrogen-doped carbon nanopaper and excess radicals are present in the solution, N4radicals will convert to N8clusters, and N2radicals will form N4and N8clusters, which clusters will be encapsulated on the carbon nanopaper sidewalls by covalent bonding between the carbon on the nanopaper sidewalls with the cluster nitrogen atoms. Oxidation reactions would then predominate and in-situ ultraviolet radiation applied will generate additional N3radicals to increase the production of N8clusters—per the process detailed above and in Equation 1.

3D

01

F

EXPERIMENTAL All of the products of the Examples described below as well as intermediates used in the following procedures showed satisfactory NMR and IR spectra. They also had the correct-mass spectral values. Example 1 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid ethylamide Ethyl isocyanate (92.4 mg, 1.30 mmol) is added to a stirred solution of benzo[d]isoxazol-3-one (150 mg; 1.10 mmol) in anhydrous THF (4 mL) at ambient temperature under nitrogen. The resultant mixture is heated in an oil bath at 70° C. for 2 hr. After concentration and subsequent flash chromatography on silica (15% hexane in CH2Cl2), 6-1 is obtained as a white solid (170 mg, 75% yield). mp 112.0–113.0° C.;1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ1.28 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 3.43–3.51 (m, 2H), 7.21–7.29 (m, 3H), 8.04 (br s, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H); ESIMS m/e 207 (M+H)+. Analysis for C10H10N2O3: calcd: C, 58.25; H, 4.89; N, 13.59; found: C, 58.04; H, 4.82; N, 13.41. Example 2 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid butylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 1, title compound 6-2 (66% yield) is obtained as a white solid. mp 64.0–65.0° C.; ESIMS nm/e 235 (M+H)+. Analysis for C12H14N2O3: calcd: C, 61.53; H, 6.02; N, 11.96; found: C, 61.30; H, 6.24; N, 11.97. Example 3 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid hexylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 1, title compound 6-3 is obtained as a white solid. mp 46.0–48.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 263 (M+H)+. Example 4 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid (5-methyl-hexyl)amide A. Preparation of (1-isocyanato-5-methyl)-hexane A solution of 5-(methyl)hexylamine (407 mg, 3.53 mmol) and proton sponge (1.51 g, 7.06 mmol) in anhydrous CH2Cl2(6 mL) is added dropwise to a stirred solution of triphosgene (419 mg, 1.41 mmol) in anhydrous CH2Cl2(6 mL) at 0° C. The resultant solution is allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 15 minutes. After dilution with CH2Cl2(40 mL), the mixture was washed with IN HCl (15×2 mL) and water (15 mL). The organic layer is dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated to give the desired isocyanate 4 (365 mg, 73% yield) as oil.1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ0.88 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H), 1.16–1.23 (m, 2H), 1.32–1.42 (m, 2H), 1.50–1.62 (m, 3H), 3.29 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H). B. Preparation of 3-oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid (5-methyl-hexyl)amide By following similar procedure as described in Example 1, title compound 6-4 is obtained as a white solid. mp 73.0–75.0° C.;1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ0.84 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H), 1.14–1.20 (m, 2H), 1.26–1.34 (m, 2H), 1.47–1.55 (m, 3H), 3.26–3.31 (m, 2H), 7.22–7.29 (m, 2H), 7.38–7.41 (m, 1H), 7.86–7.89 (m, 1H), 8.11 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H); FDMS m/e 276 (M)+. Analysis for C15H20N2O3: calcd: C, 65.20; H, 7.30; N. 10.14; found: C, 65.22; H, 7.39; N, 10.18. Example 5 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid octylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 1, title compound 6-5 is obtained as a white solid. mp 47.0–48.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 291 (M+H)+. Example 6 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid cyclohexylmethyl-amide A. Preparation of 3-oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 4-nitro-phenyl ester A solution of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (1.63 g, 7.80 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) is added to a stirred solution of benzo[d]isoxazol-3-one (1.06 g, 7.80 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen. Then NEt3(1.19 mL, 8.50 mmol) is added dropwise to the stirred mixture at 0° C. to form a white suspension. After stirring at 0° C. for 10 minutes, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is concentrated at ambient temperature in vacuo to give a white solid. The white solid is dissolved in EtOAc (80 mL) and the solution is washed with H2O (25 mL×3), dried over Na2CO3, filtered and concentrated to give a white solid. After recrystallization in THF/hexane, the title compound 7 is obtained as a white solid (1.46 g, 63% yield). Which is used for the subsequent reaction. B. Preparation of 3-oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid cyclohexylmethyl-amide Cyclohexylmethyl amine (0.070 mL, 0.53 mmol) is added dropwise to a stirred suspension of 3-oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 4-nitro-phenyl ester 7 (150 mg, 0.500 mmol) in anhydrous THF (3 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen to from a clear solution. Then triethyl amine (0.070 mL, 0.50 mmol) is added to the solution and the resultant mixture is allowed to stir at 0° C. for 30 minutes. The mixture is concentrated and the crude product is chromatographed on silica (gradient 10–30% EtOAc in hexane) to give the title compound 6-6 as a white solid. mp 82.0–84.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 275 (M+H)+. Example 7 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 1, title compound 6-7 is obtained as a white solid. mp 124;0–125.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 269 (M+H)+. Example 8 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 2-methyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-8 is obtained as a white solid. mp 154.0–155.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 283 (M+H)+. Example 9 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 3-methyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-9 is obtained as a white solid. mp 110.0–112.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 283 (M+H)+. Analysis for C16H14N2O3: calcd: C, 68.08; H, 5.00; N, 9.92; found: C, 67.89; H, 4.95; N, 10.10. Example 10 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 4-methyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-10 is obtained as a white solid. ESIMS m/e 283 (M+H)+. Example 11 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 2-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-11 is obtained as a white solid. mp 139.0–141.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 337 (M+H)+. Analysis for C16H11F3N2O3: calcd: C, 57.15; H, 3.30; N, 8.33; found: C, 57.13; H, 3.32; N, 8.32 Example 12 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 2-fluoro-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-12 is obtained as a white solid. mp 142.0–143.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 287 (M+H)+. Example 13 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 4-fluoro-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-13 is obtained as oil. FDMS m/e 286 (M)+. Example 14 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 2-ethyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-14 is obtained as a white solid. mp 107.0–109.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 314 (M+NH4)+. Analysis for C17H16N2O3: calcd: C, 68.91; H, 5.44; N, 9.45; found: C, 69.09; H, 5.57; N, 9.39. Example 15 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 3-ethyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-15 is obtained as a white solid. mp 72.0–73.0° C.; FDMS m/e 296 (M)+. Analysis for C17H16N2O3: calcd: C, 68.91; H, 5.44; N, 9.45; found: C, 69.07; H, 5.53; N, 9.40 Example 16 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 4-tert-butyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-16 is obtained as a white solid. mp 123.0–125.0° C.; FDMS m/e 325 (+H)+. Example 17 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-benzylamide A. The preparation of 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-benzonitrile CuCN (7.80 g, 87.2 mmol) is added to a stirred anhydrous DMSO (70 mL) at 60° C. to form a clear solution, then followed by the addition of t-BuNO2(24.0 mL, 202 mmol) all at once. A solution of 2-isopropyl-6-menthylaniline (10.0 g, 67.0 mmol) in anhydrous DMSO (30 mL) is added dropwise, via an addition funnel, to the mixture. After the addition is complete, the reaction mixture is allowed to stir for 1 hr. After being cooled to 45° C., the mixture is slowly treated with 5N HCl (100 mL). Five minutes later, the reaction mixture is cooled to ambient temperature before it is extracted with EtOAc/hexane (1:1; 500×2 mL). The combined organic layers are washed with water (100 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried, concentrated in vacuo, then chromatographed on silica (0–5% EtOAc in hexane) to give 8.43 g of the crude nitrile 2. IR(CHCl3) 2220 cm−1;1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ1.30 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 3.38 (h, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (br d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (br d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (br t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H); ESIMS m/e 160 (M+H)+. B. The preparation of 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-benzylamine To the crude ice-cold nitrile 2 (7.74 g, 48.6 mmol) in anhydrous Et2O (70 mL) is slowly added lithium aluminum hydride (1N in Et2O, 97.2 mL) under nitrogen. The resultant mixture is allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 16 hr. Then the reaction mixture is cooled at 0° C. and quenched with MeOH until the gas evolution stops. EtOAc (500 mL) and saturated aqueous Rochelle's salt are added and the two-layered mixture is stirred vigorously under nitrogen for 1 hr to give two relatively clear layers. The organic layer is separated, dried over MgSO4, filtered and concentrated, the crude oil is chromatographed on silica [20% EtOAc in hexane, then 1–2% (4.2 M Me3N in EtOH) in CHCl3]. Amine 3 (3.78 g, yield 48%) is obtained as a brown oil. IR(CHCl3) 3300(br) cm−1;1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ1.16 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 6H), 1.55 (br s, 2H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 3.28 (h, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 6.92–6.95 (m, 1H), 7.03–7.10 (m, 2H); ESIMS m/e 164 (M+H)+. C. The preparation of 3-oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-17 is obtained as a white solid. mp 112.0–114.0° C.; FDMS m/e 324 (M)+. Analysis for C19H20N2O3: calcd: C, 70.35; H, 6.21; N, 8.64; found: C, 70.37; H, 6.30; N, 8.58. Example 18 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 3-methoxy-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-18 is obtained as a white solid. mp 99.0–100.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 299 (M+H)+. Example 19 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 4-methoxy-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-19 is obtained as a white solid. mp 140.0–141.0° C.; FDMS m/e 298 (M)+. Example 20 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 2-ethoxy-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-20 is obtained as a white solid. mp 110.0–112.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 313 (M+H)+. Analysis for C17H16N2O4: calcd: C, 65.38; H, 5.16; N, 8.97; found: C, 65.33; H, 5.21; N, 8.86. Example 21 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 3-ethoxy-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-21 is obtained as a white solid. mp 89.0–90.0° C.; ESIMS m/e 313 (M+H)+. Analysis for C17H16N2O4: calcd: C, 65.38; H, 5.16; N, 8.97; found: C, 65.32; H, 5.18; N, 8.83. Example 22 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid 4-ethoxy-benzylamide By following similar procedure as described in Example 6, title compound 6-22 is obtained as a white solid. mp 110.0–112.0° C.; FDMS m/e 312 (M)+. Analysis for C17H16N2O4: calcd: C, 65.38; H, 5.16;. N, 8.97; found: C, 65.17; H, 5.17; N, 8.93. Example 23 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxylic acid phenethyl-amide By following similar procedure as described in Example 1, title compound 6-23 is obtained as a white solid. mp 106.0–107.0° C.; FDMS m/e 282 (M)+.

2C

07

D

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an actuating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. An engine 1 has an output shaft, adjacent to which there is disposed a rotation sensor 2 for detecting the rotational speed and phase of the output shaft and converting the detected speed and phase into a signal. The engine 1 has intake and exhaust ports which are opened and closed by intake and exhaust valves, respectively. Of these intake and exhaust valves, the intake valve will mainly be described below. An intake valve 9 is made of a magnetic material. The intake valve 9 has a stem axially slidably supported by a valve guide 10. A valve seat 11 is mounted in the intake port of an intake passage 13. The intake port is closed when the head of the intake valve 9 is closely held against the valve seat 11. The stem of the intake valve 9 has a flange 6 on its end, the flange 6 being made of a magnetic material. Between the flange 6 and the valve guide 10, there is disposed a spring 8 for preventing the intake valve 9 from dropping into the engine cylinder when the engine is not in operation. The stem end of the intake valve 9 is surrounded by an electromagnet 3. The electromagnet 3 has an upper fixed magnetic pole 3a positioned therein and facing the end face of the stem end of the intake valve 9, and an intermediate fixed magnetic pole 3b extending around and facing the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a and the outer circumferential surface of the flange 6. The electromagnet 3 also has a first distal (lower) fixed magnetic pole 3c disposed in an opening thereof and confronting the stem side of the intake valve 9. A first coil 4 is disposed in the electromagnet 3 between the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a and the intermediate fixed magnetic pole 3b, and a second coil 5 is disposed in the electromagnet 3 between the intermediate fixed magnetic pole 3b and the first distal fixed magnetic pole 3c. The electromagnet 3 further has a second distal (lower) fixed magnetic pole 3d confronting the stem side of the intake valve 9. The electromagnet 3 also has a path of magnetic lines of force extending from the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a to the second distal fixed magnetic pole 3d. A third coil 7 is disposed between the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a and the second distal fixed magnetic pole 3d. The first and second coils 4, 5 and the third coil 7 are alternately arranged along the stem of the intake valve 9. The intermediate fixed magnetic pole 3b and the stem end of the intake valve 9 are held out of contact with each other by only a small gap 3f defined therebetween. The first distal fixed magnetic pole 3c and the second distal fixed magnetic pole 3d, and the stem end of the intake valve 9 are also held out of contact with each other by only a small gap 3e defined therebetween. The control unit 12 includes, an input/output interface 12d which transmits output signals and receives an input signal. The control unit 12 is connected to the rotation sensor 2, the coil 4, the second coil 5, and the third coil 7 by the input/output interface 12d. The control unit also has a ROM 12b for storing a program and data, a CPU 12a for effecting arithmetic operations under the control of the program stored in the ROM 12b, a RAM 12c for temporarily storing the input signals and the results of arithmetic operations, and a control memory 12e for controlling the flow of signals in the control unit 12. Operation of the electromagnetic valve actuating system according to the present invention will be described below. FIGS. 2(a) through 2(c) show the flow of magnetic lines of force in the electromagnet 3. FIG. 2(a) shows the flow of magnetic lines of force when the valve is to be closed, FIG. 2(b) shows the flow of magnetic lines of force when the valve starts being opened from the closed condition, and FIG. 2(c) shows the flow of magnetic lines of force when the valve starts to move in a closing direction after its movement in the opening direction has been decelerated. In FIG. 2(a), DC electric energy is supplied to only the third coil 7. Magnetic lines of force generated by the third coil 7 pass through a magnetic path which extends from the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a through the inside of the electromagnet 3 to the second distal fixed magnetic pole 3d, and then from the second distal fixed magnetic pole 3d through the gap 3e to the stem end of the intake valve 9 and then back to the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a. When the magnetic lines of force flow as described above, an S(South) pole is created on the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a, and an N (North) pole is created on the flange 6 at the stem end of the intake valve 9 which confronts the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a. Therefore, the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a and the flange 6 are attracted to each other. Immediately before the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a and the flange 6 contact each other, the head of the intake valve 9 is closely held against the valve seat 11, thereby closing the intake port. As shown in FIG. 2(b), when the rotational phase of the engine 1 as detected by the rotation sensor 2 reaches the timing to open the intake valve 9, the third coil 7 is de-energized, and the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 are energized such that the magnetic lines of force generated by these coils rotate in the opposite directions to each other. Specifically, the magnetic lines of force generated by the first coil 4 flow through a magnetic path which extends from the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a to the intermediate fixed magnetic pole 3b, and then back to the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a. The magnetic lines of force generated by the second coil 7 flow through a magnetic path that extends from the first distal fixed magnetic pole 3c through the gap 3e to the flange 6 of the intake valve 9, and then through the gap 3f and the intermediate fixed magnetic pole 3b back to the first distal fixed magnetic pole 3c. With the magnetic paths thus produced N poles are created on both the flange 6 and the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a. Thus, the upper fixed magnetic pole 3a and the flange 6 are repelled from each other. Accordingly, the intake valve 9 is repelled downwardly, starting to move in the opening direction. As illustrated in FIG. 2(c), the first and second coils 4, 5 are de-energized and the third coil 7 is energized again upon elapse of a first preset time after the intake valve 9 has started moving in the opening direction. As with the condition shown in FIG. 2(a), the intake valve 9 is subjected to an attractive force in the upward direction, i.e., in the closing direction. The attractive force serves to decelerate the intake valve 9 which is moving in the opening direction, and finally stop the intake valve 9. The position in which the intake valve 9 is stopped corresponds to a position in which it has traversed the maximum stroke. After the intake valve 9 is stopped, the third coil 7 is continuously energized to start moving the intake valve 9 in the upward direction, i.e., in the opening direction. Upon elapse of a second preset time which is longer than the first preset time, the third coil 7 is de-energized again, and the first and second coils 4, 5 are energized, applying a downward force to the intake valve 9. This is to decelerate the intake valve 9 as it moves in the closing direction, thereby lessening shocks imposed when the head of the intake valve 9 is seated on the valve seat 11. Upon elapse of a third preset time which is longer than the second preset time, the first and second coils 4, 5 are de-energized, and the third coil 7 is energized again, so that the magnetic path shown in FIG. 2(a) is formed, imposing an upward force on the intake valve 9. The first, second, and third preset times are determined as follows: A table of preset times and engine rotational speeds is stored in advanoe in the ROM 12b, and a preset time corresponding to a certain engine rotational speed is determined from the table based on the engine rotational speed. The opening and closing condition of the valve will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a cam profile curve. The horizontal axis of the graph indicates the time from the opening timing of the intake valve 9, and the vertical axis indicates the distance by which the intake valve 9 moves. The curve in FIG. 3 shows the change time, in the distance by which the intake valve moves. At a time I which is the valve opening timing, the third coil 7 is de-energized, and the first and second coils 4, 5 are energized to switch the flow of magnetic lines of force from the condition shown in FIG. 2(a) to the condition shown in FIG. 2(b). The intake valve 9 is now subjected to a repelling force in the opening direction, and starts moving in the opening direction. At a time II when the first preset time elapses, the first and second coils 4, 5 are de-energized, and the third coil 7 is energized to switch the flow of magnetic lines of force from the condition shown in FIG. 2(b) to the condition shown in FIG. 2(c). An attractive force in the closing direction now acts on the intake valve 9, decelerating the intake valve 9 as it moves in the opening direction. After the intake valve 9 has reached the maximum stroke position, the intake valve 9 reverses its movement for the closed-position. At a time III when the second preset time elapses, an attractive force in the opening direction is applied again to the intake valve 9, decelerating the intake valve 9 as it moves in the closing direction. At a time IV when the third preset time elapses, the magnetic lines of force are brought into the condition shown in FIG. 2(a). The intake valve 9 remains closed until next opening timing. When the operation of the engine 1 is finished, the third coil 7 is de-energized, and any electromagnetic forces for holding the intake valve 9 closed are eliminated. Therefore, the intake valve 9 is maintained in the closing condition by the spring 8. The holding force of the spring 8 is sufficiently small with respect to the repelling force generated by the first and second coils 4, 5 to open the intake valve 9. The ROM 12 may store, in addition to the table of preset times and engine rotational speeds, a map of engine rotational speeds and valve opening timing values. By varying the valve opening timing depending on the engine rotational speed using the map, the engine output and efficiency can be increased in a full range of engine rotational speeds. Furthermore, an engine cylinder control process for increasing or reducing the number of engine cylinders that are in operation can be carried out by actuating or disabling the intake and exhaust valves associated with the engine cylinders depending on the rotational speed of the engine 1. The magnetically interrupted portions of the magnetic path in the electromagnet 3, i.e., the gap 3f between the flange 6 and the intermediate fixed magnetic pole 3b and the gap 3e between the stem end of the intake valve 9, and the first and second distal fixed magnetic poles 3c, 3d, are small irrespective of whether the valve is opened or closed, and hence any leakage of magnetic lines of force from the magnetic path is small. Accordingly, the electromagnetic forces generated by the electromagnet 3 is strong. As a result, the efficiency with which the electromagnetic forces are generated is increased, and the electric energy supplied to the electromagnet is reduced, resulting in a reduction in the amount of heat generated by the electromagnet 3. While the intake valve has been described above, the actuating system of the present invention is also applicable to the exhaust valve, which is omitted from illustration. Although a certain preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to the illustrated embodiment but many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. As described above, the electromagnetic valve actuating system according to the present invention can be used as a system for actuating intake and exhaust valves of an engine, and suitable for use with an engine which is required to vary the timing to open and close the intake and exhaust valves freely.

5F

01

L

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cable which is designated generally by the numeral 20. The cable may be used on a customer's premises such as for example in a plenum 21 (see FIG. 2) of a building. Also, the cable 20 may be used in a building riser (not shown). Further, the cable could be used in less stringent fire categories as designated by the NEC. As is seen in FIG. 1, the cable 20 includes a core 22 which comprises one or more transmission media such as one or more pairs 24--24 of insulated metallic conductors 26--26 or optical fibers (not shown). Over the core 22 is disposed a jacket 29 which is made of a plastic fire resistant material. Each of the insulated metallic conductors comprises a longitudinally extending metallic conductor 32 and an insulative cover 34. Desirably, the insulative cover 34 is made of a material such as polyethylene, for example, which has a relatively low dielectric constant, .epsilon.. An acceptable material for use as the insulation cover is polyethylene or copolymers thereof. Application for optical fiber cables may also include buffer materials with particularly desirable mechanical properties such as, for example, engineering thermoplastics. As is well known, polyethylene does not have acceptable fire retardant properties. An obvious solution to the dilemma of providing an acceptable dielectric constant in addition to flame retardant properties would be to compromise on one or both properties. Cables of this invention compromise neither desired property. The cable of this invention overcomes the problem of competing properties by causing the cable to include a barrier which is disposed between a fire source and the plastic insulation. The barrier of the embodiment in FIG. 1 is included in the jacket 29. The barrier of this invention includes an organic base resin and an additive system. The base resin may comprise a polymer material, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a rubber. The polymer material may be an organic polymer such as polyethylene or a copolymer of ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of propylene, butylene, pentene, hexene, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl acrylates or alkyl methacrylates, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and vinyl acetate. The additive system includes at least a first inorganic oxide constituent having a relatively low melting point and a second inorganic oxide devitrifying constituent having a relatively high melting point. The low temperature melting first inorganic oxide constituent of the additive system begins to melt at a much lower temperature, i.e., about 350.degree. C. to 450.degree. C., than typical glasses. See British patent GB 2220208 which is incorporated by reference hereinto. The inorganic oxide constituents may be referred to as frits. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of this invention includes an additive system which comprises a blend of vitreous and ceramic materials. Glasses which may be used as the low melting first inorganic oxide constituent of the additive system include phosphate glasses such as inorganic oxide glasses having the following mole percent composition: 1.2 to 3.5% B.sub.2 O.sub.3, 50 to 75% P.sub.2 O.sub.5, 0 to 30% PbO and 0 to 5% of at least one oxide selected from the oxides of Cu, Ag, Au, Sc, Y, La, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, Pd, and U, and which glass includes at least one oxide selected from alkali metal oxides and at least one oxide selected from alkaline earth metal oxides and zinc oxides. Preferred lead oxide containing glasses are made when the lead oxide ranges from 10 to 30 mole percent and the P.sub.2 O.sub.5 in the composition ranges from 50 to 58 mole percent. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,022 which is incorporated by reference hereinto. The higher melting point, second inorganic oxide constituent is a devitrifying frit that crystallizes, that is, passes from a glassy to a crystalline state, at a temperature between about 650.degree. C. and 1000.degree. C. and forms the crusty layer which seals off the inner portion of the cable. Desirably, the second inorganic oxide constituent remains hard up to a temperature of about 1100.degree. C. The second inorganic oxide constituent may be a chopped ceramic fiber and/or basalt fiber. A preferred ceramic fiber is polycrystalline mullite fiber (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 /SiO.sub.2). See British patent GB 2220208. A commercially available material which is a blend of vitreous and ceramic materials is one which is known as Ceepree fire barrier filler and which is marketed by ICI. Such a material is described in a paper authored by A. S. Piers and entitled "Enhanced Performance of Composite Materials Under Fire Conditions" presented at Polymers in a Marine Environment conference in London on Oct. 23-24, 1991. Such a material is described also in a paper presented in Vol. 11 of Proceedings of the Second Conference on Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials held on May 14-16, 1991, and edited by M. Levin and G. S. Kirshenbaum, copyright 1991 by Buruss Communications Co., Inc. Also, it is disclosed in a brochure distributed by ICI Soda Ash Products dated May 1990, which documented a presentation given in London, England on Jan. 17-18, 1990. The additive system also may include other constituents. For example, included may be a hydrated constituent or hydroxide or carbonate of a di-or trivalent metal. This constituent releases water vapor or carbon dioxide endothermically during decomposition which serves to retard the spread of fire by cooling the substrate and diluting combustible gases. Also included may be an additive such as an inorganic phosphate or an organic phosphate that is used to enhance char formation. The phosphate may intumesce, that is, cause swelling, with charring due to the inclusion of a blowing agent. Other constituents which may be included are zinc borate which both releases water vapor and acts as an additional barrier-forming encapsulant while reducing smoke evolution, mica which provides a heat barrier and transition metal complexes which provide fire retardant synergism with the hydrated metal compositions. These other constituents of the additive system decompose when subjected to intense heat and high-temperatures to provide a rigid foam of ceramic ash, for example, which is composed of a mass of cells. The cells help to provide a barrier against heat transfer. Also, as mentioned hereinbefore, the glass filaments or particulates in cables of this invention begin to melt when exposed to a temperature in the range of about 350.degree. C. This is a variation from typical glass formulations which melt in the range of 1500.degree. C. Further, the glass filaments do not remelt under normal fire temperatures. This melting causes a flow of the vitreous material about the burning base resin. The burning resin or portions thereof which have not yet decomposed are encapsulated. As a result of such encapsulation, access of the core to oxygen is inhibited which inhibits carbonaceous decomposition products from being emitted as smoke. A very stable char structure is provided and the smoke yield is reduced. The first inorganic oxide constituent encapsulates and fuses with combustible material, char, reinforcing fibers and any fillers. Also, as mentioned hereinbefore, at higher temperatures of about 650.degree. C. and beyond, the higher melting point second inorganic oxide constituent devitrifies, that is, it passes from a glassy to a crystalline state. As a result, the viscosity of the additive increases and the composition cures into a solid form. As the second frit hardens, it holds together char from the organic base resin. The result is a hard, protective barrier layer. The crusty layer prevents the passage of smoke, toxic fumes and flames. As a result, flame spread and smoke evolution are inhibited. The barrier layer thus encapsulates and fuses with combustible material, char, reinforcing fibers and any fillers. The resulting crystalline structure provides thermal protection up to a temperature of about 1100.degree. C. The blend of vitreous and ceramic materials does not delay ignition but in cooperation with the base resin resists penetration of heat energy while maintaining the circuit integrity of the cable. The delay of ignition may be accomplished by the inclusion of the aforementioned charring and hydrated additives. A glass-ceramic mixture may be embodied in the cable 20 in any of several other ways. For example, the mixture may be included in a tape in which glass filaments or particulates are impregnated with an adhesive material to hold the glass together. In the alternative, the glass filaments or particulates may be coextruded with another plastic material which is used in the cable. For example, in an optical fiber cable, the glass could be coextruded with the core tube which comprises a tubular plastic member which enclose the core of optical fibers. Other embodiments include those shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. In FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of the cable of this invention which is designated generally by the numeral 40. The cable 40 includes a core 42 which includes a plurality of pairs of insulated conductors 26--26, each of which includes a metallic conductor 32 and an insulation cover 34. The core 42 is enclosed in a tape 44 which has been wound helically or longitudinally (not shown) about the core to form a longitudinal overlapped seam 46. Enclosing the tape 44 is a jacket 48 which comprises a plastic material such as fire retardant polyethylene or copolymers thereof or polyvinyl chloride. Of course, a cable of this invention may include optical fibers (not shown) with or without metallic conductors. The tape 44 provides a barrier layer to prevent the passage of combustible gases and smoke. The tape 44 comprises a base resin such as thermoplastic polyethylene or copolymers thereof, polyvinyl chloride or typical cured systems such as epoxy and an additive system. Included in the additive system is a low melting point frit such as the previously described glasses which begin to melt at about 350.degree. C. and a higher melting point devitrifying frit which crystallizes and provides a crusty layer. Another embodiment of the cable of this invention is shown in FIG. 4. A cable designated generally by the numeral 50 includes a core 52 comprising one or more pairs 24--24 of insulated metallic conductors 26--26 or optical fibers (not shown). Over the core is disposed a jacket 54 which is made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or copolymers thereof, polyvinyl chloride or EPDM rubber, for example. Disposed about the plastic jacket 54 is a layer 56 which is destined upon exposure to temperatures of at least 350.degree. C. to form a barrier layer. The layer 56 may be applied as a coating or it may be coextruded along with the jacket 54. For particular applications, a cable 60 (see FIG. 5) which includes a core 62 and a jacket 64 may include a coextruded barrier layer 66 in engagement with an inner surface of the jacket. For the embodiment of FIG. 1, the jacket comprises about 10 to 50% by weight of a polymeric base material, about 5 to 60% of an additive system exclusive of the inorganic oxide constituents and about 5 to 40% of the inorganic oxide constituents. Should the tape of FIG. 3 be used, the tape includes about 1 to 30% by weight of a polymeric base material, about 5 to 60% of additives and about 5 to 50% of the inorganic oxide constituents. When a coating or a coextruded layer such as is shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 is used, the weight percent of each constituent will depend on properties of the cable such as, for example, the mechanical properties which are desired. A typical composition for the coextruded barrier layer includes about 10 to 50% of a polymeric base material, about 5 to 70% of an additive system exclusive of the inorganic oxide constituents and about 5 to 60% of the inorganic oxide constituents. The barrier system of this invention permits the use in the core of cable materials which have very favorable dielectric properties and which are relatively inexpensive but which are not as flame retardant as desired such as, for example, in TEFLON plastic. Advantageously, with the barrier system of this invention, favorable dielectric materials may be used in the core and the jacket or tape or coextruded jacket provides a barrier to seal off the core and prevent flame spread and smoke convolution. Of course, if a coextruded layer or coating on the jacket is used, the entire underlying cable including the jacket is sealed. Advantageously, the function of the barrier layer of the cable of this invention is dissimilar to that of flame retardant additives. It does not always delay ignition, but what it does do is to cause the host material, i.e. the polymer material, to be able to resist the penetration of fire and release of associated smoke and combustibles while moderating any loss of integrity and associated mechanical properties. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are simply illustrative of the invention. Other arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention

6G

02

B

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In order to make the contents of the present invention more apparent, the following embodiments are provided as practical examples of embodiment of the present invention. With reference toFIG. 1,FIG. 1schematically shows a sleep respiration monitoring system10according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sleep respiration monitoring system10is suitable for measuring sleep quality of the testee U. The sleep respiration monitoring system10comprises: the sensing fabric11, the detecting circuit12, the judging and analysis circuit13and a wireless/wired signal outputting circuit14. The electric characteristics (for example equivalent resistance) of the sensing fabric11may change in response to respiration status or extent of body movement of the testee U. In the present embodiment, the sensing fabric11is zoned into two areas: the sensing fabric area1which is11aand the sensing fabric area2which is11b. Of cause the numbers of the zoned area on the sensing fabric11are not limited to the above example. The detecting circuit12is coupled to the sensing fabric11. The detecting circuit12is suitable for detecting the change of the electric characteristics (for example resistance) of the sensing fabric. The judging and analysis circuit13is coupled to the detecting circuit12. The judging and analysis circuit13performs signal processing, signal collection, signal classification and estimation to the output signals of the detecting circuit12, so as to estimate whether the testee U is lying on the sensing fabric and to estimate sleep quality of the testee U. The output signal of the judging and analysis circuit13may also be displayed on man-machine interface. The output signal of the judging and analysis circuit13may further be used to drive external devices (such as sound system, light and etc.). For example, if any abnormality is detected by the judging and analysis circuit13, the judging and analysis circuit13instructs the external devices to make sound or light signals to inform other people or rescue team. The wireless/wired signal outputting circuit14may transmits result acquired by the judging and analysis circuit13through wireless/wired transmission, for example transmits to hospital/physician, and etc. With reference toFIG. 2A, theFIG. 2Aschematically illustrates a circuit block diagram of the detecting circuit12according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2A, the detecting circuit12comprises: a bridge circuit122and an operation amplifier123. The bridge circuit122may detects the resistance change amount of the equivalent resistance Req1(which is the equivalent resistance of the sensing fabric area1which is11a) and an equivalent resistance Req2(which is the equivalent resistance of the sensing fabric area2which is11b). The operation amplifier123is coupled to the bridge circuit122. The operation amplifier123amplifies the output signal of the bridge circuit122and transmits the same to the judging and analysis circuit13. With reference toFIG. 2B, theFIG. 2Bschematically illustrates a circuit block diagram of the judging and analysis circuit13according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2B, the judging and analysis circuit13comprises a noise filtering circuit131and a signal classifying and judging circuit132. The noise filtering circuit131eliminates high frequency noise signal of the output signal of the detecting circuit12. For example noise above 50 Hz may be eliminated. The signal classifying and judging circuit132determines whether the testee turns over, the total sleep time and sleep efficiency according to the output signal of the detecting circuit12. Moreover, the signal classifying and judging circuit132may determine the in-bed time and out-bed time, extent of body movement (extent of over-turn) and respiration rate, and etc. The signal classifying and judging circuit132also records daily and weekly sleeping habits of the testee. With reference toFIG. 3, theFIG. 3schematically illustrates a diagram of the sensing fabric11according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3, the sensing fabric11comprises: a main body31, wrapped conductive yarns32, an elastic structure33and a temperature sensing element34. The main body31combines and supports the wrapped conductive yarns32, the elastic structure33and the temperature sensing element34. The main body31for example may be combined in mattress, sheet, seat cushion, back cushion, and etc. The elastic structure33may be through-hole material (such as PU foam) or fabric structure (such as multi-layer buffer fabric) to increase the testee's feel. The elastic structure33may be disposed on the substrate layer or top layer of the main body31. The temperature sensing element34may be used to monitor the testee U's body temperature, and is more helpful for determining whether the testee U is lying on the sensing fabric11. There are two types of structures of the wrapped conductive yarns32, one is dual-wrapped, and one is signal-wrapped.FIG. 4AandFIG. 4Bschematically illustrate a diagram of the dual-wrapped conductive yarn.FIG. 5AandFIG. 5Bschematically illustrate a diagram of the single-wrapped conductive yarn. FIG. 4AandFIG. 4Brespectively illustrate a diagram of the dual-wrapped conductive yarn with and without force applied. With reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B, the dual-wrapped conductive yarn comprises conductive fibers420,430, and a non-conductive elastic yarn410. The conductive fibers420and430are wrapped on the elastic yarn410. When no force is applied, the conductive fibers420and430do not tightly wrapped around the elastic yarn410, and the conductive fibers420and430do not contact with each other. The conductive fiber for example is carbon black fiber, copper ion fiber or silver-plated fiber. The resistance rate of the conductive fiber is between 102˜106Ω/cm. When dual-wrapped conductive yarn is stretched or pressed by the testee, the resistance of the sensing fabric changes accordingly. With reference toFIG. 4B, when force is applied, the conductive fibers420and430tightly close to the elastic yarn410. As a result, the conductive fibers420and430contact to each other and a plurality of contact points are formed between the conductive fibers420and430. The contact points change conductive path of current in the conductive fiber, as a result, the resistance of the dual-wrapped conductive yarn is decreased or increased. FIG. 5AandFIG. 5Brespectively illustrate a diagram of the single-wrapped conductive yarn with and without force applied. With reference toFIG. 5B, the single-wrapped conductive yarn32comprises two groups of wrapped conductive yarns. One group of the wrapped conductive yarns is formed through wrapping the conductive fiber530around the elastic yarn510. Another group of the wrapped conductive yarns is formed through wrapping the conductive fiber540around the elastic yarn520. When the wrapped conductive yarns are stretched or pressed by the testee, the resistance of the sensing fabric changes accordingly. In addition, if area of the sensing fabric11is very big, the current signal on the sensing fabric11is easily to attenuate. Therefore, low resistance conductive fabric may be woven into the sensing fabric alternately. As shown inFIG. 6, the low resistance conductive fabric620intersects the wrapped conductive yarn610on the sensing fabric600. The low resistance conductive fabric620for example vertically intersects the wrapped conductive yarn610; however the present embodiment is not limited to vertical intersection thereof. WithFIG. 6structure, current signals may be detected according to different equivalent impedances and locations. The structure of the wrapped conductive yarn610may be as shown inFIG. 4AorFIG. 5B. With reference toFIG. 7,FIG. 7schematically illustrates a signal distribution diagram measured by the present embodiment. Working with database, the system of the present embodiment can determine which signals relate to “lie down”, “aspiration signal” and “leave the bed” and the body movements alike according to the signal distribution diagram. The elastic structure33inFIG. 3may be classified into even-pressed force method and uneven-pressed force method according to forms of being subjected to force.FIGS. 8A and 8Brespectively illustrate diagrams of the method of even-pressed and the method of uneven-pressed. InFIG. 8B,81represents support points. The uneven-pressed elastic structure has a plurality of design methods.FIGS. 9A and 9Bshow two different design methods. InFIG. 9A, the elastic structure33and the support points81may be the same material, or may be different materials. InFIG. 9A, the support points81are protrusive, while in another embodiment, the support points81may be not protrusive, but the material thereof is harder. InFIG. 9B, the surface of the elastic structure33is flat; the sewing line93zones the elastic structure33. The designs ofFIGS. 9A and 9Bcan further promote signal detecting sensitivity. In addition, relative locations of the elastic structure33and the sensing fabric are shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B. As shown inFIG. 10A, the elastic structure33may be disposed under the sensing fabric11. As shown inFIG. 10A, the elastic structures33A and33B may be respectively disposed above and under the sensing fabric11. The elastic structures33A and33B may be the same material, may also be different materials. In addition, the elastic structure33B is harder than the elastic structure33A. In addition, when the present system is used to detect human respiration, the sensing fabric may surround the chest or abdomen of the user, the portion of body which moves up and down with one's respiration. The sensing fabric of the present embodiment has the following advantages: breathable, soft, elastic, stretchable, washable, bendable, and etc. To summarize the above descriptions, the present sleep aspiration monitoring system monitors aspiration of user while user almost doesn't feel bound. In addition, the present sleep aspiration monitoring system monitors through sensing fabric's deformation, which is more advanced than prior arts. The present sleep aspiration monitoring system may be combined into home use sheets, mattresses and seat cushions and other textiles. In addition, the sensing fabric may be disposed on or in mattresses, sheets, and seat cushions, so that sleep aspiration monitoring can be performed at home instantaneously. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

0A

61

B

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The following is an explanation of the best mode for carrying out the present invention, given in reference to the drawings. FIRST EMBODIMENT FIG. 1is a perspective showing the structure adopted in a light emitting device achieved in the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1shows blue color light emitting array consisting of “n” elements11to1n,mounted on a substrate1. The blue color light emitting elements11to1nmay each be constituted with, for instance, a light emitting diode (LED) which emits light containing a blue color component with a wavelength of 450 nm. FIG. 2is a perspective showing in an enlargement the substrate1and the blue LEDs11to1n.The drive of the individual blue LEDs11to1nis controlled by a current supply circuit (not shown) so that they emit light with a uniform level of light emission luminance. The light generated at the blue LEDs11to1nis emitted toward a reflecting member2. FIG. 3is a side elevation of the light emitting device inFIG. 1, viewed from the direction indicated by an arrow A. As shown inFIG. 3, the reflecting member2is formed so as to have a parabolic cross-section, with a Fresnel lens3disposed at an opening of the reflecting member2. The reflecting member2, which may be constituted of a high-luminance aluminum material, reflects at its inner surface (a concave curved surface)2athe light from the blue LEDs11to1ntoward the Fresnel lens3with a high level of reflectance. The light containing the blue color component thus enters the Fresnel lens3as substantially parallel light. Part of the blue component in the light having entered the Fresnel lens3is transmitted through the Fresnel lens3and is projected as uniform light advancing along the radiating direction (to the right inFIG. 3). In this regard, the Fresnel lens3functions as a projection optical member. It is to be noted that the Fresnel lens3is formed by ensuring that the luminance of the light projected onto the area (near an optical axis Ax of the Fresnel lens3inFIG. 3) corresponding to the shadow of the substrate1is not lower than the luminance of the light projected onto other areas. The Fresnel lens3may be constituted of, for instance, a resin, into which a fluorescent material with a predetermined concentration level is substantially uniformly added. Thus, another part of the blue component light undergoes wavelength conversion at the Fresnel lens3while the part of the blue component light is transmitted through the Fresnel lens3as described earlier. Namely, the fluorescent material added into the Fresnel lens3is excited by the incident light and the fluorescent material thus excited emits light containing a yellow color component (with a wavelength in a range of, for instance, 560 nm to 570 nm). The yellow component light resulting from the wavelength conversion is projected via the Fresnel lens3as uniform light advancing along the radiating direction (to the right inFIG. 3), in a manner similar to that with which the blue component light is projected. As a result, the blue component light and the yellow component light become uniformly mixed over the radiation range, and the mixed light is observed by the human eye as white light with uniform luminance, free of uneven coloration or color bleeding. The following operational effects can be achieved in the first embodiment described above.(1) The blue component in the light emitted from the blue LEDs11to1nused as a light emitting means is reflected at the reflecting member i.e., a reflecting means2, formed so as to have a parabolic cross-section, and the reflected light is then guided to the Fresnel lens3. Thus, even when the directions of the light fluxes originating from the blue LEDs11to1nare not uniform (e.g., even when the light fluxes are emitted diagonally to the left and to the right as well as along the upward direction inFIG. 2), the blue color component light can be guided to the Fresnel lens3with a high level of reliability. This, in turn, allows efficient utilization of the blue component light emitted from the blue LEDs11to1nand, at the same time, minimizes the extent of inconsistency in the luminance of the blue component light entering the Fresnel lens3.(2) Since the fluorescent material is contained in the Fresnel lens3alone, only the blue component light (excitation light) is allowed to enter the Fresnel lens3. As a result, the blue component light and the yellow component light (photoluminescence light) generated within the Fresnel lens3can be mixed efficiently.(3) The fluorescent material is mixed with substantial uniformity in the Fresnel lens3, which allows the blue component light being transmitted through the Fresnel lens3to undergo wavelength conversion uniformly, regardless of the specific positions in the Fresnel lens3at which it is being transmitted. As a result, uniformity is achieved both in the luminance of the outgoing yellow component light resulting from the wavelength conversion at the Fresnel lens3and in the luminance of the outgoing blue component light transmitted through the Fresnel lens3, as the yellow component light and the blue component light are radiated over the radiation range. Consequently, white light with a minimum extent of uneven coloration and color bleeding is obtained.(4) Since the yellow component light and the blue component light are emitted via the Fresnel lens3into which a fluorescent material has been evenly added, the luminance of the light projected over the area (near the optical axis Ax of the Fresnel lens3) corresponding to the shadow of the substrate1is not lowered compared to the luminance of the light projected onto the other areas, achieving uniform illumination of the radiation range, unlike in a structure in which the yellow component light and the blue component light are emitted via a plane parallel plate member constituted of a material into which a fluorescent material is evenly mixed. The number “n” of the blue LEDs11to1nmay assume any value, e.g., 1 or 10, and the number “n” of blue LEDs should be adjusted to an optimal value in correspondence to the range over which the light from the light emitting device is to be radiated along the horizontal direction. While the blue LEDs11to1nare disposed in a single row in the example explained above, they may instead be disposed over two rows or four rows, and the number of rows over which the blue LEDs are to be disposed should be adjusted to an optimal value in correspondence to the range over which the light from the light emitting device is to be radiated along the vertical direction. While the reflecting member2is constituted of an aluminum material with a high level of luminance having a parabolic shape, it may instead be constituted with a different material with a high reflectance. In addition, instead of obtaining the reflecting member2by machining a material assuming the form of a flat sheet into a parabolic shape, the reflecting member2may be formed by combining a plurality of very small reflecting members into a parabolic shape. SECOND EMBODIMENT Blue LEDs may be mounted at the two sides of a substrate.FIG. 4is an enlargement of a substrate20used in the second embodiment. Blue LEDs21to2nare mounted at one surface of the substrate20, whereas blue LEDs31to3nare mounted at the other surface of the substrate20. The drive of the individual blue LEDs21to2nand31to3nis controlled by a current supply circuit (not shown) so that they emit light with a uniform level of light emission luminance. FIG. 5is a side elevation of a light emitting device that includes the substrate20.FIG. 5shows a diffusion lens3A disposed at an opening of a reflecting member2formed so as to have a parabolic cross-section. The reflecting member2reflects at its inner surface (concave curved surface)2athe blue color component of the light emitted from the blue LEDs21to2ntoward the diffusion lens3A with high reflectance. As a result, the light containing the blue color component enters the diffusion lens3A as substantially parallel light. The blue component light from the blue LEDs31to3nmounted at the surface of the substrate20further toward the diffusion lens3A, on the other hand, directly enters the diffusion lens3A without being reflected at the reflecting member2. The diffusion lens3A is constituted with a resin into which a fluorescent material achieving a predetermined concentration is substantially uniformly added. Part of the blue component light having entered the diffusion lens3A is transmitted and is projected as uniform light advancing along the radiating direction (to the right inFIG. 5). Another part of the blue component light undergoes wavelength conversion at the diffusion lens3A to become light containing a yellow color component, which is then projected in much the same way as the blue component light, as uniform light advancing along the radiating direction (to the right inFIG. 5). As a result, the blue component light and the yellow component light become uniformly mixed over the radiation range, and the mixed light is observed by the human eye as white light of uniform brightness, free of uneven coloration. It is to be noted that the diffusion lens3A may also be referred to as a projection optical member. The following operational effects can be achieved in the second embodiment described above.(1) The blue LEDs are mounted at the two surfaces of the substrate20and the blue component light from the blue LEDs21to2nand the blue component light from the blue LEDs31to3n,mounted at the two sides of the substrate20, are individually guided to the diffusion lens3A. As a result, the light emission luminance twice that from LEDs mounted at a single side of the substrate is achieved, making it possible to provide a compact light emitting device with high luminance.(2) Since a fluorescent material with a predetermined concentration level is substantially uniformly mixed into the material constituting the diffusion lens3A, the blue component light passing through the diffusion lens3A is allowed to undergo wavelength conversion uniformly, regardless of the specific positions in the diffusion lens3A, at which it is being transmitted. As a result, uniformity is achieved both in the luminance of the outgoing yellow component light resulting from the wavelength conversion at the diffusion lens3A and in the luminance of the outgoing blue component light having been transmitted through the diffusion lens3A, as the yellow component light and the blue component light are radiated over the radiation range, and white light with minimum extent of uneven coloration and color bleeding is obtained, as in the first embodiment. Blue LEDs may also be mounted at the surfaces of substrates assembled together to form the shape of a polygonal prism.FIG. 6presents an example of an LED mounting substrate assuming a quadrangular prism shape.FIG. 6shows groups of blue LEDs, blue LEDs21to2n,blue LEDs31to3n,blue LEDs41to4nand blue LEDs51to5n,each mounted at one of the four surfaces of a substrate assembly20A. The drive of the individual blue LEDs is controlled by a current supply circuit (not shown) so that they all emit light with a uniform level of light emission luminance. The substrate assembly20A is used as a light emitter in place of the substrate20in the light emitting device shown inFIG. 5. FIG. 7presents an example of an LED mounting substrate assuming a hexagonal prism shape.FIG. 7shows groups of blue LEDs, blue LEDs21to2n,blue LEDs31to3n,blue LEDs41to4n,blue LEDs51to5n,blue LEDs61to6nand blue LEDs71to7n,each mounted at one of the six surfaces of a substrate assembly20B. The drive of the individual blue LEDs is controlled by a current supply circuit (not shown) so that they all emit light with a uniform level of light emission luminance. The substrate assembly20B is used as a light emitter in place of the substrate20in the light emitting device shown inFIG. 5. In the light emitting device described above with blue LEDs mounted at the surfaces of substrates assembled into a polygonal prism shape (N-angle prism shape), the blue component light can be invariably guided to the diffusion lens3A reliably regardless of whether the blue component light is emitted toward the reflecting member2or toward the diffusion lens3A. By mounting LEDs at the four surfaces of a quadrangular prism-shaped substrate assembly, a light emission luminance twice that from a light emitting device with LEDs mounted at the two surfaces of a single substrate is achieved, whereas by mounting LEDs at the six surfaces of a hexagonal prism-shaped substrate assembly, a light emission luminance three times that of a light emitting device with LEDs mounted at the two surfaces of a single substrate, is achieved. In either case, a compact light emitting device with high luminance is achieved. The substrate assembly assuming a polygonal prism shape (N-angle prism shape) may be an octagonal prism assembly or a decagonal prism assembly. Alternatively, blue LEDs may be mounted on a polyhedron assembly achieved by combining surfaces including a curved surface, instead of a polygonal prism substrate assembly achieved by combining flat surfaces. For instance, groups of blue LEDs21to2n,31to3,41to4n,51to5n,61to6n,71to7n,81to8nand91to9nmay be mounted at a flexible substrate20C or the like constituted as a polyhedral body, as shown inFIG. 9, so as to form LED arrays at a polyhedral substrate assuming any shape instead of a univocally defined shape such as a polygonal prism. Any of the light emitting devices described above may be used as a photographic illuminating device in the camera shown inFIG. 8.FIG. 8shows an interchangeable photographic lens110mounted at a camera body100. An illuminating device101is provided as an internal unit in the camera body100at the upper right position, viewed from the subject side. The illuminating device101is constituted with the light emitting device explained earlier. The light emitting device may be utilized as a light source in a portable telephone equipped with a camera, a toy, a lighting device, a flashlight or the like, or as an illuminating device in a camera. While an explanation is given above on an example in which LED light containing the blue component light is used as the photoluminescence primary light (excitation light) to obtain the yellow component light (secondary light), the wavelength component of the primary light and the wavelength component (color component) of the secondary light may be different from those in the example explained above. An optimal type of fluorescent material to be added into the material to constitute the Fresnel lens (or the diffusion lens) should be selected in correspondence to the specific purposes of use for the light emitting device, in conjunction with light emitting elements capable of emitting light with the optimal wavelength to be used as the excitation light source. For instance, LEDs that emit light with different color components may be mounted at the individual surfaces of the substrate assembly20A or20B assuming a polygonal prism shape inFIG. 6or7. More specifically, blue LEDs may be mounted at one surface, red LEDs may be mounted at another surface and green LEDs may be mounted at yet another surface. In this case, light can be emitted by selecting the optimal LEDs for light emission under specific circumstances. With the light emitting device adopting this structure, light containing the optimal color components for conditions can be obtained via the single light emitting device. It is to be noted that a plurality of LEDs that emit light corresponding to a plurality of color components may be disposed at the substrate1shown inFIG. 1. The color mixing ratio for the primary light and the secondary light should be adjusted by adjusting the content of the fluorescent material added into the material constituting the Fresnel lens3(or the diffusion lens3A) or adjusting the thickness of the Fresnel lens3(or the diffusion lens3A). For instance, the ratio of the secondary light is raised by increasing the content of the fluorescent material and the ratio of the secondary light can be lowered by reducing the fluorescent material content. In addition, the ratio of the secondary light can be raised by increasing the thickness of the Fresnel lens3(or the diffusion lens3A) and the ratio of the secondary light can be lowered by reducing the thickness of the Fresnel lens3(or the diffusion lens3A), without altering the fluorescent material content at all. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments and variations thereof by referring to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit, scope and teaching of the invention. The disclosure of the following priority application is herein incorporated by reference: Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-318151 filed Nov. 1, 2004

5F

21

V

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Detailed Description—First Embodiment The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have no detailed description in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of embodiments may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow. FIG. 1shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the invention. An oval nut20is attached to the main body24with main screw22. A hinge body26, is attached to the main body24via a hinge pin28. Hinge spring30is installed between hinge body26and main body24. Catch screws36are loosely fit through hinge body26and into catch32. Catch springs34are placed between catch32and hinge body26over the catch screws36. Parts of the embodiment main body24, oval nut20, hinge body26and catch32are made from aluminum but could be made from any material suitable. Parts main screw22and catch screw36refer to a means of fastening parts together. In this embodiment, main screw22and catch screw36are screws but could also be press pins or any other method of attaching two parts. FIG. 2shows the embodiment installed on the firearm50. Detail H shows the embodiment installed into catch bar slot56of lower receiver52with lower receiver52and upper receiver54attached together in the closed position. Tip40of hinge body26rests against the side of the upper receiver54. The catch32rests inside magazine well42against magazine44. FIG. 3shows the embodiment installed on firearm50. The upper receiver54and lower receiver52are in a closed state with section line A-A dissecting the firearm and centerline of hinge body26of the embodiment. FIG. 4shows section view A-A. The embodiment is installed on a firearm50into lower receiver52with the lower receiver52and the upper receiver54in a closed state. Tip40of hinge body26rests against the side of the upper receiver54. The catch32rests inside magazine well42inside magazine slot58. FIG. 5shows the embodiment installed on firearm50. The upper receiver54and lower receiver52are in an opened state with section line B-B dissecting the firearm and centelive of hinge body26of the embodiment. FIG. 6shows section view B-B. The embodiment is installed on a firearm50into lower receiver52with the lower receiver52and the upper receiver54in an opened state. Tip40of hinge body26does not contact upper receiver54. Hinge26is pivoted about hinge pin28. Catch32is not in contact with magazine slot58. Catch32is slightly inside catch bar slot56. FIG. 7shows the embodiment installed on firearm50. The upper receiver54and lower receiver52are in a closed state with section line C-C dissecting the firearm and centerline of oval nut20of the embodiment. Detail section view C-C shows the oval nut inserted into the opposite side of the lower receiver52from main body24. Main screw22passes through main body24and lower receiver52and into oval nut20. Operation—First Embodiment The first embodiment operation will be described so that one familiar with the art can assemble and use. Description of parts of the firearm known to those in the art will be omitted unless necessary. Well known process steps and/or structures have been simplified in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. As inFIG. 1, hinge body26is attached to main body24with hinge spring30between hinge body26and main body24, and secured with hinge pin28. Hinge pin28shall be tight to main body24so as to not fall out, but loose fit to hinge body26to allow hinge body26to pivot freely. Catch screw36is inserted through hinge body26. Catch spring34can now be placed over catch screw36and catch screw36can be threaded into catch32. As inFIG. 7, the embodiment is to be installed onto a lower receiver52of firearm50using mains screw22and oval nut20. The embodiment is placed into catch bar slot56and and main screw22is put through main body24and lower receiver52and threaded into oval nut20. As inFIG. 4, the tip40of hinge body26rests against upper receiver54, pivoting the hinge body26so that catch32is in magazine well42. When a magazine44is installed into magazine well42, catch32moves, depressing catch spring34until the magazine44is fully installed and the catch locks into the magazine slot58. Catch screw36can be adjusted in or out to allow catch26to fully engage magazine catch58. As inFIG. 5-6, when the upper receiver54is opened away from lower receiver52the tip40of the hinge body26can no longer contact the upper receiver54. The hinge spring30applies pressure to the hinge body26, causing it to pivot about hinge pin28. When the hinge body26is in this pivoted state, the catch32is removed from magazine slot58allowing the magazine44to be removed from the magazine well42. Upon closing the upper receiver54to lower receiver52, the slope leading to tip40of hinge body26will come in contact with the upper receiver54, pivoting hinge body26and returning the catch32to the magazine well42. Detailed Description—Second Embodiment FIG. 8shows an alternate embodiment of the invention with hinge spring30located on the opposite side of hinge pin28from catch32between main body24and hinge body26. Operation—Second Embodiment This embodiment has the hinge spring30located above the hinge pin28. Hinge spring30continuously applies pressure on hinge body26, keeping catch32located in the magazine well42. When upper receiver54is in the open state, the operator can press on hinge body26to overcome hinge spring30, pivoting hinge body26, causing catch32to move out of magazine slot58. It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention. All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. DRAWINGS-REFERENCE NUMERALS20 Oval nut22 Main screw24 Main body26 Hinge body28 Hinge pin30 Hinge spring32 Catch34 Catch spring36 Catch screw40 Tip42 Magazine well44 Magazine50 Firearm as a whole52 Lower receiver54 Upper receiver56 Catch bar slot58 Magazine slot

5F

41

A

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Referring toFIG. 1, raw, run of mine brown coal having a moisture content of approximately 60% is fed into the feed bin1and conveyed to a hammer mill2. The hammer mill2comminutes the brown coal in order to break up large lumps and result in a more homogeneous distribution of particle sizes with an average particle size of around 5 mm. The hammer milled brown coal is conveyed along conveyor3to the milled coal storage bin4. The milled raw brown coal, still having approximately 60% moisture, is then conveyed to the pre dryer, 5. The hammer milled raw coal is heated in the pre dryer5to a temperature of approximately 50° C. The milled raw coal has an average particle size of around 5 mm. After the treatment in the pre dryer5, the brown coal has a moisture content of around 50%. The hammer mill and pre dryer stages together comprise a conditioning step whereby the particle size, moisture content and temperature of the brown coal may be optimised, which facilitates subsequent processing. The conditioned brown coal is then transferred from the pre dryer5to a feed conveyor6and is then transferred to an attritioning step7. The attritioning step comprises subjecting the brown coal to shearing attritioning, which in this case is conducted in a rotating roller type pelletising mill. During the shearing attritioning step, water is released from the microstructure of the brown coal and the admixture of brown coal and released water comprises a plastic mass. The plastic mass is extruded through apertures in the wall of the pelletising mill and formed into aggregates, comprising pellets. The brown coal pellets are transferred along conveyor8to a vibrating screen feeder9. The vibrating screen feeder9feeds the brown coal pellets to a first drying stage, comprising a drying chamber10. During the drying step in chamber10, the brown pellets are subjected to a steam containing atmosphere and commence to disintegrate to form particulate coal as they pass through the drying chamber10. The partially dried pellets have a moisture content of approximately 25% as they exit the drying chamber10. The pellets and particulate coal exiting drying chamber10enter a second drying chamber11, comprising a Holo Flite® screw dryer having an auger feed mechanism in which the shaft and flights of each auger are heated such as a by hot oil contained therein. At the end of the second drying chamber11, the brown coal pellets are abraded and further disintegrated into a particulate product. Some of the steam in each of the drying chambers10and11is vented to a condenser20where the steam is condensed and captured for possible future use. The particulate product exiting drying chamber11is conveyed along conveyor12to a bucket elevator13which feeds the particulate coal into a storage silo14. The particulate coal is fed from the storage silo14along the conveyor belt15to a briquetter16which compacts the particulate, dried brown coal into briquettes. The particulate dried brown coal has approximately 12-15% moisture at which level, a binder is not required in order to form the coal briquettes. The briquettes are fed via vibrating screen feeder17along belt conveyor18and stored in a bunker19. The briquettes formed by the process of the invention have been found to have good mechanical strength and can be transported, such as by ship, without significant breakage or risk of spontaneous combustion. FIG. 2shows an embodiment of a dryer110for use with the process of the present disclosure. The dryer110comprises a drying chamber122for receiving upgraded brown coal pellets via feed inlet124, and a dried product outlet126through which dried brown coal is discharged. The inlet124includes a vibrating feeder128for moving the brown coal pellets towards and into the inlet124. The dryer further includes a gas inlet130for receiving a flow of hot gas (in this case, hot flue gas) via a first conduit132and a gas outlet134from which the flow of steam exits the chamber122via a second conduit136. The dryer also includes a recirculating means, comprising a fan138, which recirculates the flow of hot gas from the gas outlet134back to the gas inlet130. The recirculated hot gas is also reheated by fresh hot flue gas. Located within the chamber122is a bank of heating pipes140which extend across the chamber122. During process start up, the bank of heating pipes140receives hot oil at a temperature of about 250° C. in, order to heat the chamber122to the desired temperature (typically between approximately 100° C. and 250° C.). The hot oil was itself heated preferably by hot flue gas derived from or heated by other industrial processes. The flue gas has a temperature of about 300° C. or higher. Brown coal aggregates (not shown) are fed into the heated chamber122(via the feed inlet124and the vibrating feeder128) where they are heated indirectly by the hot oil in the bank of pipes140. The aggregates are conveyed continuously though the chamber122on a moving bed located above the bank of heating pipes140. Alternatively, the aggregates may be supported directly by the bank of heating pipes140. The aggregates move through the chamber mainly due to vibration and partly under the action of gravity. Moisture is evaporated from the aggregates and steam is generated. Evaporation of moisture causes the temperature of the oil in the tubes to decrease. The recirculating oil is therefore reheated by means of hot flue gas. Hot flue gas is also fed directly into the chamber122through gas inlet130in order to assist in maintaining the steam above its dewpoint. A series of louvers142positioned beneath the hot oil pipes140control the rate and direction of the flow of hot gas through the bed of pellets. A portion of the steam generated by the pellets is entrained in the flow of hot gas and exits through gas outlet134, then is recirculated back to the gas inlet130via conduits136and132under action of fan138. Where the concentration of steam in the chamber exceeds a predetermined level, the excess steam is released in a portion of the combined flow of hot flue gas and steam via vent144. The vented steam may be condensed and captured as water. During operation of the process, the temperature of the combined flow of hot flue gas and steam varies from about 180° C. to 300° C., preferably around 250° C. below the bed and from about 120 to 160° C., preferably around 140° C., above the bed. The steam drying process is continued until the pellets achieved a desired level of dryness, which may vary from 40% to about 12 to 15% H2O, depending on whether subsequent drying or other process steps are employed. The dried brown coal is discharged from feed outlet126. Accordingly, the drying process can effectively use three heating sources: indirect heating via the hot oil filled pipes, steam generated in situ by evaporation of moisture and hot flue gas fed directly into the chamber. It has been found that this combination of heat sources is particularly effective in removal of moisture from the material. In addition, virtually no dust was observed to be generated during the drying process, meaning that the need for a regular dust removal step was dramatically reduced. Moreover, the evaporated moisture was able to be captured and condensed, thereby conserving water. EXAMPLE Loy Yang brown coal having 62% by weight water as mined was formed into aggregates having 52% by weight water. The aggregates were subjected to a three stage drying process. Each stage was conducted at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature in the range from around 120 to 250° C. In Stage 1, the relative humidity (RH) in the chamber was approximately 48%. The aggregates exiting Stage 1 had a moisture content of around 35 wt %. In Stage 2, the drying chamber had a RH of 40% and the aggregates were dried to a moisture content of 22 wt %. In Stage 3, the drying chamber had a RH of 36% and the aggregates were dried to a moisture content of 15 wt %. By the end of Stage 3, the aggregates had partially disintegrated into particulate material. The resulting mixture of partially disintegrated aggregates and particulate material was fed to a briquetting procedure. The inherent moisture content in the mixture enabled briquetting without the need for a binder. The briquettes were found to have good mechanical strength. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated, features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the disclosure.

5F

26

B

EXAMPLE 1 ______________________________________ Ingredients per 100 g of product Maltodextrine.sup.(1) (DE 25) 65.46 g Pregelatinized rice flour 13.40 g Lyophilized carrot in powder form 13.00 g Trisodium citrate dehydrate 3.90 g Sodium chloride 2.50 g Potassium chloride 1.74 g Oral rehydration formula 100.00 g ______________________________________ .sup.(1) a mixture of maltodextrine Glucidex.sup.R DE12 and maltodextrine Glucidex.sup.R DE40 The oral rehydration formula may be obtained by mixing the mineral salt, grinding the resultant mixture, sieving the ground mixture and the remaining raw material and mixing the whole. The product according to Example 1, comprises--according to analysis: TABLE 1 ______________________________________ 100 g product 1 l of drink/solution.sup.(1) ______________________________________ Carbohydrates 83.4 g 80 mM (61.0 g) thereof maltodextrine 63.3 g 54 mM glucose polymers originating from rice 10.7 g 26 mM carrot 9.4 g Proteins (N .times. 6.25) 2.5 g 1.8 g Fats 0.3 g 0.2 g Electrolytes sodium 1.9 g 60 mEq potassium 1.4 g 25 mEq chloride 2.5 g 50 mEq citrate 2.4 g 28 mEq Energy value Kcal 346 252 Kcal KJ 1446 1060 KJ Osmolarity mOsm/l Sol 250 Osmolality mOsm/kgH20 263 ______________________________________ .sup.(1) containing 73.2 g product. It will be appreciated that in the case of important losses of liquid due to for example excessive heat, fever, vomiting, more diluted drink solutions may be administered. Thus, where for treatment of diarrhea 18.3 g of the product according to Example 1 may be dissolved in 250 ml water (i.e. the content of 1 feeding bottle), the same amount may be administered as a solution in 500 ml of water in severe cases of dehydration. The quantity of beverage to be administered daily is accordingly i.a. dependent on the loss of liquid. The following will give some guidance for the appropriate use of the oral rehydration formula of the invention with babies: Stage 1 In a first stage the degree of dehydration is determined, based on the loss of body weight: ______________________________________ degree of dehydration loss of weight ______________________________________ slight 5% or less moderate 6-9% severe 10% or more ______________________________________ (for severe dehydration without shock, oral rehydration is indicated; with shock the rehydration should be through the I.V. route). Stage 2 During a first period of six hours and in case of moderate or severe dehydration, the baby is given 100 ml of the drink solution according to Table 1 per kg baby weight over a period of four hours and/or 50 ml of water per kg body weight over a period of two hours (or maternal mild "and libitum"). In case of slight dehydration, half of these volumes can be given. Stage 3 The condition of the patient is re-evaluated after 6 hours. If the rehydration as satisfactory normal feeding can be initiated. If the rehydration was incomplete, the oral rehydration as stated under Stage 2 can be continued for another six hours. If no improvement is observed, I.V. rehydration is indicated. This and further treatment is in accordance with WHO recommended guidelines for treatment with oral rehydration drink solution.

0A

61

K

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now first to FIG. 1, a standard surveyor's sight rod 3 has a uniform diameter 4 of 2.794 centimeters and a perfectly straight long axis 5. In order to make accurate elevation measurements, the rod must be held plumb, i.e. perfectly vertical relative to the earth's gravitational field. To do this with great precision and minimal effort, the level 1 of the invention is simply slipped onto the rod and released. The rod is received in the inner space 6 of the rod-encircling member 2. The diameter 28 of this space is larger than the rod diameter by about 0.02 centimeters so that the rod is a loose, sliding fit until it encounters the spring-loaded ball plunger 10, of the type well known in the art. This one has a polyacetal ball 29 with a diameter of 0.3175 centimeter and a spring force between 0.9 and 1.8 kilograms. This ball presses against first rod surface 12, causing the diametrally opposed support wall portion 14 of member 2 tightly against the second surface 13 of the rod. This support portion is fabricated with a special relationship to the target type circular level assembly 7 held rigidly in level support 24. The level assembly 7 has a bubble vial 8 with an indicating plane 9 which will be exactly horizontal when the bubble is centered in the target. This level assembly 7 is well known in the art and is exemplified by Model #2198A86 supplied by McMaster-Carr Supply Co., Chicago, Ill. The level assembly indicating plane 9 is exactly at right angles to support portion 14 of the inner wall that is forced against the rod. Consequently the long axis 5 of the rod will be at right angles to the indicating plane 9. When the rod is adjusted so that the level indicates that the plane is horizontal, the rod will be plumb. When the measurement is completed, the device 1 may be slipped off the rod with one hand and put in a pocket for safekeeping. There is no need to tighten or adjust the device on the rod, it automatically assumes the correct orientation and has enough tension to hold itself in place. The operator may slide it up or down on the rod for optimum viewing. Because of its automatic correct orientation, the operator's skill is not required for correct operation. Being more fragile than the rods, it is useful to be able to remove it so easily to avoid damage or theft in transport or storage. The plastic ball 29 with preset tension prevents damage to the rods. Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment is shown in which a pair of inwardly directed projections 16 form the support portion of the inner wall of the rod-encircling member 2 which is forced against the rod by the spring plunger 11. FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention in which an integrally molded spring member 15 is provided to force rounded projection 23 against the rod. The glass circular bubble level vial 8 is cemented directly in housing 25 by adhesive 27. FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the vial is cemented into housing 26 and the spring bias is provided by a wire spring 17 having contact projection 22 on a movable leg 20 and a fixed leg 18 cemented into hole 19. Molded-in bar 21 enables the spring 17 to be held in partial compression prior to rod insertion. The spring wire may be round or flat strip, metal or plastic, as desired. The above disclosed invention has a number of particular features which should preferably be employed in combination although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While I have shown and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than as herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in the form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

6G

01

C

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for dyeing leather with pigment colorants which produces a uniformly dyed surface and, in the case of thin leathers, good penetration of the leather as well. We have found that this object is achieved in an advantageous manner by treating the leather in an aqueous liquor at from 20.degree. to 60.degree. C. with pigments in the presence of an alkoxylated amine of 20 or more carbon atoms. Alkoxylated amines of 20 or more carbon atoms suitable for the purposes of the process according to the invention are secondary and tertiary amines which have hydrocarbon radicals which are saturated or unsaturated and one or more of which is interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms. These hydrocarbon radicals are linear, branched or cyclic and may be interrupted by one or more imino groups and/or substituted by hydroxyl. These amines can be obtained for example by reacting C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 -alkylamines, C.sub.3 -C.sub.30 -alkenylamines or C.sub.2 -C.sub.30 -hydroxylalkylamines with alkylene oxides of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and each is independently of the other hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. They can also be obtained for example by reacting polyamines of the formula II ##STR2## where L is C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 -alkylene (for example ethylene, 1,2-propylene or 1,2- or 1,4-butylene), R.sup.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkyl, and n is from 1 to 5, preferably from 1 to 3, or aromatic or cycloaromatic diamines with alkylene oxides of the abovementioned formula I. The maximum number of carbon atoms in the alkoxylated amines to be used according to the invention depends on the number of moles of identical or different alkylene oxides of the formula I involved in the alkoxylation and is frequently impossible to specify precisely, but the upper limit of the molecular weights of the alkoxylated amines is customarily around 30,000. The process according to the invention is preferably carried out with those alkoxylated amines whose average molecular weight is from 2000 to 20,000, in particular from 4000 to 15,000, especially from 7000 to 13,000. In the process according to the invention, furthermore, preference is given to using those alkoxylated amines which are derived from the reaction of C.sub.12 -C.sub.25 -alkylamines or C.sub.12 -C.sub.25 -alkenylamines with ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide. Preference is further given to the use of alkoxylated amines which are obtained by reaction of polyamines of the formula II or aromatic or cycloaliphatic diamines with from 3 to 50 moles of propylene oxide per equivalent of reactive amino hydrogen and subsequent reaction with from 2 to 70 moles of ethylene oxide per equivalent of reactive amino hydrogen and in which the proportion of terminal polyethylene oxide blocks is from 35 to 80% by weight, preferably from 35 to 45% by weight, in particular about 40% by weight. Such block copolymers have in general an average molecular weight of from 4000 to 15,000, preferably from 11,000 to 15,000. Suitable amines which can be reacted with alkylene oxides of the formula I are for example methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, isopropylamine, butylamine, secbutylamine, pentylamine, isopentylamine, neopentylamine, tert-pentylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, octylamine, 2-ethylhexylamine, nonylamine, decylamine, dodecylamine, tetradecylamine, hexadecylamine, 2-hexyldecylamine, 2-heptyldecylamine, octadecylamine, eicosylamine, 2-octyldodecylamine, docosylamine, hexacosylamine, triacontylamine, octadec-9(cis)-enylamine, octadec-9(trans)-enylamine, octadec-9(cis),12(cis)-dienylamine, octadec-9(cis),12(cis),15(cis)-trienylamine, the technical grade fatty amines cocoamine, tallowamine, oleylamine, n-cocopropylenediamine or n-tallowpropylenediamine, ethanolamine, propanolamine, isopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, 1,2- or 1,3-propylenediamine, di(1,2- or 1,3-propylene)triamine, o-, m- or p-phenylenediamine, toluylenediamines, 1,1-bis(4-aminophenyl)cyclohexane, 1,2- or 1,4-diaminocyclohexane and 4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane. The amines to be used according to the invention are in general products known per se. In many cases, these products are commercially available. Amines of the type mentioned are described for example in K. Lindner, Tenside-Textilhilfsmittel-Waschrohstoffe, volume 1, pages 963 et seq., 1964. Pigments suitable for use in the process according to the invention include not only inorganic but also organic pigments, the latter being preferred. Inorganic pigments used as colorants in the process according to the invention are for example iron oxides, titanium dioxides and carbon blacks. Organic pigments used as colorants in the process according to the invention are for example those of the class of the monoazo pigments (for example products derived from acetoacetarylide derivatives or from .beta.-naphthol derivatives), laked monoazo dyes, such as laked .beta.-hydroxynaphthoic acid dyes, disazo pigments, fused disazo pigments, isoindoline derivatives, derivatives of naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid or perylenetetracarboxylic acid, anthraquinone pigments, thioindigo derivatives, azomethine derivatives, quinacridones, dioxazines, pyrazoloquinazolones, phthalocyanine pigments or laked basic dyes, such as laked triarylmethane dyes. Examples are the inorganic pigments Pigment Yellow 42 (C.I. 77 492), Pigment White 6 (C.I. 77 891), Pigment Blue 27 (C.I. 77 510), Pigment Blue 29 (C.I. 77 007), or Pigment Black 7 (C.I. 77 266) and the organic pigments Pigment Yellow 1 (C.I. 11 680), Pigment Yellow 3 (C.I. 11 710), Pigment Yellow 16 (C.I. 20 040), Pigment Yellow 17 (C.I. 21 705), Pigment Yellow 42 (C.I. 77 492), Pigment Yellow 74 (C.I. 11 741), Pigment Yellow 83 (C.I. 21 108), Pigment Yellow 106, Pigment Yellow 108 (C.I. 68 240), Pigment Yellow 113, Pigment Yellow 117, Pigment Yellow 126, Pigment Yellow 139, Pigment Yellow 185, Pigment Orange 5 (C.I. 12 075), Pigment Orange 13 (C.I. 21 110), Pigment Orange 34 (C.I. 21 115), Pigment Orange 36 (C.I. 11 780), Pigment Orange 43 (C.I. 71 105), Pigment Orange 67, Pigment Red 3 (C.I. 12 120), Pigment Red 48:1 (C.I. 15 865:1), Pigment Red 48:4 (15 865:4), Pigment Red 101 (C.I. 77 491), Pigment Red 112 (C.I. 12 370), Pigment Red 122 (C.I. 73 915), Pigment Red 123 (C.I. 71 145), Pigment Red 146 (C.I. 12 485), Pigment Red 169 (C.I. 45 160:2), Pigment Red 170, Pigment Violet 19 (C.I. 46 500), Pigment Violet 23 (C.I. 51 319), Pigment Violet 27 (C.I. 42 555:3), Pigment Blue 1 (C.I. 42 595:2), Pigment Blue 15 : 1 (C.I. 74 160), Pigment Blue 15 : 3 (C.I. 74 160), Pigment Blue 61 [C.I. 42 765:1), Pigment Green 7 (C.I. 74 260), Pigment Green 8 (C.I. 10 008) or Pigment Green 36 (C.I. 74 265). The alkoxylated amines are used for example in an amount of from 0.1 to 5%, preferably from 0.3 to 3%, in particular from 0.3 to 2%, based on the moist weight of the leather to be dyed. An increase in the amount of amine is possible. However, it does not produce any further benefits. The pigments are used for example in an amount of from 0.02 to 4%, based on the moist weight of the leather to be dyed. Organic pigments are preferably used in an amount of from 0.1 to 2%, in particular from 0.2 to 1%, of pigment, based on the moist weight of the leather to be dyed. In the case of inorganic pigments, the amount used is preferably from 0.2 to 4%, in particular from 0.4 to 2%, based on the moist weight of the leather to be dyed. Leather suitable for dyeing is in general commercial mineral-tanned leather, ie. leather tanned for example on the basis of the metals chromium, aluminum, titanium or zirconium. Such leather types are used for example for the production of leather apparel, as upholstery leather or as upper leather. We have further found that, if the treatment of the leather with the pigment is additionally carried out in the presence of an alkoxylated alcohol of 16 or more carbon atoms, very favorable dyeing results are obtained. Alkoxylated alcohols suitable for the purposes of the process according to the invention are those alcohols which have a hydrocarbon radical which is saturated or unsaturated and interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms. This hydrocarbon radical is linear, branched or cyclic and may be substituted by further hydroxyl groups. These alcohols can be obtained for example by reacting C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 -alkanols, C.sub.3 -C.sub.30 -alkenols or C.sub.2 -C.sub.30 -alkanepolyols with alkylene oxides of the formula I. In the process according to the invention, preference is given to using those alkoxylated alcohols which are derived from the reaction of C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 -alkanols, C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 -alkenols or C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkanepolyols with ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide. The maximum number of carbon atoms in the alkoxylated alcohols to be used according to the invention depends on the number of moles of identical or different alkylene oxides of the formula I involved in the alkoxylation and is frequently impossible to specify precisely, but the upper limit of the molecular weights of the alkoxylated alcohols is customarily around 10,000. The process according to the invention is preferably carried out with those alkoxylated alcohols whose molecular weight is from 300 to 2000, in particular from 500 to 1500. Suitable alcohols which can be reacted with alkylene oxides of the formula I are for example methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, pentanol, isopentanol, neopentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol, decanol, 2-propylheptanol, dodecanol, 2-butyloctanol, tetradecanol, 2-pentylnonanol, hexadecanol, octadecanol, eicosanol, tetracosanol, hexacosanol, octacosanol, tricosanol, octadec-9(cis)-enol, octadec-9(trans)-enol, octadec-9(cis), 12(cis)-dienol, octadec-9(cis),12(cis),15(cis)-trienol, eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenol,ethane-1,2-diol, propane-1,2-or-1.3-diol, butane-1,2-, -1,3-, -1,4- or -2,3-diol, hexane-1,6-diol, octadec-9(cis)-ene-1,l2-diol, glycerol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, hexane-1,2,5- or-1,2,6-triol, 3-hydroxymethylpentane-2,4-diol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, mannitol or sorbitol or technical grade fatty alcohols, such as tallow fat alcohol. The alkoxylated alcohols to be used according to the invention are in general products known per se. In many cases, these products are commercially available. Alcohols of the type mentioned are described for example in K. Lindner, Tenside-Textilhilfsmittel-Waschrohstoffe, volume 1, pages 837 et seq., 1964, or in Ullmanns Enzyklopadie der technischen Chemie, 4th edition, volume 22, pages 488 et seq. The alkoxylated alcohols are used for example in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.3 to 3% by weight, in particular from 0.2 to 2% by weight, based on the leather to be dyed. The pigments to be used as colorants in the novel process can conveniently be used in the form of conventional pigment preparations, for example in the form of aqueous dispersions. Of these aqueous pigment preparations, those are preferred which contain nonionic surfactants as dispersing aids. Suitable nonionic surfactants are for example the above-identified components to be used according to the invention or else addition products of alkylene oxides on fatty acids, phenols, alkylphenols, amides or mercaptans. Particular emphasis must be given to those aqueous pigment preparations which contain as the dispersing aid an alkoxylated amine of 20 or more carbon atoms. They are described for example in DE-A-2,156,603. We have found that pigments of a particle size of less than 1 .mu.m, for example of from 0.01 to 0.2 .mu.m, give particularly favorable results. A preferred procedure comprises treating the leather with an aqueous pigment preparation which contains an alkoxylated amine of 20 or more carbon atoms as a dispersing aid. A particularly preferred procedure comprises effecting the treatment of the leather with an aqueous pigment preparation which contains an alkoxylated amine in the presence of additional alkoxylated amine. Very particular preference is given to a procedure where the treatment of the leather is carried out with an aqueous pigment preparation which contains an alkoxylated amine in the presence of additional alkoxylated amine and an alkoxylated alcohol of 16 or more carbon atoms. The process according to the invention is advantageously carried out by introducing a conventionally pretreated leather into a drum, in an aqueous liquor, and at from 20.degree. to 60.degree. C., preferably from 40.degree. to 50.degree. C., adding the pigment as described above, preferably in the form of an aqueous preparation which contains an alkoxylated amine dispersant with or without additional alkoxylated amine and with or without alkoxylated alcohol. The dyeing of the leather is then performed at the abovementioned temperature and at a pH of from 4 to 7, preferably from 4.5 to 6, by drumming. The dyeing process is in general complete after from 0.5 to 2 hours. Following a conventional fixation with formic acid the leather is removed from the dyeing liquor, washed with water and worked up in a conventional manner. The process according to the invention can also be carried out in the presence of further assistants or additives customary in leather dyeing, for example commercial salts of condensation products of phenolsulfonic or naphthalenesulfonic acids with formaldehyde and urea or fat liquors based on emulsified paraffins or acrylate-based water-soluble polymers having a molecular weight of from about 2000 to 5000. These customary assistants or additives may be added to the aqueous liquor either before the dyeing process or together with the pigment and the alkoxylated amine. In particular with the dyeing of upholstery leather it can be of advantage in some cases to carry out the dyeing process in two stages by subjecting the upholstery leather which has been treated once with pigments to a further dyeing with pigments in a second stage, the pigment content of the second dyeing liquor being in general lower than that of the first liquor. We have found that particularly advantageous leather dyeings are obtained on carrying out the process according to the invention additionally in the presence of one or more water-soluble acid dyes. Suitable water-soluble acid dyes are for example known sulfo-containing metal-free or metal complex azo dyes, sulfo-containing metal phthalocyanines or sulfo-containing anthraquinones. The water-soluble acid dyes are advantageously added to the dyeing liquor in powder form or in the form of a liquid preparation. They are advantageously added together with the pigment. In general, from 0.1 to 6%, preferably from 0.5 to 5%, in particular from 0.5 to 3%, based on the moist weight of the leather to be dyed, of water-soluble acid dye is used. In the process according to the invention, the leather can be treated not only with individual pigments but also with mixtures of pigments. Preference here is given to dyeing the leather with a mixture of yellow, red and blue pigments, which gives rise to brown shades. The novel process makes it possible to obtain leather dyeings which are notable for excellent levelness, depth of shade, brilliance and high lightfastness, wetfastness and migration fastness properties. In addition, they show good penetration of color. The Examples will explain the invention in more detail. Percentages are by weight and relate to shaved chrome leather. The pigments used in the Examples were each used in the form of an aqueous preparation containing as the alkoxylated amine a reaction product of ethylenediamine with first propylene oxide and then ethylene oxide (ethylene oxide content: 40%; M 10,500) Based on the weight of the pigment, the amine was 20%. The acid dyes found a the form of an aqueous solution. The alkoxylated amine is oleylamine ethoxylated with about 10-moles of ethylene . The alkoxylated alcohol is tallow fat alcohol with about 80 moles of ethylene oxide. (A) Dyeing of upholstery leather General dyeing method Pretreatment Upholstery leather was conventionally retanned and then washed Dyeing stage 1 Upholstery leather was at 50.degree. C. in 200% of an aqueous liquor containing 1 ammonia for 10 minutes. To the dyeing liquor was then added pigment, any acid dye to be used, alkoxylated amine and alkoxylated alcohol. The leather was then for 30 minutes, 10% of a commercial fat liquor added, and drumming was continued for a further 60 minutes. 2.5% of formic acid was then added in two port separated by 15 minutes, and the leather was drummed for a further 30 minutes. The dyeing liquor was then dropped. Dyeing stage 2 The leather was then at 50.degree. C. in 200% of dyeing liquor containing dye, alkoxylated amine and alkoxylated alcohol for 30 minutes. 1% of formic acid was added, and continued for a further 30 minutes. Postfixation The leather was then from the liquor and drummed for 5 minutes at 40.degree. C. 200% of an aqueous liquor containing 0.3 of acid. 0.3% of a commercial cationic postfixation aid was then added, and drumming was continued for a further 30 minutes. The leather was then worked up in a conventional manner, ie. by wet stretching, drying, moistening and milling. EXAMPLE 1 Dyeing stage 1 1.0% of C.I. Pigment Red 146 1.0% of C.I. Acid Red 310 1.5% of C.I. Acid Red 282 0.3% of alkoxylated amine 0.35% of alkoxylated alcohol Dyeing stage 2 0.5% of C.I. Pigment Red 146 0.5% of C.I. Acid Red 310 0.75% of C.I. Acid Red 282 0.15% of alkoxylated amine 0.18% of alkoxylated alcohol Shade of dyed leather: red EXAMPLE 2 Dyeing stage 1 0.5% of copper phthalocyanine (.alpha.-modification) 0.5% of C.I. Vat Violet 9 1.0% of C.I. Acid Blue 134 1.0% of C.I. Acid Blue 54 0.3% of alkoxylated amine 0.35% of alkoxylated alcohol Dyeing stage 2 0.25% of copper phthalocyanine (.alpha.-modification) 0.25% of C.I. Vat Violet 9 0.5% of C.I. Acid Blue 134 0.5% of C.I. Acid Blue 254 0.15% of alkoxylated amine 0.18% of alkoxylated alcohol Shade of dyed leather: blue. EXAMPLE 3 The procedure was in accordance with the general dyeing method, except that it did not involve a stage 2. 0.8% of C.I. Pigment Orange 13 3.0% of C.I. Acid Brown 422 0.3% of alkoxylated amine 0.35% of alkoxylated alcohol Shade of dyed leather: yellowish brown. EXAMPLE 4 The procedure was similar to Example 3. 1.5% of C.I. Pigment Orange 13 0.3% of alkoxylated amine 0.35% of alkoxylated alcohol Shade of dyed leather: brown (B) Dyeing of upper leather General dyeing method Pretreatment Upper leather was conventionally retanned with a polymer tanning agent based on acrylic acid/acrylonitrile, an amphoteric tanning agent based on a condensation product of phenolsulfonic acid and formaldehyde and a resin tanning agent based on a condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, and then washed. Dyeing stage The retanned leather was drummed for 40 minutes at 55.degree. C. in 150% of an aqueous liquor containing pigment, acid dye, alkoxylated amine and any alkoxylated alcohol to be used. 6% of commercial fat liquor was then added, and drumming was continued for 40 minutes. Finally, 1% of formic acid was added in 2 portions, the addition of the 1st portion being followed by 20 minutes' drumming and that of the 2nd portion by 30 minutes' drumming. The leather was then removed from the liquor and worked up in a conventional manner, ie. by drying under reduced pressure, moistening and staking. EXAMPLE 5 0.23% of C.I. Pigment Yellow 83 0.2% of C.I. Pigment Red 146 0.04% of copper phthalocyanine (.alpha.-modification) 0.04% of C.I. Vat Violet 9 2.0% of C.I. Acid Brown 434 0.1% of alkoxylated amine 0.1% of alkoxylated alcohol Shade of dyed leather: brown. EXAMPLE 6 0.25% of C.I. Pigment Yellow 83 0.15% of C.I. Pigment Red 146 0.05% of copper phthalocyanine (.alpha.-modification) 0.05% of C.I. Vat Violet 9 2.0% of C.I. Acid Brown 290 0.1% of alkoxylated amine 0.1% of alkoxylated alcohol Shade of dyed leather: brown. EXAMPLE 7 0.23% of C.I. Pigment Yellow 83 0.2% of C.I. Pigment Red 146 0.04% of copper phthalocyanine (.alpha.-modification) 0.04% of C.I. Vat Violet 9 2.0% of C.I. Acid Brown 434 0.3% of alkoxylated amine Shade of dyed leather: brown. Examples 1 to 7 each produced a level dyeing on the leather in a bright shade and with a high lightfastness.

3D

06

P

In FIG. 1 an apparatus 10 for preparing medicinal solutions from water and a salt concentrate is schematically illustrated. The apparatus 10 comprises a water source 12 from which a first conduit 14 extends which is connected to a container 16 which contains a salt concentrate 18 in powder form. The container 16 is advantageously made in the form of a bag. A second conduit 20 leads from the container 16 and into said conduit a first measuring cell 22 is connected which is advantageously made as conductivity sensor. Downstream of the first measuring cell 22 a concentrate pump 24 is connected into the second conduit 20 and serves as solution conveying means. Said concentrate pump 24 may also be arranged upstream of the first measuring cell. Also leading from the water source 12 is a third conduit 26 into which the second conduit 20 opens at the mixing point 28. Downstream of the mixing point 28 a second measuring cell 30 advantageously in the form of a conductivity sensor is connected for monitoring purposes. This is followed by a delivery or balancing means 32 at the end of the third conduit 26 with which the finished liquid mixture is delivered or balanced. For this purpose either a second pump can be used or a balance chamber arrangement as is used for example in the dialyzer of Applicants with the designation A 2008. Furthermore, a control and regulating means 34 is provided which is connected via lines 36-42 to the first measuring cell 22, the concentrate pump 24, the second measuring cell 30 and the delivery and balancing means 32. Finally, an input unit 44 is provided which is connected via the line 46 to the control and regulating means 34. For reasons of unity, the control and regulating means is not connected to the means described in FIGS. 3 and 4 for regulating the supply and discharge of the bag 16. The apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is operated as follows. From the water source 12, via the conduit 14 fresh water is supplied in which mixing and dissolving of the salt 18 contained therein takes place. The concentrate solution obtained is supplied by the action of the concentrate pump 24 through the conduit 20 to the mixing point 28. Furthermore, via the third conduit 26 water is supplied to the mixing point 28 and the mixing of the two components takes place there to give the final solution with a predetermined composition. The water is delivered by the conveying means 32, the signals of which are advantageously sent to the control unit 34 via the signal line 42, unless said unit is fixed in its delivery rate. The latter value can however also be fixedly entered into the control unit 34 via the input unit 44. The unit 34 is also connected to the first measuring cell 22 which determines the actual composition of the liquid concentrate and sends the result to the unit 34. Since said measuring cell 22 is advantageously configured as conductivity sensor, a conductivity value is transmitted which depends only to a first approximation linearly on the concentration (mol. salt/liter water). For this reason, in the unit 34 a plurality of conductivity data is advantageously stored, said data correlating with the respective concentration values. Since the final solution is defined in its molar concentration, the unit 34 calculates the concentration actual value of the concentrate solution and compares said value with a desired value previously entered via the input unit 44. The unit 34 is also connected via the line 38 to the concentrate pump 24 which can be varied in its delivery rate by the control unit 34. The concentrate pump 24 is regulated in accordance with the comparison results calculated so that the particular concentrate amount required is supplied to the mixing point 28 with respect to the water amount delivered by the conveying means 32. Thus, accordingly the concentrate solution delivered by the pump 24 is set to a predetermined conductivity value which is substantially obtained at the first measuring cell 22 itself. The monitoring takes place through the second measuring cell 30 in the third conduit 26 downstream of the mixing point 28 which in dependence upon the first measuring cell 22 governs the final composition of the solution. If the conductivity value measured differs from the predetermined value by .+-.5% the entire unit 34 is stopped via the line 40. As described at the beginning, the apparatus 10 according to FIG. 1 is reliable and safe because the two measuring cells 22 and 30 operate independently of each other and in different concentration ranges. This follows from the fact that concentrates of different composition having the same initial but different final conductivities can be distinguished with certainty. FIG. 2 shows a specific embodiment of the water source 12. Said water source 12 serves to degas fresh water, as a result of which, as explained at the beginning, a considerably more favourable degassing behaviour of a bicarbonate-containing dialysis solution is obtained. Firstly, the water source 12 comprises a fresh water connection 50 from which a conduit 52 leads which is connected to a water reservoir 54. A fresh water valve 56 is connected into the conduit 52. The water reservoir 54 has a level regulating means 58 which via the control unit 60 and the two lines 62, 64 cooperates with the fresh water valve 56. A conduit 66 leads from the fresh water reservoir 54 and opens into the bottom of a degassing container 68. In the conduit 66 a heating means 70 is arranged with which the fresh water is brought to a predetermined temperature, as well as a throttle valve 72. A further conduit 74 leads from the degassing container 68 and opens into a second water reservoir 76; into said conduit a circulating pump 78 is connected which together with the throttle valve 72 represents a partial vacuum unit acting as degassing unit. Leading from the upper end of the degassing container 68 is a degassing conduit 80 into which a degassing valve 82 is connected which is connected to a partial vacuum unit, not illustrated, for removing the collected expelled air at regular intervals. The water reservoir 76 comprises at its upper end a recirculation conduit 84 which is led back to the first water reservoir 65 and into which a check valve 86 is connected. Furthermore, in the second water reservoir 76, which advantageously tapers downwardly, a float arrangement 88 is provided with which a certain medium separation can be effected for the water entering above, as shown in FIG. 2, and the liquid concentrate entering via the concentrate conduit at the lower end. This is advantageous in particular in batch-wise preparation of dialysis solution as is the case in the balance chamber arrangement used by Applicants in the dialysis apparatus A 2008. Consequently, the lower part of the second water reservoir 76 represents the mixing point 28 according to FIG. 1. From this lower part, the third conduit 26 leads away from the mixing point 28 to the consumer, which can represent the delivery or balancing unit 32 illustrated in FIG. 1. The water source according to FIG. 2 operates as follows: Firstly, the fresh water valve 56 is opened and the first reservoir 54 filled until the level control means 58 closes the valve 56 via the control unit 60. With the aid of the pump 78 the fresh water is pumped out of the reservoir through the conduit 66, the heating means 70 and the throttle valve 72 into the degassing container 68. Between the throttle 72 and the inlet of the vacuum pump 78 a reduced pressure is generated such that the air physically dissolved in the fresh water is expelled. This air collects in the degassing container 68 and as mentioned above can be removed via the degassing unit 80. The action of the pump 78 causes the degassed water to pass into the second water reservoir 76 and leave the latter after filling of the reservoir through the recirculation conduit 84 to the first reservoir 54. In the second water reservoir 76 a mixing with the liquid concentrate solution supplied from below takes place, the mixture obtained being discharged through the conduit 26. As already mentioned above this mixing may be continuous if solution is prepared in continuous operation, or alternatively batch-wise, if a balance chamber arrangement is employed as is described for example in DE-OS 2,838,414. In FIG. 3 a schematic view of a further embodiment of the apparatus 10 according to the invention can be seen with which a first filling and discharge operation can be carried out. Said apparatus 10 comprises addition ally to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 between the first measuring cell 22 and the pump 24 a preliminary container 90 on which a level sensor unit 92 is arranged as indicated by the two arrows representing the lower and upper level values. Said level sensor unit 92 is connected via a control unit 94 and a line 96 to the control and regulating unit 34. Furthermore, an inlet valve 98 is connected into the conduit 14 and an outlet valve 100 into the conduit 20, said valves being connected via control lines 102 and 104 to the control unit 34. Finally, a temperature sensor 106 is provided on the container 16 and is connected via a line 108 to the control unit 34. The unit 10 shown in FIG. 3 is operated as follows: The inlet valve 98 and the outlet valve 100 are actuated alternately, the outlet valve 100 being deactivated when the upper limit valve of the level sensor 92 is obtained. Similarly, the outlet valve 100 is opened when the level has dropped to the lower value of the level sensor 92. Since the inner volume of the preliminary container 90 is usually known, and the amount of water admitted by the inlet valve 98 can also be estimated, the control unit 34 is able to open and close the inlet valve 98 in dependence upon the cycles of the outlet valve 100. Attention is otherwise drawn to the further modes of operation as already explained above. Finally, it may be expedient for the measuring cell 22 arranged in the apparatus according to FIG. 3 upstream of the preliminary container 90 to be arranged alternatively downstream of said preliminary container or also following the concentrate pump 24. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment with which the degree of filling of the container 16 constructed as bag can be determined. The same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 3 are again used. To determine the degree of filling a displacement pickup means 110 is employed which consists of the frame members 112 and 114 as rigid base members of a pressure means 116 consisting of a pressure plate which presses against the container 16 constructed as bag, and a pressure spring secured against the frame member 112, as well as a measuring cell 118 for determining the distance covered. Said measuring cell 118 is connected via the line 120 to the control unit 34 and transmits the displacement signal picked up thereto. The embodiment according to FIG. 4 is operated as follows: The pressure means 110 first compresses the bag 16 so that as a result the distance between the pressure plate 116 and the frame member 114 can be considered as a parameter for the quantities disposed in the bag 16. Consequently, said signal can be processed by the control unit 34. In particular the empty state of the bag 16 may first be determined, which is filled then only with the pulverulent substance. Likewise, after the first filling operation with water the deflection of the pressure plate 116 can be determined as remains as absolute value at the end of the mixing operation, i.e. the distance apart of the two members 114 and 116 corresponds substantially to this signal and the control unit 34 can thereby terminate the mixing operation. On the other hand, however, it is also possible as explained above to determine the stepwise decrease of the distance between said two members 114 and 116. Instead of the displacement pickup 110 a weighing arrangement may also be employed on which the bag 16 is suspended. In this case as well, the initial weight with and without supplying a certain amount of water can be determined and stored in the control unit 34. Attention is otherwise drawn to the above explanations.

0A

61

M

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, the physical communication system, data formats, verification methods and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of different forms, some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention. Referring initially to FIG. 1, one terminal T1 of several terminals T1-Tn is shown receiving a transaction card C (left side, also see FIG. 3) and dispensing a lottery ticket L (FIG. 1, right side). Generally, the terminals T1-Tn function cooperatively with a play center P to interface a central control computer D through a public telephone communication system B. Essentially, the terminals T1-Tn and the play center P comprise a facility installation F1, there being several other such installations F2-Fn. Typically, a facility installation serves a market, store or other facility. To consider the operation of the system somewhat summarily, the transaction or order card C specifies wager data for the purchase of one or more lottery tickets L. If proper, the cost of a transaction is indicated by the terminal T1 and if approved, prompts the system to issue the ticket or tickets. Each ticket indicates: the wager number, the sales location (facility F1-Fn), date of sale and an identification number for the ticket. However, in the disclosed embodiment, the machine-readable data on the card C consists solely of wager data to specify wagers to be made repeatedly by a participant. Considering the system in somewhat greater detail, as the terminals T1-Tn are similar, only the terminal T1 will be described in detail. Specifically, the terminal T1 is embodied in a housing 12 for location at a point-of-sale. For example, in a supermarket facility, a terminal, as the terminal T1, would be located at each checkout lane. Generally, the terminal would be positioned for convenient access to a sales clerk and clearly within view of a ticket purchaser. The housing 12 is somewhat the shape of a flat box with an upper surface 13 being canted forward for operating components. At a forward location, the housing 12 defines an elongate transverse slot 14, penetrating the surface 13, for receiving a transaction card C as illustrated. Note that the card C carries a magnetic stripe 16 that is sensed by a transducer or card reader (not shown) positioned inside the housing 12 adjacent to the slot 14. Various forms of mechanisms for reading magnetic cards are well known as may be embodied in the terminal T1. For example, one form of card-reading apparatus is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,192. The surface 13 is divided to define a forward control panel 18 and a display panel 20. Behind the slot 14, the control panel 18 is dominated by a pair of push bars 24 and 26, each comprising a manually operated contact switch. Specifically, the push bar 24 is designated "cancel" and the push bar 26 is designated "enter". Generally, after data for a transaction is sensed from the card C and processed, one or the other of the push bars 24 or 26 is depressed to either cancel or enter the transaction. Positioned at the right of the push bars 24 and 26 is a "reject" lamp 23 for indicating an abortive situation. That is, when the card C cannot be read to produce proper data, or other discrepancies occur, the lamp 23 is illuminated. An on-off push-button switch 21 controls power to the terminal T1. A lock control may be integrated with the switch 21. Located at the rear of the surface 13 in the display panel 20 is a window 28 incorporating a digital display apparatus for showing the value of a contemplated transaction. For example, as illustrated, the wager data sensed from the magnetic stripe 16 of the card C might be indicated by the window 28 as "$18". At the right side of the terminal housing 12, as shown, an elongate passage 30 is provided through which lottery tickets L are dispensed. Generally, the housing 12 contains a printer for printing lottery tickets L as specified. As indicated above, and described in greater detail below, each of the terminals T1-Tn is connected to the play center P. Typically, the play center unit is located in a common area to serve the terminals T1-Tn at individual point-of-sale locations. Functionally, the play center P interfaces the terminals T1-Tn with the telephone system B for cooperation with the central control computer D. Additionally, the play center P records raw order cards C in accordance with individual desires for a repetitive transaction. As illustrated, the play center P incorporates a local computer 36, a card processor 38 and an input-output section 40. The computer 36 may comprise a form of PC and has both a clock and memory capacity indicating the facility location. The computer 36 also incorporates control capability for the card processor 38, the input-output unit 40 and an operating interface 42 of limited access. Finally, the computer 36 incorporates dial-up and modem capability for communication through the telephone system B. The card processor 38 records blank or raw cards with machine-readable data. In the disclosed embodiment, the card processor 38 is a magnetic card recording apparatus driven by the computer 36 to accomplish a specific record on the magnetic stripe 16 of the card C. The data to be recorded on the card is provided through the computer 36 by the input-output unit 40. Various forms of card processors, input-output units and computers are well known in the prior art to function in accordance with the requirements of the computer 36, the processor 38 and the input-output unit 40. Generally, the input-output unit may incorporate an alphanumeric display and keyboard in the style of an automatic teller for cueing a user and confirming input data. As suggested above, the operating interface 42 is for limited access and use by maintenance personnel as to program the play center P. For example, it may be desirable to modify the clock in the computer 36 or the identification assigned to the facility F1. Similarly, telephone numbers for communication through the telephone system B may be altered from time to time. Communications from the facilities F1-Fn as provided through the telephone system B are processed and recorded by the central control computer D. In that regard, the computer D may take the form of a mainframe unit capable of accommodating substantial communications concurrently to process order requests and thereby formulate lottery-ticket order data both for communication back to individual terminals and to be recorded for possible future use. Note that for each lottery ticket sold, the computer D records in memory certain data addressable by the wager data. Specifically, coded data is stored to indicate the facility (F1-Fn), the date of a ticket sale and an assigned identification number. Also, in accordance with conventional systems, the control computer D incorporates an operating interface 45 for programming and control. The communication patterns of the system of FIG. 1 are illustrated in FIG. 2 and will now be considered. In that regard, the terminal T1 is symbolically represented to exemplify the terminals along with the play center P and the central control computer D. In the operation of the system an order card C (FIG. 3) is placed in the terminal T1 to be sensed by a card reader (FIG. 2) for providing wager data to be carried as indicated by a line 50. The wager data comprising a series of numbers is supplied through the line 50 to the play center P for combination with location data and date data to formulate an order data packet that is supplied through the telephone system B (not shown in FIG. 2) to the central control computer D. The data path is presented by a line 52 in FIG. 2. Upon receipt of a proper order data packet, the central control computer D records the significant data and formulates a lottery-ticket purchase data packet that is returned through the play center P in a data path indicated by the line 54. Specifically, the purchase data packet includes the lottery numbers or wager data that is confirmed, along with designations of the source facility, the date and a ticket identification number. As indicated, the purchase data is recorded by the memory of the computer D. From the play center P, the lottery-ticket purchase data packet is provided to the terminal T1 to drive the ticket printer and thereby record the lottery ticket L. Of course, various formats may be employed; however, as indicated above, the lottery ticket L minimally will carry the wager numbers (wager data), data information, sales facility location information and identification information formulated by the central control computer D. It is again noted that the lottery-ticket purchase data is void of personal identification of the ticket purchaser. Similarly, as indicated above, the order card C (FIG. 3) also is void of personal identification data. Rather, the magnetic stripe 16 merely carries wager data. Of course, any of a variety of recording formats may be employed to carry such data; however, an exemplary format is illustrated in FIG. 4. Essentially, in addition to the well known synchronizing data, the magnetic stripe is divided into two fields, specifically a wager field 60 and a time field 62. The field 60 is recorded in a binary-decimal format and specifies from one to six number sets indicating the wagering numbers for specific tickets. Thus, the field 60 may accommodate the wagering data for up to six lottery tickets. Each of the six tickets specified by the field 60 may be issued for each of the eight weeks related to the time of the transaction. Specifically, for example, the field 62 may define eight weeks as indicated in the format section 64 to specify a purchase for the current week if a binary "one" is recorded in the defined position. As illustrated, the provision of binary "ones" in the position "one" and "three" specify purchases of lottery tickets for both the current and third weeks. Thus, the specified number of lottery tickets bearing the specified number of number sets (wager numbers) would be ordered for the current and third weeks. Considering the card C further, it may simply take the form of a conventional plastic credit or debit card bearing printed indicia 66 indicative of the lottery and an insertion direction arrow 67. Also, a writing area 69 is provided for use by the card holder. For example, the holder of the card C may designate a card as by letters BD to indicate birthday wagers. To complete raw forms or blanks of the card C, the play center P (FIG. 1) may be installed in the fashion of an automatic teller machine so that a customer uses the input-output unit 40 to control the computer 36 to control the card processor 38 to record and dispense a completed card. For such an installation, the customer is simply cued for appropriate wager information to record the card. Alternatively, the play center P may be constructed and arranged for use by an attendant of the sales facility. In that event, a less secure installation is provided. In any event, the play center P simply receives information to record the card C (FIG. 3) in the format as illustrated in FIG. 4, specifying specific wager number sets for a predetermined number of tickets to be issued for the present or future lottery weeks. No personal information is recorded. In view of the above description of the system, a comprehensive understanding of the structure and the operation may now best be accomplished by assuming certain conditions and explaining the operating events of a sequence to follow. Accordingly, assume the existence of a person contemplating a regular purchase of lottery tickets bearing the same wager numbers. For example, for one reason or another, a player may wish to purchase one ticket with the lottery number: "3 51 47 18 60 14" for the current week each time the lottery card is presented. Accordingly, the player is provided with an order card C (FIG. 2) at the play center P (FIG. 1) recorded to enter such data. As indicated above, additional numbers may be provided for additional tickets designated for additional weeks. Assume now that the card holder wishes to use the card to consummate a lottery ticket purchase. As indicated above, the card holder may be located in the checkout lane at a supermarket with an attended point-of-sale station served by the terminal T1 (FIG. 1). For example, the terminal T1 may be positioned for convenient access to the point-of-sale sales clerk or attendant, where it may be conveniently viewed by the prospective purchaser. The purchaser likely will be making other purchases that will be totaled by a point-of-sale register. Indicating a desire to purchase lottery tickets, the purchaser simply passes his card to the attendant who moves the card through the slot 14 entering the wager data. As a consequence, the play center P is actuated to add location and date data for the formulation of a communication data packet which is transmitted through the system B to the central control computer D as indicated by the block 70 in FIG. 5. Upon receiving the data packet, the computer D tests the format as indicated by a query block 72 (FIG. 5) and if improper, indicates a rejection as illustrated by the block 74. Specifically, if the order data packet is not in an appropriate format, as indicating an improper lottery number, the control computer D transmits a rejection signal back to the terminal T1 through the telephone system S and the play center P. As a consequence, the reject lamp 23 is illuminated on the panel of the terminal T1 manifesting the impropriety. Typically, another attempt would be made with the card C, however failing that, a fresh card normally would be provided. If the format of a data packet is determined to be appropriate by the computer D, the system proceeds to verify the indicated date as illustrated by a query block 76 in FIG. 5. Again, an improper date will prompt a rejection as described above. However, confirmation of the correct date advances the process to a computation for determining the cost of the lottery tickets as specified. Specifically, as illustrated by the block 78 in FIG. 5, the cost is determined by the computer D and a representative signal is provided from the computer D through the telephone system B and the play center P to activate the display 28. As illustrated, the display shows a proposed purchase in the amount of "$18". With the amount of the purchase displayed, the purchaser either approves or declines the purchase. If the purchase is declined, the point-of-sale attendant simply depresses the "cancel" bar 24 with the result that all record of the proposed purchase is cleared from the central computer D. Alternatively, if the purchase is approved, the attendant actuates the "enter" bar 26 instructing the issuance of the ordered ticket or tickets. The approval step in the process is illustrated by the block 80 in FIG. 5. Upon receiving an approval signal, the central control computer D formulates a data packet indicative of the indicia to be printed on the lottery ticket or tickets. The step is indicated by the block 82 in FIG. 5. Also, the pertinent data of the transaction is stored in the control computer D for future addressing by wager data as indicated by the block 84. The formulation of a data packet is represented by the block 86 and the transmission of the data packet to the terminal T1 is illustrated by the block 88. Return of the data packet to the terminal T1 (FIG. 1) actuates the printer in the terminal to complete a lottery ticket or tickets. The formulated tickets are then delivered from the terminal T1 through the passage 30 (FIG. 1) for the purchaser. Accordingly, the human action involved in the provision of lottery tickets is very limited. Also, the process occurs very rapidly and with normal effort. In accordance with the system of the disclosed embodiment, operation avoids many aspects of security requirements involving data yet accommodates the rapid and efficient sale of lottery tickets. Of course, the system of the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of different forms utilizing many different specific techniques and structures. While exemplary operations have been stated herein, and certain detailed structures have been disclosed, the appropriate scope hereof is deemed to be in accordance with the claims as set forth below.

6G

06

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is applicable to the measurement of properties in thin films. Thin films, as used herein, are understood to mean unsupported planar structures having a thickness of about from 1 to 1000 microns. A central element of the present invention is the provision of two substantially flat test surfaces between which the film is placed for testing, means for positioning the test surfaces substantially parallel to each other and in alignment, and means for deforming a sample. The test surfaces used in the present invention are substantially flat and substantially parallel. By substantially flat is meant that the surface variation of the width of the anvil is less than about 30 nm. Test surfaces having the required degree of flatness can be prepared from a variety of materials. However, silicon has been found to be particularly satisfactory because of its crystalline structure. By forming the test surface, or anvil, from a single crystal, an exceptionally high degree of flatness can be obtained, since such surfaces can be a crystallographic plane, and accordingly flat on the atomic level. Silicon also has excellent mechanical properties, and exhibits substantially no hysterysis. In addition, because of its anisotropic properties, silicon can be micromachined with great precision. An additional important element of the present invention is that the upper and lower anvils be substantially in alignment. Specifically, any misalignment between the two anvils should generally be less than about 2 microns. Alignment can be measured, for example, according to the techniques described in detail in Johnson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,289. The flat test surfaces are basically knife-like in configuration, but the test surface, or anvil, is flat rather than a cutting edge. Accordingly, the test surfaces are said to have a substantially linear configuration. The width of each test surface is at least equal to the thickness of the film being tested, and no greater than twice the thickness of the film. Within this range, edge effect and the effect of surface friction in the testing have little influence on the test results. The width of the sample is preferably substantially greater than the width of the anvil. This assures that the deformation will be two-dimensional. The substantially parallel configuration of the test surfaces can be obtained by the preferred double cantilever design. Using such a construction, the integral anvils can be positioned parallel before and during the test period. The cantilever beams can be prepared from a variety of materials. However, a unitary structure of silicon is similarly preferred for the beams. The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus of the invention. There, double cantilevered beams 1, anchored at their proximal ends 2, are positioned over shims 3. Anvils 4 and 5 are integral with the distal ends of the beams, and positioned to impinge on sample 6. In this illustration, a single, continuous sample is used for all testing surfaces. However, separate samples for each test surface can also be used. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the double cantilevered beans are typically composed of base 1a, middle portion 1b, and upper portion 1c. These portions, preferably fabricated from a unitary crystal as discussed above, can be formed into the desired configuration by customary microfabrication techniques, as are well known to those skilled in the art. In the course of such fabrication, the anvil portions which come into contact with the sample are formed. After microfabrication, the components of the cantilever beam are assembled by suitable techniques such as fusion bonding. As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 3, the anvil has a substantially linear configuration, and the cross-section of the anvil is rectilinear, to provide the flat surface which comes into contact with the sample. The shims used to aid in the parallel alignment of the two test surface can be prepared from a wide variety of materials, which can be the same or different than the material from which the cantilever is prepared. It has been found particularly satisfactory, however, to use shims prepared from metal or metal alloys such as stainless steel. FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the apparatus. An upper test surface is displaced, by the piezo translator, to contact and deform the sample within the testing apparatus. For accurate measurement of the properties of thin samples, the movement of the test surface or anvil should be carefully controlled, to permit recording of changes of as little as one nanometer. The overall apparatus and method comprise conventional components selected to provide the precise control of motion and measurement of the deformation. Such a driving and probing system can include, for example, commercially available apparatus of the types noted. The displacement is measured by a capacitive displacement sensor (CDS), and the resulting electronic signal is transmitted to the low voltage piezo controller to form a closed loop control. The force required for the deformation is measured by the load sensor to produce an electronic signal, along with the displacement of the test surface. The load sensor measures the resistance of the thin film sample to the test load. The electronic signals from the load sensor and the CDS are collected by the Data Acquisition board, which converts the analog signals to digital signals. These signals, in turn, are transmitted to the computer memory for storage, display and processing. The running time of the test depends on the rate of deformation of the sample, but is normally completed within ten minutes. Software can be programmed to create a step change in the rate of deformation. During the test, the deformation is computer controlled, with a feedback loop that assures precision application of accurately measured displacement. Force is measured through a mode sensor simultaneously. The information is fed directly into a computer where the information is recorded. The program monitors and measures the amount of force at displacement. The data can be analyzed immediately or stored for later review. This makes it possible to take measurements of a series of samples at the same time, permitting the data analysis at a later time. Similarly, a change of the rate of deformation during the test procedure provides additional information about the behavior of the sample during the changes in conditions. The load displacement data is corrected for system stiffness and compliance of the anvil, and then converted to a stress-strain curve in an appropriate form. The instant invention is applicable to a wide variety of thin film materials, including coating materials such as those used, for example, in automotive applications, and various polymeric films, such as polyolefins, polyamides, polyimides and polyesters, as well as spunbonded sheets. The present invention provides a flexible and adaptable means for the study of the intrinsic mechanical properties of thin film materials, providing the ability to quickly and accurately determine the properties that effect performance of the materials in thin film form. The uniform deformation of the samples in the present invention, through the use of the flat test surfaces, their size, parallel arrangement and alignment, permits precise measurement of deformation and calculation of the stress-strain relationship.

6G

01

D

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments described herein relate to methods for tag-grouping of blocks in storage devices, and storing control metadata in flash-memory systems. The principles and operation for tag-grouping of blocks in storage devices, according to embodiments described herein, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and the drawings. Various embodiments of methods and systems disclosed herein are particularly useful for a certain class of metadata types. Page-specific metadata are dependent on page-writing time. Such metadata are referred to herein as “write-time-dependent metadata”. The read reference voltages metadata mentioned above as one example of page-specific metadata are write-time-dependent, as the value of the drift, and consequently the value of the read reference voltages expected to offset the drift, is dependent on the time of writing the page. However, not all page-specific metadata are write-time-dependent. The error correction parity bits mentioned above as another example of page-specific metadata do not depend on the time of writing the page, but rather on the data contents of the page. Thus, such bits are not write-time-dependent. Specific exemplary embodiments are described below. It is to be understood that the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. It should also be understood that not every feature of the presently disclosed methods, devices, and computer-readable codes for managing flash memory storage systems is necessary to implement a method, a device, or a computer-readable medium as claimed in any particular one of the appended claims. Various elements and features of devices are described to fully enable the appended claims. It should also be understood that throughout this disclosure, where a process or method is shown or described, the steps of the method may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless it is clear from the context that one step depends on another step being performed first. Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1is a simplified schematic block diagram of a flash-memory device, according to embodiments described herein. A flash-memory device10is shown having a controller12, a RAM14, and a flash memory16. Flash memory16includes a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in M blocks18. Each block18includes N pages20. Each page20includes areas for user data22and control data24for storing metadata. Controller12manages flash memory16with the help of RAM14. In particular, controller12reads and writes user data22from and to designated blocks18of flash memory16. Flash-memory device10is shown inFIG. 1interacting with a host system26. Controller12may be implemented using any combination of hardware (e.g. including a microprocessor, and optionally, volatile memory such as RAM (in place of, or in addition to, RAM14) or registers), firmware, and/or software (e.g. computer code that is stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, and is executable by a microprocessor). Among the hardware/firmware configurations that are suitable for controller12are, as examples, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), and Field-Programmable Logic Arrays (FPLA). FIG. 2is a simplified schematic high-level block diagram of the blocks shown inFIG. 1, according to embodiments described herein. Blocks18are tagged to P threshold sets28, in which M, the number of blocks18, is much greater than P, the number of threshold sets28. The metadata related to a group of blocks18or a group of pages20inFIG. 1can include the following information:(1) Optimal reading threshold voltages—used when reading a page/block in order to minimize the error rates. The optimal reading threshold voltages are computed based on the estimated CVD. CVD-tracking algorithms can be used to maintain an updated estimate of the CVD.(2) Reading resolution—used when reading a page. The reading resolution is measured by the number of soft bits read on top of the stored bits. For example, in a D4 flash-memory device, 0 soft bits correspond to reading the flash memory with 16 read levels (i.e. 4 bits are read per cell), 1 soft bit corresponds to reading the flash memory with 32 read levels (i.e. 5 bits are read per cell), 2 soft bits correspond to reading the flash memory with 64 read levels (i.e. 6 bits are read per cell), and so on. When higher error rates are anticipated, it is necessary to read with higher resolution in order to improve error-correction capability (ECC). The expected error rates are estimated based on the estimated CVD.(3) CVD parameters—used in order to compute initial soft estimates of the stored bits that will be used by a soft input ECC decoder. A soft estimate of a bit is generated from a hard estimate of the bit value (i.e. 0 or 1), and a reliability of the estimate (e.g. a number representing the probability that the bit estimate is correct). A commonly-used approach for representing these combined values is to turn them into a “two's complement” number (hereinafter referred to as “2C”) with positive values representing “zeroes” and negative values representing “ones”. The 2C of a bin number is defined as the value obtained by subtracting the number from a large power of two (specifically, from 2Nfor an N-bit 2C). In such a system, negative numbers are represented by the 2C of the absolute value. This system is the most common method of representing signed integers on computers. In such a system, a number is negated (converted from positive to negative or vice versa) by computing its 2C. A higher absolute value of the 2C representation refers to a higher probability of the hard-bit representation to be correct, while a smaller absolute value of the 2C representation (i.e. approaching zero) translates into a lower probability for the hard-bit estimation to be correct. In this representation, the sign of the 2C representation includes the hard-bit estimate, while the amplitude of the 2C representation corresponds to the reliability measure (i.e. the a priori probability for a hard bit to have a correct value; thus, the reliability measure is a predetermined number computed off-line).(4) Table (or table index) of soft-bit estimates—instead of storing the CVD parameters (as outlined above in (3)), pre-computed tables with initial bit estimates for different CVD parameters are stored. This is done in order to avoid computation of the initial-bit estimates on-line (which can be complex). Instead, the initial-bit estimates of the bits stored in a cell for every possible read value of the cell are pre-computed, and stored in a table. For example, in D4 flash memory having a reading resolution of 16 voltage levels, a 16×4 pre-computed table with initial-bit estimates is used. For every possible read value, 4 soft-bit estimates are stored for the4bits stored in the cell. Several such pre-computed tables are stored for different reading resolutions and different CVD parameters (i.e. different error rates). In the metadata, the table itself is not stored, only a pointer/tag is stored (i.e. an index of the table). In order to associate every programmed block18with a tag, a method for generating the tag in flash-memory device10is needed. Whenever the device is powered up, the tag is read from the management area of flash memory16. The tag is incremented if:(1) there is a block18in flash memory16already associated with the tag read from flash memory16(e.g. this can be indicated by a 1-bit flag); and(2) flash-memory device10was just powered up, or a given amount of time (e.g. 1 week) has passed without the device being powered down. Every block18which is being folded into a partition is tagged with the current tag (i.e. for each block18, the tag is stored either in a virtual-to-physical (VTP) table, or in a “dummy” word-line (WL)). An additional table is maintained, which associates tags with the number of soft bits and optimal reading threshold voltages. This table is referred to as the “block-time” (BT) table. Other time-dependent parameters with less time sensitivity can also be kept in a separate table. For example, such parameter could be the Vreadof the next WL during a read operation. Whenever a block18having tag t is read, the BT table is checked for an entry with tag t′≧t which is as close as possible to t. The number of soft bits and optimal reading threshold voltages associated with tag t′ in the BT table is used in order to read the designated block18. In a similar manner, programming steps are extracted, and optimal reading threshold voltages are verified, from BT table with tag t′. After the designated block18is read, the entry of tag t in the BT table is updated with the correct number of soft bits and optimal reading threshold voltages used for successful block reading, if necessary (i.e. if tag t does not appear in the BT table, or if tag t appears with a different number of soft bits and/or optimal reading threshold voltages than the ones that were actually used for successfully reading the designated block18). Note that it is also advisable to update the values in the BT table in the background whenever necessary (e.g. failure to decode, or slower decoding). The tag associated with each block18can also be used for improving the static-folding procedure. Currently, the criterion for choosing a block18for static folding is based only on its number of write/erase (W/E) cycles. The tag of the block can be used in order to choose a block among all blocks having the same W/E cycles (i.e. the block with the smallest tag is chosen, since such a block is the one suffering from the most severe data retention (DR)). Such a method for storing the data provides several advantages.(1) More efficient reading—reduces the number of trial and error attempts of the SECC (Single-Error-Correcting Code). Assume a movie is stored on many blocks. The SECC will “work hard” on decoding the first page in the first block, determining the optimal number of soft bits and optimal reading threshold voltages. The rest of the pages in the block, and the rest of the blocks in the movie, will be immediately decoded using the correct configuration. Hence, an efficient pipeline can be maintained. There is only small delay before the beginning of the movie, but a “smooth reading” of the movie.(2) Smaller flash memory requirement for storing reliability information on the blocks—the number of soft bits and the optimal reading threshold voltages are not stored per block, but per tag (i.e. typically, for many blocks). That is also the case for equalizer taps and possible programming step-size.(3) More efficient static-folding procedure—choosing a block for static folding can be done not only based on its W/E cycles, but also based on its DR. The tags are proportional to the amount of DR that a block has suffered. In order to make sure that the tag “counter” does not overflow, and at the same time use a small number of bits for storing the tag, the tag can be implemented as a cyclic counter. In such an implementation, it is necessary to store not only the tag in the device, but also where the tag starts. For example, using an 8-bit counter, the counter is incremented modulo 256. If all the 256 tags are already used, the counter is not incremented anymore. Such a situation indicates that static folding should be performed as soon as possible. Whenever a block is statically folded, the device checks whether there are other blocks with the same tag. If not, then the tag is free. Thus, the tag's entry from the BT table can be removed, and the starting point of the counter can be updated. For example, assume the current starting point of the counter is 5, and the counter is set on 180. Furthermore, assume that there is a block with tag5, and then there are no blocks up to tag20. Then, once the block with tag5is statically folded, the block is assigned with the current tag (i.e.180), and the starting point of the counter is updated from 5 to 20. Now, consider the situation where no static folding takes place, and the counter is being incremented (either because of many power-ups of the device, or because the device has been operating for a long time without a power-down) up to the value of 19 (i.e. 180, 181, . . . , 255, 0, 1, . . . , 19). Then, once the counter reaches 19, the counter cannot be incremented anymore until static folding will “free up” some tags. The tag-grouping procedure described above deals with grouping entire blocks into a set which includes similar characteristics of side information; however, as pointed out in above, it could be the case that groups of word-lines are the ones that have substantial similarities, not the blocks. It might be the case that pages (or WLs) should be grouped instead of blocks, since the metadata will be the same for groups of pages, and not for groups of blocks. Within a group of blocks that were programmed roughly at the same time, it is expected there will be a few fixed subgroups of pages, such that each subgroup will have the same metadata (i.e. the same CVD). Hence, for each tag, a few sets of metadata need to be stored, one set for each subgroup of pages related to the tag. In such a situation, there are two options:(1) Each block is separately divided into groups of WLs, and the same tag points to the BT-table entry that includes the side information for these few WL groups. This means that in the entire group of blocks pointed to by the tag, the side information has different values according to the number of WLs within the group.(2) The WLs are independent from the block altogether (i.e. for each WL, there is a tag which could be associated with time or not). This tag points to the BT-table entry that provides the necessary side information for the group of WLs independent of the grouping of blocks. Indeed, more pointers are kept in the flash tables; however, in the case that the number of groups of WLs in the entire device is small, such a clustering scenario could provide an advantage. An exemplary embodiment for option (2) described above is the case of programming steps. Assume that, based on measurements, different WLs have different reliabilities, or their CVD is different. Therefore, in more reliable WLs, the controller may use larger step sizes. As a result, the controller can increase the programming speed, while in other WLs, for which the CVD is wider, smaller step sizes should be employed in order to maintain approximately equal reliability among the different WLs. Currently, the worst-case WL is taken into consideration for ECC design, while the system takes no advantage from the fact that other WLs with improved reliability could be programmed faster. In such a case, the tag can define groups of WLs according to their reliability, holding the programming step-size as the side information metadata, while the classification is done independently from the block number. This classification can be performed adaptively during the manufacturing process such that the classification varies according to the batch of wafers produced. FIG. 3is a simplified flowchart for the general process of tag-grouping of blocks, according to embodiments described herein. Blocks are allocated to be stored, or otherwise accessed (Step30). Blocks are grouped according to common metadata (Step32). A tag is assigned to the block group (Step34). The metadata is then stored in the BT table indexed by tag (Step36). While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications, and other applications of the invention may be made.

6G

06

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, the invention is shown generally at numeral 10 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. The invention 10 includes a pair of mating rectangular bases 12, rectangular removable upright end panels 14 and 16, and pivotally connected, removable doors 18 and 20 which form upright side panels. All interior surfaces are padded with a two inch layer of foam and covered with a suitable layer of naugahyde or the like. Referring particularly to FIG. 4 and 5, the detachable connection between the end panels 14 and 16 and the base portions 12 is there depicted. As best seen in FIG. 5, each base portion 12 is constructed having a horizontal reinforced plywood support panel 36 which is rigidly connected to an elongated edge-upright wood frame portion 38. A layer of compressible foam, approximately two inches in thickness is disposed atop horizontal support panel 36. Thereafter, the entire arrangement is surrounded by a layer of naugahyde 42 or the like. Each end panel 14 and 16 is constructed having a plywood main panel 44 and a two-inch compressible foam layer 46 on the interior surface, all wrapped with a layer of Naugahyde. Each base portion 12 is supported on casters 22 so that the entire arrangement will be rollable and so that sufficient clearance is provided between each base portion 12 and the floor for access for patient lifting equipment such as a Hoya lift. Each end panel 14 and 16 includes two spaced notches 26 which are generally of an inverted V-shape and upwardly extend from the lower margin of the end panels 14 and 16. A recess 24 is also provided along the lower margin of each end panel 14 and 16 by deletion of foam there. Also provided is a lower support plate 28 having apertures formed therein which are shaped to supportively engage atop spaced support wedge blocks 27 connected to the end surfaces of each base portion 12. The lower support plate 28 is structured to mate against the outer surface of the end panels 14 and 16 as best seen in FIG. 5. Threaded fasteners 32 are also provided which pass through apertures 30, and threadably engage into threaded female connectors 34 which are embedded or otherwise secured into frame portion 38. Thus, by this arrangement, fasteners 32 having an enlarged exposed end for hand grasping, may be passed through apertures 30 in lower support plate 28 and partially threaded into connectors 34 while wedge blocks 27 receive the full weight of each end panel 14 and 16 thereupon within notches 26. Thereafter, further hand tightening of fasteners 32 sandwiches or squeezes the lower ends of end panels 14 and 16 securely into place in upright fashion at each end of base portion 12. An additional horizontal rib 62 may also be provided connected to each end panel 14 and 16 to engage against lower support plate 28 to bear some of the weight of end panels 14 and 16. Referring particularly to FIG. 9, to further strengthen the interconnection between the upright end panels 14 and 16 and the end of base portion 12, alignment straps 66 are also provided. These alignment straps 66 are rigidly connected to each end panel 14 and 16 in alternate opposing fashion as shown. When the end panels 14 and 16 are brought together in side-by-side abutting relation, the two alignment straps 66 cooperate to prevent relative lateral movement between the end panels 14 and 16. A convention hasp including a hinged metal strap 64 which matably engages over a rotatable staple 68 to cooperate in the conventional way as shown in FIG. 9 are also provided to lock the two halves of the cubicle bed 10 together. Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, castors 22 are supportively mounted within a mating cavity formed within an additional frame portion 30 which extends on the inboard side of each frame member 38. A threaded female connector 34 as previously described is also provided along the edges of base portions 12 so as to threadably receive a separate threaded fastener 32 which may be passed through aperture 74 and threadably aligned into connector 34 of hinged doors 18 and 20. These doors 18 and 20 are removably connected by suitable hinges 70 so that the doors 18 and 20 may be individually openable and completely removable from the mating hinge portion of hinge 70 connected to end panels 14 and 16. The layer of compressible foam 54 against main plywood panel 56 of each door 18 and 20 extends from the upper horizontal margin of each door 18 and 20 down toward but not the lower margin of the plywood panel 56 so that notch 58 is formed as best seen in FIG. 7. This notch 58 is structured so as to mate around the edge of base portions 12 to provide a more complete, uniform padding along these corners when the doors 18 and 20 are in the closed position. To reduce the supportive stress placed on end panels 14 and 16, doors 18 and 20 also include spring biased castors 60 which are connected adjacent the mating upright margins of these doors 18 and 20. These castors 60 are spring biased so that the doors 18 and 20 may open and close freely over uneven floor surfaces without further undue distress placed upon end panels 14 and 16. In addition to providing threaded fastener 32 fitted through aperture 74 in the lower margin of each door 18 and 20, additional closure means is also provided in the form of a conventional latch bolt 78 which matably engages within clasp 82 and latch 76 which engages within clasp 80 to pull and forcibly urge the mating inner margins of each door 18 and 20 together in the direction of the arrow. Note that vertical notches 72 and 73 along the outer upright margins of each door 18 and 20 are also provided so as to provide a more uniform upright padded corner when the doors 18 and 20 are in the closed position in a fashion similar to that described with respect to notch or recess 58 against base portions 12. Having now described the nature and specific components and the connecting and hinge means associated therewith, the versatility and usefulness of the invention 10 may now be more fully understood when referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the ease of separating the two base portions 12 while maintaining the end panels 14 and 16 and doors 18 and 20 fully in place is there shown. Thus, when either attending to a patient positioned therewithin or in moving the entire arrangement 10 from one location to another within a hospital, detachment and separation of base portions 12 is easily facilitated. Note that base portions 12 have a plan size and shape which is similar to that of other beds and stretchers within a hospital so that when separated as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, these two separate fully assembled halves of the invention 10 may be easily moved down a hallway or into and out of hospital rooms. In addition to being able to care for a patient contained in the present invention by simply separating the base portions 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, nursing care may also be provided by opening either or both of the doors 18 and 20 as shown in FIG. 6. In many cases, the patient's activity and level of violence may dictate the particular use of one of these modes of access. Typically a traumatically brain injured patient exhibits very violent behavior. In many cases this violent behavior may injure the patient in some fashion if suitable padding is not provided. Therefore, it is stressed that all inner surfaces with which a patient contained in the present invention may come in contact are fully padded with a suitable layer of compressible foam. Additionally, to avoid any undue external stimulus to the patient, the uniform height of the side and end panels 14 and 16 and doors 18 and 20 is such that the patient is unable to observe normal ongoing activity around the cubicle bed 10 although medical staff may still stand adjacent and outside of the cubicle bed so as to observe the patient's activity. While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be afforded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and articles.

0A

61

G

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a motorcycle disk brake lock of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is composed of the component parts, which are described hereinafter. A main body 10 is provided with a slot 11 for receiving the disk of a motorcycle disk brake. The slot 11 is provided in one side thereof with a receiving hole 12, and in another side thereof with an insertion slot 13 which is in turn provided in the inner wall thereof with at least one or more cavities 14. A sleeve 15 is received in the receiving hole 12 and is provided with a guide slot 16 and a locating hole 17. A lock core 18 is received in an axial hole 19 of the sleeve 15 such that the lock core 18 is capable of displacing along the axial hole 19. A locating pin 20 is fastened with the lock core 18 and is located in the guide slot 16 for confining the linear displacement of the lock core 18 to take place between an unlocking position (FIG. 1) and a locking position (FIG. 3). A locating member 21 is located in the lock core 18 such that the locating member 21 juts out to locate in the locating hole 17 for locating and retaining the lock core 18 when the lock core 18 is moved to the locking position (FIG. 3). As the lock core 18 is rotated for a predetermined angle by means of a key (not shown in the drawing), the locating member 21 is retracted into the lock core 18 to free the lock core 18, which is subsequently able to return to the unlocking position. An outer lock bolt 22 is provided with an axial hole 23. Located at one end of the outer lock bolt 22 are two round shoulders 24 and 25. Another end of the outer lock bolt 22 is provided with a predetermined number of through holes 26 corresponding in number to the cavities 14. The outer lock bolt 22 is received in the axial hole 19. A retrieving spring 27 has one end urging the end wall 28 of the receiving hole 12 of the main body 10. The retrieving spring 27 has another end urging the round shoulder 25. A retaining member 29 is corresponding in number to the through hole 26 of the outer lock bolt 22. The retaining member 29 is in fact a steel ball in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. There are two steel balls 29, which are received in two through holes 26 such that the steel balls 29 are capable of displacing between a retaining position (FIG. 3) and a releasing position (FIG. 1). The retaining position juts out of the surface of the outer lock bolt 22, whereas the releasing position is retracted from the surface of the outer lock bolt 22. An inner lock bolt 30 is located in the axial hole 23 of the outer lock bolt 22 such that the inner lock bolt 30 is capable of displacement relative to the outer lock bolt 22, and that the inner lock bolt 30 is able to displace between a retaining position (FIG. 3) and a releasing position (FIG. 1). The inner lock bolt 30 is provided with a guide slot 35 and is further provided at one end thereof with a retaining ring 33 and at another end thereof with a tapered end 36. A lock bolt spring 31 has one end urging an inner end surface 32 of the outer lock bolt 22 and further has another end urging the retaining ring 33 of the inner lock bolt 30. The lock bolt spring 31 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has an elasticity coefficient greater than that of the retrieving spring 27. An insertion pin 34 is engaged with the outer lock bolt 22 such that the pin 34 is extended into the guide slot 35 of the inner lock bolt 30 for guiding and confining the displacement of the inner lock bolt 30. In operation, the lock is set at the unlocking position, as shown in FIG. 1, such that the outer lock bolt 22 is urged by the retrieving spring 27 to locate in the receiving hole 19 without jutting out into slot 11, and that the inner lock bolt 30 is urged by the lock bolt spring 31 to locate at the releasing position to push the lock core 18 to locate at the unlocking position. In the meantime, the locating member 21 is retracted into the lock core 18, whereas the two retaining members 29 are located at the releasing position. As shown in FIG. 2, the lock is set at the locking position by pressing the lock core 18 into the main body 10 such that the inner lock bolt 30 is pushed by the lock core 18 to move toward the insertion slot 13. In view of the fact that the elasticity coefficient of the lock bolt spring 31 is greater than that of the retrieving spring 27, the outer lock bolt 22 is also urged to move into the insertion slot 13 such that the round surface 24 is stopped by the end wall 28. The retrieving spring 27 is compressed, whereas the through hole 26 is opposite to the cavity 14. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lock bolt spring 31 is compressed by the persistent force exerting on the lock core 18, the inner lock bolt 30 is pushed continuously to displace toward the insertion slot 13 so as to retract into the outer lock bolt 22 such that the retaining member 29 is pushed by the tapered end 36 to move into the cavity 14. In the meantime, the retaining member 29 is retained in the insertion slot 13 of the main body 10 while the locating member 21 is engaged with the locating hole 17 to keep the lock core 18 at the locking position. If a tool is inserted into the slot 1 1 to tamper with the main body 10, the resistant point is thus changed from the connection portion 37 to the end wall 38 of the cavity 14, thereby shortening the length of lever of force so as to enhance the safeguard of the lock against the sabotage. In the process of unlocking the lock, a key (not shown in the drawings) is inserted into the lock core 18, which is then rotated by the key to cause the locating member 21 to withdraw from the locating hole 17. In the meantime, the inner lock bolt 30, the outer lock bolt 22, the retaining members 29, and the lock core 18 are forced by the forces released by the compressed springs 27 and 31 to return to their original unlocking positions as shown in FIG. 1. Now referring to FIGS. 4-6, a motorcycle disk brake lock of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is composed of a main body 40, a sleeve 41, a lock core 42, an outer lock bolt 43, an inner lock bolt 44, a retrieving spring 45, a lock bolt spring 46, a predetermined number of retaining members 47, locating members 48 and locating holes 49. The main body 40 is provided with an insertion slot 50 which is in turn provided in the bottom wall thereof with a projected column 51. The inner lock bolt 44 is provided with cavities 52 corresponding in location to the retaining members 47 which are located in the through holes 53 of the outer lock bolt 43 and the cavities 52 at the time when the disk brake lock is set at the unlocking position. The lock core 42 is urged by the retrieving spring 45 to remain at the unlocking position. The outer lock bolt 43 and the lock core 42 are held together by means of a locating pin 54. The lock core 42 is capable of making a linear displacement along the guide slot 55 of the sleeve 41. The inner lock bolt 44 is urged by the lock bolt spring 46 such that the shoulder face 56 of the inner lock bolt 44 is engaged with the shoulder face 57 of the outer lock bolt 43. From the unlocking position of FIG. 4 to the locking position of FIG. 6, the lock core 42 and the outer lock bolt 43 are moved toward the insertion slot 50 to compress the retrieving spring 45, as show in FIG. 5. When the inner lock bolt 44 is stopped by the projected column 51, the outer lock bolt 43 is continuously actuated by the lock core 42 to displace to force the retaining members 47 to move into the cavities 58. The lock bolt spring 46 is compressed by the inner lock bolt 44. The locating member 48 is retained in the locating hole 49. As a result, the lock core 42 is kept at the locking position. In the process of unlocking the disk brake lock, a key (not shown in the drawing) is inserted into the lock core 42. The center 59 of the lock core 42 is rotated by the key such that the inner lock bolt 44 is actuated to turn a predetermined angle to force the locating member 48 to become disengaged. The lock core 42 is then forced by the springs 45 and 46 to return to its original unlocking position as shown in FIG. 4. The first preferred embodiment and the second preferred embodiment are similar in mechanism, with the difference being that the outer lock bolt of the former is first located before the inner lock bolt is displaced to force the retaining members to displace so as to engage the cavities of the insertion slot of the main body, and that the inner lock bolt of the latter is first located before the outer lock bolt is displaced to force the retaining members to displace so as to engage the cavities of the insertion slot of the main body.

4E

05

B

EXAMPLE 1 A three color Photographic film was prepared as follows using conventional surfactants, antifoggants and the materials indicated. After providing a developable image and then processing in accordance with the Kodak C-41 process (British Journal of Photography, pp. 196-198 (1988) excellent results e.g. improved color, sharpness, granularity and neutral scale, were obtained. ______________________________________ Support mg/m.sup.2 mg/ft.sup.2 ______________________________________ Layer 1 Antihalation 323. 30.0 Black filamentary Layer silver 91.5 8.5 UV absorbing dye (1) 2421. 225.0 Gelatin Layer 2 Interlayer 53.8 5.0 D-Ox scavenging coupler (2) 645.6 60.0 Gelatin Layer 3 Least Red 340.0 31.6 Slow Ag Br/I emulsion Layer containing 3.3 mole % iodide and 217 mg of sensitizing dye (3) and 91 mg of sensitizing dye (4) per mole of silver halide 414.3 38.5 Cyan dye forming coupler (5) 21.52 2.0 Cyan dye forming, magenta colored, masking coupler (6) 32.28 3.0 Cyan dye forming development/bleach accelerator ("BARC") (7) 59.18 5.5 Red filter dye (8) 1829. 170.0 Gelatin Layer 4 Interlayer 107.6 10.0 D-Ox scavenging coupler (2) 5.38 0.5 Preformed Yellow dye (9) 21.52 2.0 Preformed Cyan dye (10) 645.6 60.0 Gelatin Layer 5 Least Green 137.7 12.8 Slow Ag Br/I emulsion Layer containing 3.3 mole % iodide and 523 mg of sensitizing dye (11) and 151 mg of sensitizing dye (12) per mole of silver halide 444.4 41.3 Slow Ag Br/I emulsion containing 3.4 mole % iodide and 859 mg of sensitizing dye (11) and 249 mg of sensitizing dye (12) per mole of silver halide 269 25.0 Magenta dye forming coupler (13) 5.38 0.5 Cyan dye forming BARC coupler (7) 48.42 4.5 Red filter dye (8) 914.6 85.0 Gelatin Layer 6 Interlayer 161.4 15.0 Lippmann Ag Br emulsion 107.6 10.0 D-Ox scavenging coupler (2) 645.6 60.0 Gelatin Layer 7 Mid Red 882.3 82.0 Fast Ag Br/I T-grain Layer emulsion containing 12.27 mole % iodide and 163 mg of sensitizing dye (3) and 67 mg of sensitizing dye (4) per mole of silver halide 193.7 18.0 Cyan dye forming coupler (5) 64.6 6.0 Cyan dye forming development inhibitor anchimeric releasing coupler ("DIAR") (14) 64.6 6.0 Yellow dye forming coupler (24) 53.8 5.0 Cyan dye forming, magenta colored, masking coupler (6) 10.76 1.0 Cyan dye forming BARC coupler (7) 5.38 0.5 Green filter dye (15) 1622. 150.7 Gelatin Layer 8 Most 333.6 31.0 Fast Ag Br/i T-grain Sensitive emulsion containing Red Layer 8.18 mole % iodide and 188 mg of sensitizing dye (3) and 78 mg of sensitizing dye (4) per mole of silver halide 43.0 4.0 Fast Ag Br/I T-grain emulsion containing 12.27 mole % iodide and 163 mg of sensitizing dye (3) and 67 mg of sensitizing dye (4) per mole of silver halide 59.2 5.5 Yellow dye forming coupler (16) 21.5 2.0 Cyan dye forming, magenta colored, masking coupler (6) 23.7 2.2 Cyan dye forming development inhibitor releasing coupler ("DIR")(17) 538. 50.0 Gelatin Layer 9 Interlayer 107.6 10.0 D-Ox scavenging coupler (2) 10.76 1.0 Preformed Cyan dye (10) 645.6 60.0 Gelatin Layer 10 Most 269 25.0 Fast Ag Br/I T-grain Sensitive emulsion containing Green Layer 8.18 mole % iodide and 455 mg of sensitizing dye (11) and 126 mg of sensitizing dye (12) per mole of silver halide 817.8 76.0 Fast Ag Br/I T-grain emulsion containing 12.27 mole % iodide and 804 mg of sensitizing dye (11) and 151 mg of sensitizing dye (12) per mole of silver halide 182.9 17.0 Slow Ag Br/I emulsion containing 3.3 mole % iodide and 523 mg of sensitizing dye (11) and 151 mg of sensitizing dye (12) per mole of silver halide 408.9 38.0 Magenta dye forming coupler (13) 32.3 3.0 Yellow dye forming DIAR (18) 53.8 5.0 Magenta dye forming, yellow colored, masking coupler (19) 16.1 1.5 Magenta dye forming DIR coupler (20) 21.5 2.0 Preformed Cyan dye (10) 2475. 230.0 Gelatin Layer 11 Yellow 107.6 10.0 D-Ox scavenging Colloidal coupler (2) Silver 118.4 11.0 Yellow Colloidal Filter Layer Silver (Carey Lee silver) 1076. 100.0 Gelatin Layer 12 Most 139.9 13.0 Fast Ag Br/I T-grain Sensitive emulsion containing Blue Layer 8.18 mole % iodide and 620 mg of sensitizing dye (22) per mole of silver halide 139.9 13.0 Fast Ag Br/I T-grain emulsion containing 3.0 mole % iodide and 900 mg of sensitizing dye (22) per mole of silver halide 226. 21.0 Fast Ag Br/I T-grain emulsion containing 3.0 mole % iodide and 800 mg of sensitizing dye (22) per mole of silver halide 312.0 29.0 Yellow dye forming coupler (16) 161.4 15.0 Yellow dye forming DIAR (18) 10.76 1.0 Cyan dye forming BARC coupler (7) 64.56 6.0 Preformed Yellow dye coupler (9) 43.0 4.0 Blue filter dye (23) 2335. 217.0 Gelatin Layer 13 Least 242.1 22.5 Slow Ag Br/I emulsion Sensitive containing 3.3 mole % Blue Layer iodide and 1254 mg of sensitizing dye (22) per mole of silver halide 564.9 52.5 Yellow dye forming coupler (24) 5.38 0.5 Cyan dye forming BARC coupler (7) 807. 75.0 Gelatin Layer 14 430.4 40.0 Lippmann Ag Br emulsion 107.6 10.0 UV absorbing dye (25) 37.66 3.5 UV absorbing dye (1) 16.14 1.5 Preformed Magenta dye coupler (27) 699.4 65.0 Gelatin Layer 15 Protective 45.19 4.2 First matting agent Gelatin 32.28 3.0 Second matting agent Overcoat 882.3 82.0 Gelatin ______________________________________ Formulas not previously identified are as follows: ##STR22## EXAMPLE 2 In comparative testing, it was confirmed that the presence of the development inhibitor in the mid red-sensitive layer provided improved red accutance and desired suppression of green development as a result of red exposure. In a similar manner, it was shown that the presence of the yellow image dye-forming coupler in the red sensitive layers provided an appropriate reductive adjustment of the blue development as a result of red exposure. A higher activity yellow dye-forming coupler in the mid red-sensitive layer provides an even more pronounced effect. The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that the invention includes variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

6G

03

C

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Separations of solid from liquid are based on continuous centrifugation in purified CPS are used in the production of vaccines against these bacteria. Separations of solid from liquid are based on continuous centrifugation in explosion proof installations. A method for CPS purification has been surprisingly developed that eliminates the ethanol precipitations, use of phenol, and the ultracentrifugation steps of conventional procedures. The process of this disclosure includes an ultrafiltration step using membranes with desired molecular weight cut-off values, such as for example 30-100 kDa, and eliminates residual proteins and nucleic acids by enzymatic digestion and tangential flow-filtrations (TFF) with, preferably, 30-100 kDa cut-off membranes. The resulting purified CPS has a yield of greater than 70% with less than or equal to 1% of protein and less than or equal to 1% of nucleic acid related to total CPS. The purified CPS are free of proteolytic enzymatic activity and passes necessary quality tests. The general advantages of the present invention include providing a rapid, efficient and effective process for the purification of bacterial cell surface capsular polysaccharide (CPS) that purifies polysaccharides while eliminating the impurities in a very short time by simple, efficient, and commercially scalable steps thereby producing high quality polysaccharide that meets or exceeds the relevant WHO specifications and other quality standards. One embodiment of the invention is directed to the process of purification of polysaccharide. The process describes a novel, rapid, cost effective, and scalable method, wherein polysaccharide is purified with significantly reduced time. The selected bacterial strain is cultivated on optimized cultivation media in the fermenter and the process proceeds by doing the centrifugation of the fermented harvest to remove cell debris followed by TFF using molecular weight cut-off membranes. The process of the invention exhibits several advantages over prior art, such as providing a novel and rapid method of preparing polysaccharide. The process is cost effective as it reduces the total number of steps and requires single chromatographic screening. An additional advantage is that this process is entirely scalable Although the purification of most any polysaccharide can be performed in accordance with the methods this disclosure, in particular, preferred methods involve purification of polysaccharides fromN. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzaetype b,S. typhimurium, and Group BStreptococcus, for vaccine production. The method comprises providing a fermentation harvest of bacteria or other polysaccharide source, clarification of the fermentation harvest with deoxycholate at, for example, a pH of about 3.5 to about 7.0, preferably from about pH 4 to about pH 6.8 or from about pH 4.5 to about pH 6.5, concentration of the clarified polysaccharide by a first diafiltration and treatment of the first diafiltered polysaccharide with an enzyme to remove impurities, precipitation of the enzyme with acetic acid such that polysaccharide remains in a supernatant, concentration of the polysaccharide of the supernatant by a second diafiltration, passage of the second diafiltered polysaccharide through multimodal chromatographic resin and/or endotoxin removal resin. Preferably the chromatography is tangential flow filtration with deoxycholate/EDTA/Ca-salt buffer, or ion-exchange followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and followed by collection of the purified polysaccharide. Methods of this disclosure eliminate the need and use of ethanol, phenol, and detergent precipitations, and instead involve successive lytic enzymatic treatment followed by ultrafiltration and, if desired, preferably further purification by hydrophobic interaction chromatography or mixed mode ion exchange resin chromatography. The nuclease, benzonase, hydrolyzes the residual genomic DNA and RNA and the resulting low molecular mass oligonucleotides are filtered through the membrane in the second TFUF. Peptidoglycan and cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS or Group B Carbohydrate) attach to peptidoglycan are degraded and/or size reduced by Mutanolysin/Lysozyme/B-D-N-acetyl glucosaminidase enzymatic (active unit ratio: 1:1:0.1) cocktail combination. Protein and LPS are eliminated after enzymatic treatment and a second concentration/diafiltration with TFUF 30-100 kDa. The elimination of LPS, for the Gram-negative bacteria, is preferably performed with TFUF in the presence of detergent and a chelating agent, preferably DOC/EDTA. The detergent deoxycholate, DOC, breaks the hydrophobic interaction of the fatty acids of the lipid part, disestablish the aggregate and produces low molecular mass monomers of LPS that can be freely filtrated in the membrane of 30-100 kDa. The purification processes of the invention are, in part, based on molecular size. In the first TFUF, molecules with size less than the pore cut off are eliminated, most of them from the culture medium. After the enzymes reduce the size of the contaminants, proteins and nucleic acids, and the second TFUF provides for their elimination. Low molecular mass monomers from LPS are ultrafiltrated in the presence of detergent and chelating agent. The processes of the invention eliminate a number of precipitations steps required in conventional processes that use alcohols, phenols, or cationic detergents, and instead involves enzymatic treatment and/or ultrafiltration to achieve final products at the required or desired purity. Compared to ultracentrifugation, the combination of enzymatic treatment and tangential ultrafiltration is easier to scale-up and much cheaper. The membranes for tangential flow are cleaned in place and stored for repeated use (for example using disposable membranes). The method of the disclose provide a simple, efficient and environmentally friendly method that is easily scaled-up for commercial development. Preferably the fermentation harvest comprisesS. pneumoniaecomprising one or more serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7F, 8, 9V, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15A, 15B, 15C, 17F, 18C, 19A, 19F, 20, 22F, 23F, 24, 24F, 33F and 35B or another serotypes used in vaccine preparation. Preferably the fermentation harvest comprises Group BStreptococcuscomprising one or more of serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX. Preferably the fermentation harvest comprisesH. influenzaecomprising sub-strains a, b, c, d, e and f serotypes. Preferably the fermentation harvest comprisesS. typhicomprising Vi-polysaccharide. Preferably the fermentation harvest comprisesN. meningitiscomprising of one or more serotypes A, B, C, X, Y, and W-135. The following examples illustrate embodiments of the invention, but should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES Example 1 Cultivation of Bacteria Cultures of bacteria were conducted in a 5-10-L fermenter containing medium and conditions appropriate for each strain. The whole broth of the bioreactor, was precipitated with 0.15% deoxycholate, decanted and centrifuged. Cells were separated from the culture broth by tangential microfiltration. Cell-free micro filtrate was used for CPS-purification forS. pneumoniaeand additional strains as well. Concentration/Defiltration The cell-free CPS was concentrated to 1-20 fold by tangential flow ultrafiltration (TFUF) membranes of 30-100 kDa. The concentrate was biofiltered with buffer. Enzymatic Treatment and Concentration/Diafiltration The pH of soluble-CPS fractions fromNeisseriaorStreptococcuswere adjusted to pH 7. Recombinant enzymes were added successively: Benzonase (Tris-HCl 50 mM containing 2 mM MgCl2and 20 mM NaCl); Mmutanolysin/Lysozyme (1:1); β-D-N-acetyl glucosaminidase; and Proteinase K were added with a 2-4 hrs interval between them and incubated for 12-24 hours at 37° C.-56° C. under alkaline pH (pH 8.8-10.5) at 50-100 rpm. Low-molecular-mass contaminants resulting from enzymatic degradation and detergent treatment were eliminated by the second TFUF membrane of 30-100 kDa cut-off. Purified CPS was sterile filtered by a 0.2 μm membrane and stored at minus 20° C. Two different purification strategies were used for purification of polysaccharides. One purification process was used generally for Gram-positive bacterial polysaccharide purification process (Purification Strategy-1) and one used for Gram-Negative bacterial polysaccharide purification process (Purification strategy-2). Purification Strategy-1 (for Gram-Positive Bacteria) Polysaccharide Purification Using Enzyme cocktail containing Benzonase, Mutanolysin/Lysozyme combination, β-D-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, Proteinase K followed by tangential flow filtration (TFF) and finally multimodal anion-exchanger CAPTO™ Adhere Resin Chromatography (a multimodal medium resin designed for post-protein A purification of monoclonal antibodies at process scale). Multiple serotypes polysaccharides either fromS. pneumoniaeand Group B Streptococcal serotypes were purified. All polysaccharides purified met or exceeded the criterion of WHO/or BP/or EP criterion for polysaccharide purity. Further purity was achieved by wt. to residual protein, nucleic acid and endotoxin multimodal chromatography steps. Multimodal chromatography was also used to remove the residual enzymes which were used during purification steps. Cell Separation, Concentration by Tangential Ultrafiltration. After cultivation of bacteria, fermented liquid was inactivated by 0.15% deoxycholate (pH was adjusted to 4.5-5), cells were removed by decanting followed by centrifugation, and cell-free clarified broth was concentrated and diafiltered using 50 KDa-100 KDa PES membrane using 0.9% saline followed by Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM, pH 7.0). Enzymatic Treatment and Second Concentration by Tangential Ultrafiltration. The polysaccharide solution pH was raised from pH 7.0 to pH 9-9.5, 2 mM MgCl2was added and incubated at 42° C. for 15 minutes at 50-75 rpm. The enzyme Benzonase was added, 10-20 unit per ml of PS solution and incubated for 1-2 hr. Subsequently the enzyme combination Mutanolysin/Lysozyme (1:1) at 50 unit per ml of solution was added and incubated for 1-2 hr. The enzyme β-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase was added at 1 unit/100 ml of polysaccharide solution. Proteinase K was added and incubated at 56° C. and pH 9.5-10.5 for 2-4 hr. Total enzymatic reaction was completed within 6-8 hrs. All enzymes used were recombinant enzymes. After the enzymatic treatment, acetic acid (2M) was used to reduce the pH of the solution to 3.5-4.5, precipitates were removed by depth filtration and pH of the polysaccharide solution was adjusted to pH 7.0. Clarified polysaccharide solution was concentrated and diafiltered by 50 kDa-100 kDa PES membrane using 0.9% saline, followed by 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 7.4-7.6). Column Chromatography Using CAPTO™ Adhere Resin Final purification of polysaccharide was achieved in simple flow-through mode using CAPTO™ Adhere resin chromatography and finally eluted by using 50 mM sodium phosphate+1.0M NaCl at pH 7.4-7.6. Results are shown in Table 1 andFIG. 1. TABLE 1Purification ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeand Group BStreptococcuspolysaccharide serotypesCell wallpoly-saccharide(CWPS)WHOor Group BTRSWHOSEC-carbo-PS% PS%%%TRSHPLChydrateserotypeRecoveryProteinProteinNA% NAkDaby1H NMR3780.857.5%0.102>800<1%19F650.283%0.042>300<1%1680.6520.032>300<1.5%Ia650.753%0.182>300BelowdetectionlimitIII700.653%0.332>3000.5%V700.603%0.352>400BelowdetectionlimitNote:% PS recovery was calculated from initial crude PS in fermenter Purification Strategy-2 (for Gram-Negative Bacteria) Polysaccharide purification using Enzyme cocktail containing benzonase, Proteinase K followed by tangential flow filtration (TFF), and multimodal anion-exchanger CAPTO™ Adhere Resin Chromatography and/or LPS removal by ENDOTRAP®-HD resin. Multiple serotypes polysaccharides either fromH. influenzae, N. meningitis, S. typhimuriumserotypes were purified. All polysaccharides purified met or exceeded the criterion of WHO/or BP/or EP criterion for polysaccharide purity. Endotoxin removal steps were used to remove residual endotoxins. Multimodal chromatography was kept optional to remove the residual enzymes which were used during purification steps. Cell Separation, Concentration by Tangential Ultrafiltration. After cultivation of bacteria, the fermented liquid was inactivated by 0.15% deoxycholate or by 0.6% formaldehyde. Cells were removed by either decanting and/or centrifugation, and cell-free clarified broth was concentrated and diafiltered using 50 kDa-100 kDa PES membrane using 0.9% saline, followed by Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM, pH 7.0). Enzymatic Treatment and Second Concentration by Tangential Ultrafiltration. The pH of the polysaccharide solution was raised from 7.0 to 8.5-8.8, 2 mM MgCl2was added and incubated at 37° C. for 15 minutes at 50-75 rpm. The enzyme benzonase was added at 10-20 unit per ml of PS solution and the solution was incubated for 1-2 hr. Proteinase K was added and incubated at 45° C. at pH 9.5-10.5 for 2-4 hr. Total enzymatic reaction was completed within 6-8 hrs. All enzymes used were recombinant enzymes. After enzymatic treatment, acetic acid (2M) was used to reduce the pH of the solution to 3.5-4.5. Precipitates were removed by depth filtration and pH of the polysaccharide solution was adjusted to pH 7.0. Clarified polysaccharide solution was concentrated and diafiltered by 50 kDa-100 kDa PES membrane using 0.2% DOC and 1-2 mM EDTA, followed by 50 mM Na-phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 6.0-6.4) to reduce Endotoxin impurity. Endotoxin Removal Using Endotrap HD Resin Residual endotoxin in the polysaccharide solution was removed by using ENDOTRAP®-HD resin (endotoxin removal resin; Hyglos GmbH, Germany) in a simple flow-through mode. Buffers used are either 100-200 mM TRIS or HEPES at pH 6.4-7.4 with 50-80 mM NaCl. Calcium ions and EDTA present in the buffer also enhanced removal of endotoxin. ENDOTRAP®-HD resin can be used several times after regeneration. Column Chromatography Using CAPTO™ Adhere Resin Purification of polysaccharide was achieved in simple flow-through mode using CAPTO™ Adhere resin chromatography and eluted by using 50 mM sodium phosphate+1.0M NaCl at pH 7.4-7.6. This chromatography steps were kept optional if residual enzymes activity was observed and also if any leakage from ENDOTRAP®-HD resin was observed. Results are shown in Table 2 andFIG. 2. TABLE 2Purification ofH. influenzaetype a/b,N. meningitistype W-135, andS. typhipolysaccharideEndotoxin% Recovery% Protein% NAEU/pg of PSPS serotype(WHO TRS)(WHO TRS)(WHO TRS)SEC-HPLC Kd(WHO TRS)H. Influenzae70<0.3<0.05>4001 Eu/μg of PStype b(<1%)(<1%)(10 Eu/μg)H. Influenzae75<0.1<0.03>6001 Eu/μg of PStype a(<1%)(<1%)(10 Eu/μg)S. typhi65<1.0<0.5>6005 Eu/μg of PS(<3%)(<2%)(10 Eu/μg)N. meningitis75<1.0<0.5>4005 Eu/μg of PSW-135(<3%)(<1%)(10 Eu/μg) Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of” includes the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

0A

61

K

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As is understood from the above given description, the most characteristic feature of the inventive method consists in step (b) in which the starting diorganosiloxane oligomer with admixture of an alkali catalyst and water is heated under a controlled water-vapor pressure, which pressure is selected in accord with the desired viscosity of the diorganopolysiloxane product of the general formula (I), until the equilibrium in the siloxane rearrangement reaction is established. When this unique measure is undertaken, it is no longer necessary that the content of water or hydroxy and/or hydrolyzable groups in the diorganosiloxane oligomer as the starting material is exactly controlled depending on the desired viscosity of the product. In other words, the present invention proposes a very simple and convenient means to obtain a silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane having a desired viscosity by merely controlling the water-vapor pressure under which the siloxane rearrangement reaction is conducted and brought into equilibrium in place of the troublesome measure of exactly controlling the content of water and/or hydroxy groups in the starting materials taking a large labor and time. The starting material used in the inventive method is a diorganosiloxane oligomer which may have a cyclic or linear molecular structure as expressed by the above given general formulas (II) and (III), respectively. A cyclic oligomer and a linear oligomer can be used in combination. In the formulas (II) and (III), the symbol R denotes an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent lower hydrocarbon group exemplified by alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl groups, alkenyl groups such as vinyl and allyl groups and aryl groups such as phenyl and tolyl groups as well as those substituted groups obtained by replacing a part or all of the hydrogen atoms in the above named hydrocarbon groups with halogen atoms, cyano groups and the like such as chloromethyl, 2-cyanoethyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups. The symbol R.sup.1 in the general formula (III) denotes a hydroxy group or a hydrolyzable group which may be an alkoxy group, e.g., methoxy and ethoxy groups, or a chlorine atom bonded to the terminal silicon atom. The subscript x is the degree of polymerization of the Cyclic oligomer and has a value in the range from 3 to 6 although this upper limit is not particularly limitative but is given by the practical reason that a cyclic oligomer having a degree of polymerization larger than 6 is hardly obtained. The subscript y is a positive integer which is not particularly limitative but it is of course that, when a linear oligomer alone is used as the starting material, the value of y as an average differs from the value of n which specifies the average degree of polymerization of the diorganopolysiloxane product represented by the general formula (I). These diorganosiloxane oligomers can be prepared according to a method well established in the art of silicone products from a diorgano dichlorosilane or a mixture of diorgano dichlorosilanes by the (co)hydrolysis or (co)alcoholysis reaction followed by the silanol condensation or dealcoholation condensation reaction. The thus obtained product is usually a mixture of several different kinds of diorganosiloxane oligomers and can be used as such as the starting material. The product also usually contains a small amount of water but, advantageously, it is not always necessary in the inventive method that the water-containing diorganosiloxane oligomer is subjected to a dehydration treatment beforehand as in the prior art method. In step (a) of the inventive method, the above described diorganosiloxane oligomer or a mixture of oligomers is admixed with an alkaline compound as the catalyst for the siloxane rearrangement reaction. Alkaline compounds suitable as the catalyst are well known in the prior art and include, for example, hydroxides and silanolates of alkali metals such as sodium and potassium. The amount of the alkaline compound added to the reaction mixture as the catalyst is usually in the range from 50 to 500 ppm by weight based on the amount of the diorganosiloxane oligomer as the starting material. When the amount of the alkaline compound is too small, the velocity of the reaction would be unduly decreased. When the amount thereof is too large, on the other hand, a correspondingly large amount of salt is formed in the reaction mixture in the succeeding step (c) for the neutralization of the alkaline compound to cause a difficulty in the removal of the precipitated salt. The diorganosiloxane oligomer as the starting material with admixture of an alkali catalyst is heated in a hermetically sealable vessel to effect the siloxane rearrangement reaction. The temperature of heating is in the range from 50.degree. to 250.degree. C. or, preferably, from 150.degree. to 200.degree. C. When a diorganosiloxane oligomer of a linear molecular structure is used as the starting material and at least a part of the end groups denoted by R.sup.1 are hydrolyzable groups such as alkoxy groups, it is advantageous that the temperature is 170.degree. C. or higher in order to facilitate concurrent hydrolysis and removal of the hydrolyzable groups. The length of time for this heating treatment is usually from 20 minutes to 2 hours although the exact length of time depends on the temperature. For example, 30 minutes of the heating time would be sufficient at a temperature of 170.degree. C. Namely, the hydrolyzable groups are readily hydrolyzed by the water introduced into the reaction mixture to form a silanolic hydroxy groups at the molecular chain ends and the hydrolysis product, e.g., an alcohol from alkoxy groups, is dissipated out of the reaction mixture as being carried by the water vapor. The amount of water here introduced into the reaction mixture should be sufficient so that the amount of the diorganopolysiloxane distilled out as being carried by the water vapor is at least 15% by weight based on the total amount of the diorganosiloxane oligomers used as the starting material. When the amount of water introduced into the mixture is too small not to carry out a sufficient amount of the siloxane as the distillate, removal of the hydrolyzable groups would be incomplete. The diorganopolysiloxane distilled out of the reaction mixture can be discarded but it would be advantageous that the distillate is returned to the reaction mixture after stripping of the hydrolysis products such as an alcohol from alkoxy groups or hydrogen chloride from chlorine atoms. In step (b) of the inventive method, the starting reaction mixture containing the alkaline compound as the catalyst is heated in the presence of water while the pressure of water vapor above the reaction mixture is controlled at a value corresponding to the desired viscosity of the diorganopolysiloxane product until an equilibrium of the siloxane rearrangement reaction is established. It is not always necessary that the pressure of water vapor is controlled throughout the heating procedure but the pressure is controlled for some length of time just before the termination of the reaction at equilibrium. For example, the reaction is performed first under an uncontrolled or atmospheric pressure for several hours and then the vessel is closed and the pressure inside the vessel is controlled at a desired value for 30 minutes to establish the equilibrium. It is optional according to need that an additional amount of the alkali catalyst is introduced into the reaction mixture prior to heating under a controlled water-vapor pressure. As is mentioned before, it is an unexpected discovery that the silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane prepared by the siloxane rearrangement reaction has a definite viscosity when heating of the reaction mixture is conducted under a controlled water-vapor pressure as mentioned above regardless of the content of water and/or hydroxy groups in the starting diorganosiloxane oligomers provided that the content thereof is adequate assuming a definite reaction temperature. Namely, the viscosity of the silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane product is a function of the water-vapor pressure and temperature in the siloxane rearrangement reaction so that the viscosity of the product can be reproducibly controlled by merely controlling the water-vapor pressure under which the reaction is undertaken at a definite temperature. The figure of the accompanying drawing graphically shows the viscosity at 25.degree. C. of the silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane product obtained by the reaction carried out at 170.degree. C. as a function of the water-vapor pressure under which the reaction is brought into equilibrium. It is understood from the graph that a silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane having a viscosity of up to 100,000 centistokes at 25.degree. C. can be prepared by controlling the water-vapor pressure during the reaction in the range from 200 Torr to 10 kg/cm.sup.2. When the starting reaction mixture of the diorganosiloxane oligomer or oligomers contains a large amount of water and/or hydroxy groups and the reaction is conducted in a closed vessel at a specified temperature, the pressure inside the vessel would exceed the target pressure so that it is necessary that the vessel is communicated with an evacuation system so as to bring the pressure in the gaseous phase into the target pressure determined by the temperature and the desired viscosity of the silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane product. When the content of water and/or hydroxy groups in the starting reaction mixture is too small, on the other hand, a corresponding amount of water either as liquid or as steam is introduced into the reaction vessel so as to increase the pressure up to the target value. It is desirable in this case that the gaseous space inside the reaction vessel is filled entirely with water vapor alone by excluding other gases. This is because presence of a gas other than water vapor in the atmosphere brings a bias into the value of pressure as determined with a pressure gauge necessitating a correction of the value of pressure as determined in order to obtain the true value of the water-vapor pressure which must be the target pressure. Otherwise, some unreliableness would be included in the determination of the water-vapor pressure resulting in eventually decreased reproducibility of the viscosity of the silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane products from run to run. A convenient method for removing gases other than water vapor is to add an excessive amount of water to the reaction mixture and the water is evaporated off the mixture carrying the gases other than water vapor before the reaction mixture is kept under a controlled water-vapor pressure. When the diorganosiloxane oligomer used as the starting material has hydrolyzable groups, the hydrolysis product of the hydrolyzable groups can be also removed simultaneously along with purging of the gases other than water vapor. As is mentioned before, it is not always necessary that the reaction mixture is heated under a controlled water-vapor pressure throughout the heating time but it is usually sufficient that the water-vapor pressure is controlled only during some length of time before the reaction is terminated and the alkali catalyst is neutralized. For example, the reaction under a controlled water-vapor pressure reaches equilibrium usually within 10 minutes to 2 hours or, in most cases, within 30 minutes to 1 hour. No additional advantages could be obtained by further extending the reaction time over the above mentioned upper limit. The reaction temperature is in the range from 50.degree. to 200.degree. C. When the reaction has reached equilibrium under a controlled water-vapor pressure, the alkali catalyst in the reaction mixture is neutralized by adding a neutralizing agent, such as an acid, to be deactivated. It is important here that the controlled water-vapor pressure above the reaction mixture is maintained as such until complete deactivation of the catalyst since otherwise a shift is caused in the equilibrium point corresponding to the altered water-vapor pressure so that the product may not have an exact viscosity as desired. After completion of neutralization of the alkali catalyst, the reaction mixture is freed from the precipitates of the salt formed by the neutralization of the alkali catalyst and then stripped of the volatile material including the low molecular-weight constituents in the equilibrated reaction mixture under reduced pressure so that a silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane having a desired viscosity can be obtained. Although the description above was given for the process of preparing a silanol-terminated diorganopolysiloxane having a linear molecular structure, the principle of the inventive method is of course applicable to any silanol-terminated organopolysiloxane such as those having a three-dimensional molecular structure comprising a small amount of trifunctional and tetrafunctional siloxane units. In the following, the method of the present invention is illustrated in more detail by way of examples, in which the terms of "parts" and "%" always refer to "parts by weight" and "% by weight", respectively. EXAMPLE 1 Into a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, condenser with a liquid receiver and jacket for heating medium were introduced 900 parts of a mixture of cyclic dimethylsiloxane oligomers mainly composed of the trimer, tetramer and pentamer as prepared by the hydrolysis of dimethyl dichlorosilane and the temperature thereof was controlled at 170.degree. to 175.degree. C. The thus heated mixture in the vessel was admixed with 1.08 parts of a 8.3% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide and agitated for 30 minutes at the same temperature so as to effect the ring-opening polymerization of the oligomers. Thereafter, steam was blown into the thus polymerized reaction mixture in the vessel for 2 hours at a rate of 30 parts per hour so as to replace the air and other gases in the vessel with water vapor. The reaction vessel was then closed and the reaction mixture therein was kept for further 30 minutes at 170.degree. C. under a pressure of 315 Torr followed by the introduction of ethylene chlorohydrin as a neutralizing agent and removal of the potassium salt formed by the neutralization and precipitated in the mixture. The thus obtained oily reaction product was stripped of the volatile matter under reduced pressure to give 780 parts of a silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane having a viscosity of 22,500 centistokes at 25.degree. C. EXAMPLE 2 Into a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, condenser with a liquid receiver and jacket for heating medium were introduced 540 parts of a mixture of cyclic dimethylsiloxane oligomers and 360 parts of a linear-chain dimethylpolysiloxane having an average degree of polymerization of about 80 and terminated at each molecular chain end mainly with a silanol group, of which the content of the methody groups was 280 ppm by weight, and the temperature of the mixture was controlled at 170.degree. to 175.degree. C. The thus heated mixture in the vessel was admixed with 1.08 parts of a 8.3% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide and agitated for 30 minutes at the same temperature so as to effect copolymerization of the cyclic and linear-chain oligomers by the ring-opening and siloxane rearrangement reactions. Thereafter, water was continuously introduced dropwise into the thus polymerized reaction mixture in the vessel over 3 hours at a rate of 30 parts per hour so as to replace the air and other gases in the vessel with water vapor along with removal of methyl alcohol formed by the hydrolysis of the methoxy groups in the starting linear-chain oligomer until the amount of the organosiloxane oligomer in the distillate had reached 142 parts. The content of the residual methoxy groups as the hydrolyzable groups was found to have been decreased to 10 ppm by weight or smaller. The reaction vessel was then closed and the reaction mixture therein was kept for further 30 minutes at 170.degree. C. under a pressure of 330 Torr followed by the introduction of ethylene chlorohydrin as a neutralizing agent and removal of the potassium salt formed by the neutralization and precipitated in the mixture. The thus obtained oily reaction product was stripped of the volatile matter under reduced pressure to give 656 parts of a silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane having a viscosity of 21,400 centistokes at 25.degree. C. with good reproducibility. EXAMPLE 3 The procedure was substantially the same as in Example 2 except that the reaction mixture before neutralization of the alkaline catalyst was kept at 170.degree. C. for 30 minutes under a pressure of 430 Torr instead of 330 Torr. The resulting silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane had a viscosity of 11,500 centistokes at 25.degree. C. EXAMPLE 4 The procedure was substantially the same as in Example 2 except that reaction mixture after the polymerization reaction was admixed with water dropwise at a rate of 30 parts per hour over 30 minutes instead of 3 hours and the reaction mixture before neutralization of the alkali catalyst was kept at 170.degree. C. for 30 minutes under a pressure of 640 Torr instead of 330 Torr. The resulting silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane had a viscosity of 4,070 centistokes at 25.degree. C. EXAMPLE 5 A reaction mixture composed of the same amounts of the same cyclic and linear-chain dimethylsiloxane oligomers as used in Example 2 and heated at 175.degree. to 185.degree. C. was admixed with 0.9 part of a 10% aqueous solution of potassium silanolate to effect the polymerization reaction for 30 minutes at the same temperature. While the thus polymerized reaction mixture was kept at the same temperature, water was continuously added dropwise to the mixture at a rate of 10 parts per hour. The content of the methoxy groups as the hydrolyzable groups in the reaction mixture was decreased to 20 ppm by weight and to 10 ppm by weight or smaller when the amount of the siloxane oligomers in the distillate amounted 71.5 parts and 140.5 parts, respectively. The reaction vessel was then closed and the reaction mixture therein was kept for further 30 minutes at 170.degree. C. under a pressure of 315 Torr followed by the introduction of ethylene chlorohydrin as a neutralizing agent and removal of the potassium salt formed by the neutralization and precipitated in the mixture. The thus obtained oily reaction product was stripped of the volatile matter under reduced pressure to give 660 parts of a silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane having a viscosity of 22,300 centistokes at 25.degree. C. with good reproducibility.

2C

08

G

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The relay shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 comprises a first half-shell 1 and a second half-shell 2. The half-shell 1 is formed by extrusion coating of a coil 3, and the second half-shell is formed by extrusion coating of a spring support 21 as well as mating contact elements 22 and 23. An L-shaped contact spring 4 is attached to the spring support 21 and, for its part, is fitted with an armature 5. Each of the ends of the armature 5, which is bent roughly in a Z-shape, forms an air gap with two pole surfaces 63 and 64 of the pole plates 61 and 62, which are part of a U-shaped core 6, but in which case the pole plate or core 6 and plate 6162 is bent upward out of the core plane. During manufacture, the coil is produced first of all by extrusion coating the center section of the core 6 with a thermoplastic, thus forming a coil former 31. The pole plates 61 and 62 are kept free during this process. Furthermore, two coil connections 32 and 33 are molded into the coil former, to be precise such that not only the connecting pins 32a and 33a which point outward but also the inner connecting surfaces 32b and 33b, which are intended to make contact with the winding ends, remain free of the embedding agent. After a coil winding 34 has been fitted on the coil former, the ends of the winding are connected to the connecting surfaces 32b and 33b. The winding ends are in this case routed such that they are protected behind ribs 35 in channels 36 in the coil former. The entire coil is then once again extrusion coated, in order in this way to produce the first half-shell according to FIG. 3. The pole surfaces 63 and 64 of the pole plates 61 and 62 also remain free of this extrusion coating, while the other parts, in particular the coil winding 34 as well, are embedded in the plastic 11 of the first half-shell 1. The coil connecting pins 32a and 33a are passed to the outside in a sealed manner in this repeated embedding process, where, according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, they can be bent downward into the shape of the pins 32 and 33 or, in a manner not illustrated, they can also be bent in a horizontal plane in order to form connections for surface-mounted devices. As already mentioned, the second half-shell 2 is produced by extrusion coating of the spring support 21 and the mating contact elements 22 and 23, with a cavity being left free for the coil and the moving armature/contact spring unit. In this case, each of the mating contact elements has a connecting pin 22a or 23a, respectively, which is routed in a sealed manner to the outside, while fixed contact sections 22b and 23b, respectively, in the interior are each provided with a noble-metal contact layer 22c or 23c (see FIG. 9), respectively. In the present example, the contact material is plated as an inlay into the surface of the respective contact element, so that it can easily be covered by extrusion coating. Otherwise, different technologies for applying the contact material would also be conceivable. Instead of the two mating contact elements 22 and 23, only one mating contact element could, of course, also be provided in order to form a break contact or a make contact. The contact spring (FIG. 4), which is an L-shaped design, has a first spring limb 41 which extends at the end in front of the coil, as well as a second spring limb 42, which extends at the side alongside the coil underneath the armature and is fitted with a moving contact 43 (FIG. 6 or FIG. 9). The first spring limb 41 is attached via a fastening lug 44, which is bent upward, to the spring support 21 via a welded joint 46 according to FIG. 4 or via a clamping claw 45 according to FIG. 8. This connection technique means that the height at which the contact spring 4 is mounted on the spring support 21 is variable, which also means that it is possible to adjust the position of the second spring limb 42 with respect to the mating contact elements. In this way, it is possible to influence the armature restoring force and the force when the contact is in the rest state, during the assembly process, in order to compensate for the tolerances. Before attaching the contact spring to the spring support 21, it is connected to the armature 5, which can be done in an electrically conductive manner, for example according to FIG. 6, via a welded joint 51. If there is intended to be insulation between the contact spring and the magnet system, then the connection can be produced by a dielectric sheath 52 according to FIG. 7. For certain applications, it is also possible for the current to the contact spring to be carried via a braid. Thus, for example, higher control levels can be carried via such a braid with low resistance to the contact point, in order to avoid excessive heating of the spring. When the two half-shells 1 and 2 (see FIG. 9) are being joined together, a circumferential wall 12 engages like a box lid over the lower housing part 2 which, for this purpose, has a web 24 running round on the inside. In order to achieve accurate adjustment of the distances between the magnet system and the contact system, one of the housing parts also has a circumferential rib 25 which is deformed by means of ultrasound during the joining process and produces the sealed connection between the two half-shells. In this case, the seal-in voltage of the armature is measured while the two half-shells are being joined, the armature being attracted to the pole surfaces 63 and 64 of the pole plates 61 and 62. As soon as the seal-in voltage reaches a predetermined level as a measure of the amount of erosion or the overtravel of the contact, the joining process is ended. The relay is thus adjusted and at the same time sealed. FIG. 10 shows a variant of the relay from FIG. 1. In this case, the two half-shells 101 and 102 are not connected in a single joint plane, but with mutually stepped joint planes 103 and 104. The internal construction of the relay is the same as in the previous example, apart from the fact that a mating contact element, namely a make-mating contact plate 105 is molded with its connecting pin 105a into the first half-shell with the magnet system. In this case, the distance between the mating contacts can be influenced during the process of joining the two half-shells. In this variant, an injection-molding mold without a slide can be used to provide both welded, riveted and inlay contacts on the mating contact elements. By virtue of the use of relatively flat parts, the construction of the relay also permits other embodiments of the connection geometry, so that the connections can also emerge from the housing on only one relay side. Such an option is shown in FIG. 11, in which case a first half-shell 110 is fitted with the contact elements with connecting pins 111, 112 and 113, and a second half-shell 120 is fitted with the magnet system with the coil connecting pins 121 and 122. Such a relay requires only a small base area for plugging in or for soldering. A blader plug could, of course, also be provided instead of the solder connecting pins in FIG. 11. As has already been mentioned earlier, the connecting pins are, of course, also designed as SMD connections for surface mounting.

7H

01

H

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The inventors have developed a method and apparatus for conducting improved fiber optic signature recognition. The apparatus and method reduce the overhead of monitoring the cable run in its entirety, by identifying sections or zones that are under authorized maintenance. In those sections, active monitoring is not required or disturbances are ignored. The invention includes an oscillator box mechanically connected to the ground for generating known prearranged disturbance vibrations in the area where authorized maintenance is taking place. These prearranged vibrations are picked up by a Fiber Threat Analysis System (FTAS) and recognized as a non threat. A location of the known vibration is determined, and the system establishes a zone of non-threatening disturbances based on that location. In the zone further disturbances may be either ignored or not monitored. In one version of the invention the oscillator box includes a metallic box with a vibrating rod that will tamp out signals or vibrations into the ground at a known rate and pattern. Another version of the apparatus can be attached to a piece of construction equipment such that the vibration can be transmitted into the ground though the wheels or tracks of the vehicle. A third version of the apparatus sits on a metal plate on the ground. The unit includes a motor under the control of a crystal to generate an oscillatory frequency. The unit has a rechargeable battery power supply that operates the motor driven parts. The method may also be used in perimeter monitoring to secure a border. The method monitors disturbances along a fiber cable that is buried in the ground along a border perimeter. Disturbances are detected and notifications sent to a monitoring system to keep the area secure. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes the crystal controlled vibrator rod, a plurality of controls for operation, a battery box, a fiber cable and a fiber monitoring system. This apparatus provides a set of prearranged disturbances from crystal controlled oscillations and has them vibrate into the ground from the oscillator.FIG. 1shows an embodiment of schematic representation of a disturbance generating device and monitoring system according to one embodiment of the invention. The oscillator device100includes a vibrating rod110that is inserted into the ground127. A plurality of controls for operation115, including a crystal, is embedded in the oscillator device100. A battery box125is a rechargeable battery power supply that operates the motor driven vibrating rod110. The battery box125may be connected to a vehicle for power. Signals in the form of low frequency ground vibrations120from the vibrator rod110enter the ground127around the fiber cable130. The vibrating rod can be inserted into the ground so that it generates a strong enough signal to create a known disturbance to the fiber cable. The rod is placed in the ground by a maintenance crew, for example, before beginning work near the fiber cable130. The vibrating rod110tamps out a defined pattern that is recognized by the fiber analysis system135. The vibration pattern is controlled via a frequency pattern generated by the crystal. This crystal holds the vibration to a known frequency pattern, making the vibration identifiable. These identifiable vibration patterns are designed to match the prearranged signals stored in the fiber analysis system. The FTAS includes a memory such as data storage136containing representations of the known, prearranged signals. The FTAS also includes a processor137for executing steps according to methods of the invention. The memory may also contain instructions for executing those methods of the invention. The fiber analysis unit does not require an exact match of signals. For example, the low frequency ground vibration signal from the oscillator device may vary dependent on soil conditions. There are areas where the soil may be tightly packed or other areas where the soil is somewhat looser. The fiber analysis unit does the match taking environmental conditions into account. The fiber analysis unit135detects vibration on cable130and if it is determined to be a match, labels it a non threat to the cable130. A low frequency vibration ground disturbance creator shown in the field according to another embodiment of the invention is shown inFIG. 2. Two authorized maintenance vehicles205are shown working the area around the cable230. They are excavating the ground227as during regular maintenance procedures. Each maintenance vehicle205has attached to it a crystal controlled oscillator200. The oscillator200is connected to the ground227in the immediate vicinity of the cable230. The cable is connected to the (FTAS) Fiber Threat Analysis System235. The FTAS235, upon recognizing vibrations from the oscillator200as the prearranged vibration pattern, sends messages to the service terminal245as a notification that the disturbance is a non threat. Scheduled maintenance work on the cable230is being performed by trusted contractors205. The maintenance vehicles205carry an oscillator200to identify them as non-threats. As the contractors205work, the oscillator200generates a known disturbance into the ground identifying these vibrations as friendly thus avoiding the need to monitor this section of the cable for threats. The known vibration is picked up by the FTAS235which identifies the vibration as a non threat and sends the notification of non threat240to the monitoring device245. The method furthermore reduces the need for monitoring areas where friendly personnel are working in the area of the fiber cable. It also requires no special knowledge of the monitoring organization; for example, human monitors do not need to understand disturbance signals or the signal recognition system. The method greatly reduces the overhead in monitoring a cable route and the time to determine that a disturbance is of a non threatening nature. FIG. 3depicts the oscillatory device situated on a metal plate placed on the ground. Oscillations are generated in the oscillatory box300. The vibrations travel into the metal plate310and directly vibrate into the ground320. These signals330travel as low frequency vibrations through the ground320where they contact the fiber cable340. An exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the flow chart ofFIG. 4. In a first step400of the method, a first optical signal is received including a light pattern caused by a first low frequency ground vibration. The following two steps410and420are performed by the fiber analysis unit. The fiber analysis unit determines that the first optical signal received is a prearranged signal indicating a non-threat410. That determination is made in a preferred embodiment by comparing the received light pattern to stored signal representations. It then determines the location for the first low frequency ground vibration420. The location may be determined for example, using the techniques described in the '114 patent, discussed above. The next two steps430and440process a second received signal. The fiber analysis unit received a second optical signal430along the fiber. It then determines the location of the second signal440. The fiber analysis unit now has the information it needs to determine if the locations of the 2 received signals are close450. If the signals are in the same location of the fiber cable, the second signal is labeled as non-threatening. In so doing the fiber analysis unit has effectively defined a zone of non-threatening disturbances at the location. This allows the fiber analysis system to monitor other areas of the fiber cable, and ignore this area as a friendly area. The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. For example, while the method of the invention is described herein with respect to a disturbance device attached to a piece of construction equipment or placed on or in the ground, the method and apparatus of the invention may be instead embodied by any apparatus that imparts vibrations into the ground. It is further noted that the invention is not limited to use with current technology fiber, as described in this specification, but can be used with any fiber cable technology existing today or developed in the future. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the present invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

6G

01

N

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1shows a power controller system10arranged to electrically supply a load20. The power controller system includes a circuit11comprising a switching device30provided in an electrical pathway31for supplying current to the load.20, The electrical pathway31includes an electrical supply40connected to the switching device30which, in turn, is connected to the load20. In practice, the electrical pathway31may generally comprise electrical cables or the like which may be several metres or several tens of metres long, depending upon the aircraft, and which inherently provide a certain amount of inductance indicated inFIG. 1by symbols numbered32. A controller50is arranged to open the switching device30when a current through or voltage across the switching device30exceeds a predetermined level, The controller50is preferably connected to the electrical pathway31to detect the current passing therethrough or voltage across the switching device30. The controller50may include a suitable control means such as a micro processor to open the switching device30when the detected current or voltage exceeds the predetermined level. The switching device30may be any suitable device such as a transistor, for example a MOSFET, a MEMS or an electro-mechanical switch for example. An electrical pathway60is provided parallel to the load20. When the controller50opens the switching device30, disconnecting the supply40from the load20, current is able to continue to flow through the parallel electrical pathway60and the load20as indicated by the arrow61to dissipate inductive energy32stored in the circuit connecting the parallel electrical pathway60to the load20, The circuit will typically be formed from cables or the like. The parallel electrical pathway60may include a diode62to ensure that current continues to flow through the load20in the same direction as when the switch30was closed. The controller50is preferably arranged to close the switching device30again after a predetermined, period of time. This predetermined period of time will be dependent upon the amount of inductance in the circuit connecting the parallel electrical pathway60to the load20and the likely duration of a transient event, such as a lightning strike or the time for a fault to be automatically corrected. This predetermined period of time may, for example, be a few microseconds, tens of microseconds or longer depending upon the amount of inductance in the system, which may be parasitic or may include the effect of added components, The inductance in the circuit connecting the parallel electrical pathway60to the load20may be appropriate to provide sufficient time for a current to be maintained as indicated by arrow61such that the transient event will have substantially subsided by the time that the switch30is closed again. However, if necessary additional inductances may be provided between the load20and the parallel pathway60. After this predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller50closes the switching device30so that electrical power may again be provided by the supply40. This will refresh the inductance in the circuitry connecting the load20to the parallel electrical pathway60. However, if the current through or voltage across the switching device30still exceeds the predetermined level, the controller50will open the switching device again such that the inductive energy32provided in the circuitry or cabling connecting the parallel electrical paths60and the load20will again be dissipated, The controller may continue to turn the switching device30on and, off until the transient event has passed or the fault has been corrected. The example illustrated inFIG. 1enables current to be continued to be supplied to a load20even in the event of a transient event, such as a lightning strike or a fault. This is of particular importance where it is desired to continue to supply a load even in the event of such a transient lightning strike or fault, for example in essential components in an aircraft such as cockpit or engine controls. This is achieved without having to over-engineer switching components as in the prior art, reducing costs and weight. FIG. 2illustrates the current ISthrough the switching device30and the voltage VSacross the switching device30during the switching on and off of the switching device30. As can be seen fromFIG. 2, with the switching device30closed there is a current ISthrough it and no voltage VSacross it. However, when a fault is detected with a current or voltage exceeding a predetermined level, the switching device30is opened such that there is no longer any current ISthrough the switching device30and a voltage VSis then provided across it. A current then flows through the parallel electrical pathway60. After a predetermined period of time, during which the transient will have subsided considerably, the controller50closes the switching device30again resuming the current ISthrough the switching device30and ceasing the flow of current through the parallel electrical pathway60. If it is found that the voltage across or current through the switching device30still exceeds the predetermined level the switching30is opened for a second time. If necessary, the switching device30can be repeatedly opened and closed until the fault condition has subsided. Each closing of the switching device30will refresh the inductance32in the circuit, such as cables, connecting the load20with the parallel electrical pathway60. FIG. 3is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a power controller system of an embodiment of the present invention. At time step100the controller50detects whether there is an over current or voltage condition. If there is an over current or voltage deleted, at step200the switching device30is opened ceasing the flow of current from the generator or supply40. Whilst the switching device30is open, current continues to flow through the load20due to the inductance of the circuit31and the parallel electrical pathway60. At step300the controller closes the switching device30after a predetermined period of time after which the transient is likely to have subsided considerably. After closing the switching device30, the controller50returns to step100at which it determines if there is an over current or over voltage condition at the switching device30. If the transient has subsided sufficiently for the current through or voltage across the switching device30to be less than the predetermined levels, the switching device30remains closed. However, if the current through or voltage the switching device30is still above the predetermined level the sequence of steps200,300illustrated, inFIG. 3is repeated. FIG. 4shows a more detailed example of a power controller system illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen fromFIG. 4, many of the components are equivalent to those shown inFIG. 1and are provided with the same reference numerals. The power controller system illustrated inFIG. 4shows a possible architecture for a plus/minus 270 V DC distribution system. The switching devices30in this example are MOSFETs, but other switching devices such as MEMs or IGBTS may be used. During a fault transient scenario such as a lightning strike, when the current through the MOSFETs30exceeds a predetermined level (for example, 10 times the intended protection current) MOSFETs30will be commanded off by the controller50. During this time the load current will continue to flow through the commutation diodes62dissipating the inductive energy stored in the cables and any inductive elements32connecting the system to the load20. Diodes33and capacitors34are configured to form clamping circuits for the power controller system illustrated inFIG. 4. The switching devices30will be commanded back on by the controller50a short duration later, by which time the transient will have subsided considerably. The net effect is that the load current was not interrupted during the transient and the full transient energy was not experienced by the MOSFETs, This technique provides the capability of a digital current limit for electrical power distribution purposes, removing the need for over engineering the switching components thus saving cost and weight. Many variations may he made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any number of loads20may be provided in the circuit or any number of circuits may be provided. Although described with reference to examples in the aviation industry, embodiments the present invention may be used in a power controller system in any application, for example a ship, a vehicle, a factory, a power supply grid or the home.

7H

02

H

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now toFIG. 1, a top loading washing machine10suitable for use with the present invention includes a lid12opening upward about a horizontal lid hinge axis14. The lid hinge axis14is positioned near the top rear edge of the washing machine10so that a front edge16of the lid12may raise and lower to expose and cover an opening20through which clothing may be inserted into the spin basket. A front-loading washing machine (not shown) is also suitable for use with the present invention as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Referring now toFIG. 2, when the lid12is in the closed position, it sits within a lid well18having vertical walls32surrounding vertical walls22of the lid12and having a horizontal ledge19on which the lower surface of the lid12may rest. A vertical wall22of the lid12near a front edge16of the lid12provides a strike plate24having a bolt hole26. Referring also toFIG. 3, the bolt hole26is sized to receive a tooth portion28of a lateral extension40of a hook30passing horizontally through a vertical wall32of the lid well18opposite the strike plate24when the lid12is closed. When the tooth portion28is engaged in the bolt hole26, the lid12may not be raised vertically as indicated by arrow36as a result of the lower edge of the bolt hole26interfering with a lower edge of the tooth portion28. The tooth portion28extends from shoulders34which flank the tooth portion28and are sized to be larger than the bolt hole26so that the shoulders34may not pass through the bolt hole26. When the lid12is closed, the shoulders34limit the amount that the hook30may extend through the bolt hole26and thus limit the length of extension of the hook30from the vertical wall32of the lid well18. When the lid12is open, however, the shoulders34may move further in extension as will be described. Referring also toFIG. 4, the lateral extension40of the hook30is connected to a radial portion42to form a hook pivoting, as indicated by arrow45, about a rotation axis44where the hook is attached to an axle46. The axle46is supported for rotation within a housing48of a locking mechanism positioned beneath the lid well18. Referring now toFIG. 3, as will be discussed in detail below, the hook30communicates via the axle46(shown schematically inFIG. 3) with a contact set52. The contact set52provides a three position switch in which two poles54aand54bconnecting to respective terminals56aand56bin a center position (B) and disconnect from terminals56bin left and right positions (C) and (A), respectively. Where the poles54aand54bare joined to each other so that in position (B), a closed circuit is presented across terminals56aand56band in positions (A) and (C), an open circuit is presented across terminals56aand56b. These three switch positions (A), (B), and (C) correspond to three positions (A′), (B′), and (C′) of the hook30. The first hook position (A′) is where the forward tooth portion28of the hook30remains retracted behind the vertical wall32of the lid well18. The hook30may be in this position prior to the hook30being actuated or if the hook has been actuated, but was obstructed or jammed, or if the actuator fails. In this position, an open circuit is presented across terminals56aand56b. The second hook position (B′) is where tooth portion28of the hook30extends through the bolt hole26and the shoulders34of the hook abut strike plate24. The hook30will be in this position if the lid12is closed and the hook30is actuated. In this position, the lid12is locked and a closed circuit is presented across terminals56aand56b. The third hook position (C′) is where tooth portion28and the shoulders34of the hook30extends past the position normally occupied by the strike plate24as may occur if the lid12is open at the time of actuation of the hook30. In this position, an open circuit is presented across terminals56aand56b. Thus, it will be understood that a proper locking of the lid by the hook30is indicated by a closed circuit across terminals56aand56b, whereas an open circuit across these terminals56aand56b, indicates either an obstruction of the hook30at the aperture in the vertical wall32or failure of the actuator or over-extension indicating that the lid12was not closed at the time of locking or an electrical break in the wiring communicating with the terminals56aand56b. Any of these latter open circuit conditions suggest that access may be had to the opening20leading to the spin basket of the washing machine and may be used to override the spin cycle, stopping it or preventing it from starting. Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, motion of the hook30along the lateral axis60causes rotation of the axle46within the housing48. The axle46includes two downward extending forks62aand62bthat engage tabs64on a carriage66. In this way, rotation of the axle46with motion of the hook30along the lateral axis causes motion of the carriage66on a carriage track65along lateral axis68parallel to lateral axis60. The carriage66supports a horseshoe conductor70fitted to the top of the carriage66having laterally extending arms that form throws54aand54b. The arm forming throw54aof the horseshoe conductor70extends along the lateral axis68over throw pads72a. The arm forming throw54bof the horseshoe conductor70extends along the lateral axis68over throw pads72b–72d. Throw pad72ais a conductive metallic plate connected to terminal56aand extending a distance along the lateral axis68sufficient so that it maintains contact with pole54afor the entire range of motion of the carriage66. Throw pad72cis a conductive metallic plate connected to terminal56band contacting pole54bonly when the hook30is in the second hook position (B). Throw pads72band72dare insulators that support the pole54bwhen the hook30is in the hook positions (A) and (C), respectively, providing no electrical connection to terminal56b. A helical compression spring80is girdled at a midpoint along its length by tabs82on the under side of the carriage66. The ends of the helical compression spring80are held by retaining posts83on opposed inside walls of carriage track65. The helical compression spring80in a relaxed state is longer than the separation of the retaining posts on the inside walls of the carriage track65so as to make the carriage66bi-stable in positions (A′) and (C′) corresponding to hook positions (A) and (C). Bi-stability means that the carriage66tends to move toward position (A′) when the carriage is near position (A′), and that the carriage66tends to move toward position (C′) when the carriage is near position (C′). When the carriage is in position (B′), it is also urged toward position (C′). Accordingly, referring again toFIG. 3, the hook30is stable in positions (A) and (C) when the lid12is open and is stable in positions (A) and (B) when the lid12is closed, the stability at position (B) being provided by the blocking action of the strike plate24. The carriage66is attached to an arm86extending from a metal slug88held within solenoids90aand90b. The solenoids90aand90bmay be alternatively energized through terminals92so that when solenoid90bis energized, the carriage66is pushed toward position (A′), and when solenoid90ais energized, the solenoid is pushed toward position (C′) and hence also (B′). In this way, the lid12may be alternately locked or unlocked by electrical signals through terminals92. Upon ceasing of the signals through terminals92, the hook30is held in its current state by the bi-stable mechanism of spring80. Referring now toFIG. 6, the housing48of the lid lock, near the axle46, has an upper surface100having a through-hole108passing vertically through the housing48, two blind registration holes110flanking the through hole108, and two upwardly extending posts106displaced to one side of the line defined by the through-hole108and registration holes110, the posts106being separated by approximately the spacing to the registration holes110. The posts106include vertically extending metal slugs (not shown inFIG. 6) providing flux directors as will be described. The upper surface100of the housing48fits against a lower surface102of the horizontal ledge19of the lid well18. A hole104may be cut in the horizontal ledge19to expose on the upper surface100the upwardly extending posts106, the through-hole108, and the two registration holes110. A cap112placed on the hole104extends partially therethrough to receive the posts106within a cavity of the cap112. Registration pins116and a boss118extend downwardly from the lower surface of the cap112to be received within the registration holes110and the through-hole108respectively. The boss118has a downwardly open threaded hole120. A machine screw122may be inserted upwardly through the through hole108from the bottom of the housing48to be received by the threaded hole120. Tightening of the threaded fastener122draws the housing48and cap112together sandwiching the horizontal ledge19there between and fixing the housing48to the washing machine10. Referring also toFIG. 7, the cap112may include a core128of rigid thermoplastic over-molded with a soft elastomer130to provide an outward cushioning for the lid12and yet a firm purchase for the threaded fastener122. The lid12of the washing machine10may be constructed of a shell of enameled steel having a concave lower surface receiving a plastic liner124providing a lower wall to the lid12. The liner124holds a bar magnet126on its inner surface where the bar magnet126may be shielded from exposure to water and the like. The bar magnet126is positioned so that when the lid12is closed against the horizontal ledge19, the bar magnet126rests above the cap112. Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the hole104in the horizontal ledge19of the washing machine10is sized to remove steel from a path between the magnet126and a reed switch131held in the housing48of the lid lock. The separation of the posts106extending up through the hole104(and thus the separation of the contained flux directors109) is set to be substantially the same as the length of the bar magnet126extending between and above them and comparable to a length of the magnetic reed switch131positioned at the lower ends of the flux directors109. When the lid12is closed, magnetic flux132is directed by the flux directors109to the reed switch131forming a complete magnetic circuit therewith. When the lid12is opened, the magnetic flux circuit is broken. The flux directors109allow displacement of the reed switch131deeper into the housing of the washing machine while still allowing the reed switch131to be activated with a magnet of modest size. The flux directors109also may serve to concentrate the magnetic flux132producing a better defined switching point as the lid is opened. The reed switch131may communicate with conductors134that connect with pins added to pins56and92as have been described to provide a lid closed signal for activation of other circuitry associated with the washing machine. Referring now toFIG. 8, the rotation axis44of axle46may be located directly below a point of engagement (contact interface) of the hook30and the lid12. As so located, upward motion of the lid12initially along tangent140produces an upward vector142on axle46creating minimal torque on the housing48and mostly upward force against the lower surface of the ledge19augmenting that provided by screw122(shown inFIG. 6). In addition, the contact interface (occurring between a lower surface of the tooth28of the hook30and the lower surface of the bolt hole26) is such as to impart no torque or a slight engaging torque (counterclockwise inFIG. 8)to thehook30about axis44with upward motion of the lid12. This is accomplished simply by ensuring that the slope at the contact interface is zero or slightly canted inward (toward the lid12) with respect to upward vector142. This design greatly simplifies construction of the lock mechanism and is particularly well suited for the bi-directional solenoid90described above because it allows the lock to function without continued activation of the solenoids90aor90b. The slight bi-stability added by the spring80described with respect to the contact set ofFIG. 5ensures that unintended movement with vibration and the like does not occur. Referring now toFIG. 9, sliding contact54, described above with respect toFIG. 5, may include a downwardly sloping spring portion150terminating in a substantially horizontal contact surface152followed by an upwardly sloping ramp portion154. As shown inFIG. 2, when the switch is in position (A), the horizontal contact surface152will be suspended in air or contacting an insulator. As shown inFIG. 2, when the switch is in position (B), the horizontal contact surface152will abut a corresponding horizontal contact surface156of stationary contact72. The area of the contact surfaces152and156may be large enough to provide desirable low contact resistance and suitable current carrying capability. Normally separation of the contact surfaces152and156with over travel would require over travel equal to the length of combined lateral extent of contact surfaces156and152would be required for full disengagement of the contacts54and72. In order to provide greater precision in detect angular changes in the hook30(tied to the contacts54) a cam surface160is located immediately following stationary contact72and formed of the material of the housing48also supporting stationary contact72. The cam surface160interacts with the ramp portion154of the sliding contact54moving the contacts54and72in separation in a transverse direction162perpendicular to the lateral sliding direction159. Thus a slight additional over travel motion completely separates the contacts without the need for them to slide laterally entirely out of engagement. It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.

3D

06

F

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is directed to provide a method of dispersing a water-soluble drug evenly into a hydrophobic polymer matrix by an emulsion method by using an oil-soluble surface active agent. The present invention is also directed to provide a method of manufacturing porous matrix-type controlled-release system containing an osmotically active, water-soluble drug which is released by an induced osmotic pressure across a pseudo-semipermeable polymer matrix and/or a surface active substance. The present invention has the following outstanding advantages: 1. Constant release rate of drug; 2. Controllable release rate of drug; and, 3. Very low residual drug. Due to a high porosity, most of the drug contained therein is released and a low osmotic pressure is needed to break the matrix wall surrounding the drug. To achieve the above objective and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as embodied and described, a method of manufacturing a porous matrix-type drug delivery system is provided. The system is constructed in such a manner that an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble drug is dispersed and stirred to be emulsified in an organic solution that contains a polymer compound and a surface active agent. After forming it to a desired matrix shape, the emulsion is lyophilized immediately or dried at room temperatures (16 to 30 C.) for a predetermined time (which can vary depending on the boiling point of the organic solution used) until the surface of the matrix is hardened. After the drying, vacuum-drying (below 0.75 mmHg) is performed to remove organic solvents and water. The polymer compounds which can be used as the matrix of the present invention are polylactide, lactide-glycolide copolymer, silicone rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyortho-ester copolymer, etc. Especially polylactide, lactide-glycolide polymer is suitable because it is widely used as biocompatible and biodegradable materials, as in the case of raw materials for suture materials. The polylactide used in this invention is a homopolymer having an average molecular weight of 100,000 (Polyscience. Inc of U.S., example 1,2,3), and the lactide-glycolide copolymer is Resomer RG858 (Boehringer Ingelheim of Germany, example 4). Ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc. of U.S. its vinyl-acetate is 33%, example 5), which does not decompose but its biocompatibility is excellent, is used. The surface-active agent of the present invention can be selected from a group consisting of fat-acid, olefin, alkylcarbonyl, silicon elastomer, sulfate ester, petty alcohol sulfate, sulfate pete and oil, sulfonic acid-base, fat sulfonate, alkylaryl sulfonate, ligmin sulfonate, phosphoric acid ester, polyoxyethylene, polyoxyethylene caster oil, polyglycerol, polyol, imidazol, altanolamine, hetamine, sulfobecamine, phosphotide, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan fat acid ester (Tween), sorbitan ester (Span), etc. and preferably, sorbitan monooleate (Span 80) of a sorbitan ester. Its concentration is preferable to be 0.1 to 5 wt % for the emulsion solution. The release rate of the drug, that is, drug release amount per time is changed depending on the kind and density of the surface active agent (example 2). The usage of the surface active agent is limited to above, wherein the emulsion is difficult to achieve below those density, and above those density, the release rate is too slow, and side-effects may occur in clinical applications. A variety of drugs can be used in the present invention. These include analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, vermicide, cardiovascular drugs, urological drugs, antibiotic agents, anticoagulating agents, antidepressant, diabetes treatment agents, antiepileptic agents, antihypertensive agents, antifebrile, hormones, antiasthmatic agents, bronchodilators, diuretics, digestive agents, sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, nutritional and tonic agents, antiseptic agents, preservation agents, stabilization agents, insecticide, disinfectant, muscle-relaxant, antituberculosis and antileprosy agents, vaccines, etc. Although it depends on the therapeutic concentration of the drug, water-soluble drugs where the solubility of which is over 1 mg/ml is preferable. When the solubility is low, the maximum drug loading achievable by the present invention is too small. As the organic solvents of the present invention, butyl alcohol, chloroform, cyclohexan, dichlorometan, dichloroethan, ethylacetate, ethylether, dipropylether, toluene, etc. can be used. The volume ratio of the aqueous solution and the organic solvent is preferable to be 1:2 1:40. The initial burst of the drug can be increased by increasing the volume ratio of the aqueous solution. The reason why the range of the volume ratio is set is that the high volume ratio of the solutions makes the emulsion formation difficult, and even when the emulsion is formed, the initial release amount of drug is too high. The shape of the matrix can be manufactured variously depending on the purpose, such as film, surface coating, pellet, tablet, plate, rod, etc. The emulsification can be achieved by using well-known tools such as stirrer, vortex mixer, homogenizer, ultrasonic device, microfluidizer, etc. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. EXAMPLE 1 A 50% aqueous gentamycin solution was poured into a polymer solution of dichloromethan having 16% of poly-L-lactide (weight averaged molecular weight of 100,000), and 3% of span 80 (wt %). The weight of gentamycin was 20% of the weight of poly-L-lactide. The mixture solution was evenly emulsified by using a vortex mixer, a stirrer and a sonicator. The emulsion was cast on a clean glass plate and the thickness was adjusted by using an applicator of 1 mm height. It was dried at room temperatures for 4 hrs. and then vacuum-dried for 24 hrs. to form a solid film. SEM pictures of the film were taken before and after the release of the drug. The porosity of the film was determined by the amount of water included in the emulsion. (FIG. 1 and 2 ). Drug Release Embodiment Except for the change of gentamycin concentration of the aqueous solution in example 1 to 25%, 35%, 50%, the films were manufactured in the same manner as example 1. The films were cut into same sizes, and the release rate was measured by immersing the films in PBS of pH 7.4. Comparative Example 1 Initial Release The initial release of drug was increased with the increase of the water amount in the emulsion. ( FIG. 3 ) Comparative Example 2 O-Order Release for Long Term After the period of initial release, zero-order release is maintained for a long-time. ( FIG. 4 ) EXAMPLE 2 Except for the change of gentamycin concentration of the aqueous solution in example 1 into 35%, and the change of span 80 concentration into 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 3%, the films were manufactured in the same way as example 1. The films were cut into same sizes and the drug was released in PBS of pH 7.4. The initial burst and release rate of the drugs were changed depending on the concentration of the span 80. ( FIG. 5 ) EXAMPLE 3 A 10% aqueous cefotaxime sodium solution was poured into a polymer solution of methylene chloride having 16 wt % of poly-L-lactide (average molecular weight of 100,000), and 1 wt % of span 80. The weight of the cefotaxime sodium was 20 wt % of the weight of lactide-glycolide copolymer. The mixture solution was evenly emulsified by using a vortex mixer, a stirrer and a sonicator. The emulsion was cast on a clean glass plate and the thickness was adjusted by using an applicator of 1 mm height. It was dried at room temperatures for 4 hrs. and then was vacuum-dried for 24 hrs. to form a solid film. SEM pictures of the film were taken before and after the release of the drug. The porosity of the film was determined by the amount of water included in the emulsion. ( FIG. 6 ) EXAMPLE 4 A 35 wt % aqueous gentamycin sulfate solution was put into a polymer solution of chloroform having 16 wt % of lactide-glycolide copolymer (Resomer RG858, Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany) and 1 wt % of span 80 or into a polymer solution of chloroform having 16 wt % of poly-D,L-lactid (Resomer R207, Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany), and 1 wt % of span 80. The weight of gentamycin sulfate was 20% of the weight of polymers. The mixture solution was evenly emulsified by using a vortex mixer, a stirrer and a sonicator. The emulsion was cast on a clean glass plate and the thickness was adjusted by using an applicator of 1 mm height. It was dried at room temperatures for 4 hrs. and then was vacuum-dried for 24 hrs. to form a solid film. The films were cut into same sizes and the drug was released in PBS of pH 7.4. The drug was also released in a controlled fashion even when using the lactide-glycolide copolymer or poly-D,L-lactide. Especially, the release rate of poly-D,L-lactide film was faster than that of poly-L-lactide film. ( FIG. 7 ) EXAMPLE 5 A 35 wt % aqueous gentamycin sulfate solution was put into a polymer solution of chloroform having 20 wt % of ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (weight averaged molecular amount 130,000, ethylene: vinylacetate 67:33), and 1 wt % of span 80. The weight of gentamycin sulfate was 20% of the weight of ethylene vinylacetate copolymer, The mixture solution was evenly emulsified by using a vortex mixer, a stirrer and a sonicator. The emulsion was cast on a clean glass plate and the thickness was adjusted by using an applicator of 1 mm height. It was dried at room temperatures for 4 hrs. and then vacuum-dried for 24 hrs. to form a solid film. SEM pictures of the film were taken before and after the release of the drug. The porosity of the film was determined by the amount of water included in the emulsion. ( FIG. 8 )

0A

61

K

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1shows a tufting machine10having first and second needles12,34, the first needle12having three distinct yarns14,16,18being directed through an eye20of a needle12. Second needle34and others may have similar or dissimilar numbers of distinct yarn directed therethrough. By being distinct, the yarns are preferably not connected together other than being bound together at and/or in the backing. (i.e., could one be pulled, the other(s) would remain where they were tufted unless the friction at the penetration of the single needle pulled the adjacent yarn(s)). These three yarns are representative in number (more or fewer could be provided with other embodiments) and other positions have one and even four yarns preferably then combined twisted together with a twist per inch less than enough to maintain the yarns as a single yarn once tufted as is shown inFIG. 2, so each of the yarns spread apart at least enough to distinguish the separate yarns14,16,18at least after if not during tufting whether it is tufted to provide a tufted loop or a cut loop as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 2shows an embodiment with a carpet design50with the combined yarns40being directed through a first position42. A second position44shows two yarns such as there are only being two yarns directed through a needle34, etc., as tufted through backing22inFIG. 1. To date, when tufting multiple yarns through an eye of a single needle such as the creel designs of the applicant's prior designs with non-solution dyed yarns (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,531,352, 5,613,613 and 6,895,877), the extent of the twist was not measured and was certainly less than one twist per thirty inches and, if any twisting was performed at all, was done in a random manner and likely in both directions of twist. Additionally, these designs were done with component yarns of the same twist rate and diameter, just different dye absorbing characteristics. With the applicant's current technology, a purposeful twist of at least one twist per every twenty four inches, if not every six inches, is provided, between individual yarns which are intended to separate from one another to be distinguishable as separate yarns after tufting. Many embodiments twist in a single direction amongst the component yarns. Furthermore, the amount of twist per inch is not so great, such as over six twists per inch, so as to cause the component yarns to be viewed after tufting as a single yarn. In fact, after tufting such as shown inFIG. 2, the yarns can be readily identifiable as individual yarns tufted just through a common perforation by a single needle12,34. Due to a preferable pre-determined twist, the adjacent nature of tufts provided through the tuft causes the relative placements of each of the specific yarn ends to move relative to one another, i.e., for location46, the tufts of yarns A,B,C is not the same radial as location42, yarns A, B and C will be located in different positions due to rotation in part aided by the twist. Specifically, they have a different angular relationship. For some embodiments, the amount of pre-determined twist could vary along the length of the combined yarns A, B and/or C as they proceed through the needle such as within a range of greater than about one twist per every twenty inches to about six twists per inch, but for many embodiments, such variation may not be desirable, or generate any additional effects than a pre-selected pre-determined twist. Twisting to provide the combined twist can be achieved with cabling equipment, twisting equipment and/or other equipment as is known in the art so as to provide a known twist for at least some embodiments to the respective yarns, without maintaining the twist after tufting to form a single appearing yarn end. Furthermore,FIG. 1and others show that combined yarns A,B,C could be utilized through a single needle12. Some locations such as location44has two yarns, location48could have four yarns or more, location52has a single yarn, etc. All these could all depend on how the tufting machine is set up and fed with particular yarns to specific needles and which needles tuft any given position through the backing22which would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. It is anticipated that at least one of the component yarns A,B,C (and/or others) as fed to the eye20of the needle12would be different from the other yarns directed through eye20such as by having at least one noticeable characteristic difference whether it be a noticeable color difference, a noticeable individual yarn twist difference, a material difference, a diameter difference and/or other feature difference which could be readily distinguished after the carpet is tufted, if not before. The yarns A,B,C may preferably be solution dyed, and for twisted yarn, such as standard (normally 4.5-5.5 twists per inch) or high twist yarns (above 6 twists per inch, such as about 7 twists per inch), are preferably heat set so that they do not un-ravel after tufting, particularly in the case of cut loop carpet constructions. Flat yarns could be utilized as any of component yarns A, B and/or C. Flat yarns have no-twist, and for some embodiments, the applicant has twisted flat yarns with at least about ½ twist to 4 twists per inch before combining with other yarns (to be combined twisted), such as either individual standard or high twist yarns to create somewhat unique effects for at least some embodiments. This twisting of flat component yarns is typically not heat set, so these flat yarns tend to “unravel” after being tufted, when cut. Other embodiments use the flat yarns without twist. A pre-determined combined twist is preferably pre-determined before at least the yarns A,B,C are provided to the eye20of the needle12as a combined. The rate of twist could change for at least some embodiments. In some embodiments, the loops or cut pile may be produced by the methodology described herein. The yarns may remain partially interconnected, but are preferably still visually distinct from one another which separates this technology from just portions of single, individual yarns which are not visually different from the remained of the yarn they comprise as they have the same characteristics and are intended to be a single yarn strand. The applicant's technology is quite different in that the distinct yarns are intentionally twisted together for the tufting process with the knowledge that once the strands are tufted through the backing22, they will separate to at least a degree for at least one of the yarn strands to be distinct or to be recognizably distinct from one another. Yarns of differing diameters for at least one of component yarns A,B and/or C may be employed using the technology described herein. Although not all embodiments have to have a predetermined twist, such a feature has been employed with many embodiments. Numerous alterations of the structure herein disclosed will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure relates to the preferred embodiment of the invention which is for purposes of illustration only and not to be construed as a limitation of the invention. All such modifications which do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Having thus set forth the nature of the invention, what is claimed herein is:

3D

5

C

EXAMPLE 1 Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) (626.0 g) and ethylene glycol (400 g) were mixed together along with titanium isopropyl titanate (0.08 mL) in a 2 liter flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a 13 inch Vigreaux condenser leading to a distillation head with a graduated receiver. The vessel was blanketed with nitrogen and heated to react the components and distill off the methanol reaction by-product. After 5.5 hours, 255 mL of methanol had been liberated, i.e., close to the stoichiometric quantity expected. This bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate monomer was then cast into aluminium pans and allowed to cool. Analysis of this material showed 0.37% unreacted DMT. 50 g of this monomer was then added to a 500 mL flask equipped as above along with 149.8 g of phenyl ether plus 64.2 g of tetradecane. The mixture was then heated, at the boil (.about.250.degree. C.) under a nitrogen blanket for 3 hours at atmospheric pressure to codistill the ethylene glycol polycondensation polymerization by-product along with some of the solvent/non-solvent mixture. The reaction mixture was hazy during this period indicating a discontinuous phase. At the end of the reaction, 10.5 mL of ethylene glycol had been collected in the receiver along with 110.2 mL of the solvent/non-solvent mixture. The agitation was then stopped and the molten discontinuous phase settled to the base of the vessel. The upper layer, believed to be predominantly the tetradecane non-solvent, was then be decanted off. The polymer/solvent phase analyzed as .about.65% solids. Fibers could be drawn from this viscous solution. This solution was then allowed to cool and the resulting solid extracted with acetone to remove the phenyl ether. The resulting polymer had an intrinsic viscosity of 2.24 dL/g and a melting point of 250.3.degree. C. Note: the tetradecane used in these examples is highly flammable. Auto Ignition temperature .about.200.degree. C. Great care should be used when working with this material. Comparative Example 1A In a comparative example, 50 g of the same bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate used in Example 1, was polymerized in a phenyl ether solvent (214.0 g) without any of the tetradecane non-solvent. The reaction was a clear, single phase, solution throughout the three hour reaction time. At the end of the reaction, 11.0 mL of ethylene glycol had been collected in the receiver along with 75.0 mL of phenyl ether. The resulting 24.4% solids solution was allowed to cool and was extracted with acetone. The resulting polymer had an intrinsic viscosity measured as above of 1.14 dL/g vs 2.24 for polymer in Example 1. Comparative Example 1B In a further comparative example, 50 g of the same bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate monomer used in Example 1 was polymerized in tetradecane non-solvent, (214.0 g) without any of the phenyl ether solvent. The reaction mixture was hazy indicating a discontinuous phase. After one hour and twenty minutes, the droplets in the polymer phase coagulated and formed a viscous mass around the agitator, eventually causing the stirrer to stop. The tetradecane was decanted from this mass, and the mass was then allowed to cool and extracted with acetone. The intrinsic viscosity of this polymer was 0.73 dL/g vs 2.24 for polymer made in accordance with this invention and 1.14 for polymer made by a solution polymerization. Example 2 Oligomer (50.0 g), produced in a commercial manufacturing plant by reaction of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol, was added to a 500 mL flask equipped as per Example 1 along with 3.0 g additional ethylene glycol, plus 0.01 mL titanium isopropyl titanate catalyst, phenyl ether solvent (149.8 g) and tetradecane non-solvent (64.2 g). The additional glycol was required to react with the predominantly carboxylic acid end of the oligomer to enhance reactivity. The mixture was heated to 220.degree. C. for 15 minutes to bring about this initial reaction, then further heated at the boil to remove the added ethylene glycol and glycol condensation polymerization by-product. The polymerizing mixture was hazy throughout the reaction indicating a two phase system. After three hours, 3.8 mL of ethylene glycol had been collected in the receiver along with 110.4 mL of the codistilled solvent/non-solvent. Agitation was then stopped and the polymer/solvent phase allowed to settle out. This was decanted from the continuous, predominantly tetradecane, phase again leaving a viscous mass from which fibers could be pulled. This mass was allowed to cool and was weighed before and after extraction with acetone. These weighings indicated that the viscous mass was .about.51% solids. The extracted polymer was found to have an intrinsic viscosity of 2.52 dL/g. Comparative Example 2A A comparative example using the same oligomer as Example 2 was run under the same conditions as Example 2, except that only phenyl ether (214.0 g) was used, and no tetradecane was used. The reaction was a clear solution throughout the polymerization indicating a single phase condition. The resulting polymer, after extraction with acetone, had an intrinsic viscosity of 1.20 dL/g vs 2.52 in Example 2. Comparative Example 2B 50 g of the oligomer used in Example 2 was polymerized in a tetradecane non-solvent (214.0 g) without any of the phenyl ether solvent present. The reaction mixture was hazy indicating a discontinuous phase. After 2 hours and 45 minutes, the polymer droplets agglomerated and formed a viscous mass around the agitator eventually causing the stirrer to stop. The tetradecane was decanted from this mass which was then allowed to cool and was extracted with acetone. The intrinsic viscosity of this polymer was 0.95 dL/g vs 2.52 for polymer made in Example 2. Example 3 Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) (607.0 g), dimethyl sodiosulfoisophthalate (19.0 g) and ethylene glycol (400 g) were mixed together along with titanium isopropyl titanate (0.08 mL) in a 2 liter flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a 13 inch Vigreaux condenser leading to a distillation head with a graduated receiver. The vessel was blanketed with nitrogen and heated to react the components and distill off the methanol reaction by-product. After 3.5 hours, 260 mL of methanol had been liberated, i.e., close to the stoichiometric quantity expected. This bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate/sodiosulphoisophthalate monomer was then cast into aluminium pans and allowed to cool. Analysis of this material showed 1.71% unreacted DMT. 50 g of this monomer was then added to a 500 mL flask equipped as above, along with 139.0 g of phenyl ether and 35.0 g of tetradecane. The mixture was then heated, at the boil (.about.250.degree. C.) under a nitrogen blanket for 5 hours at atmospheric pressure to codistill the ethylene glycol polycondensation polymerization by-product along with some of the solvent/non-solvent media. The reaction mixture was hazy during this period indicating a discontinuous phase. At the end of the reaction, 10.3 mL of ethylene glycol had been collected in the receiver along with 167.7 mL of a solvent/non-solvent mixture. The agitation was then stopped and the molten discontinuous phase settled to the base of the vessel. The upper layer, believed to be predominantly the tetradecane non-solvent, was decanted off. The polymer/solvent phase was analyzed and found to be .about.43% solids. This solution was then allowed to cool and the resulting solid extracted with acetone to remove the phenyl ether. The resulting polymer had an intrinsic viscosity of 1.45 dL/g. A comparative experiment using just the phenyl ether solvent gave a polymer with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.47 dL/g. Example 4 The procedure of Example 3 was repeated using dimethyl 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate in place of the dimethyl terephthalate and the sodiosulfo isophthalate. The polymer produced had an intrinsic viscosity of 1.33 dL/g vs 0.54 for a comparable polyethylene naphthanate polymer made by a solution polymerization in phenyl ether. Example 5 The procedure of Example 3 was repeated using a mixture of dimethyl terephthalate and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 4,4'-bibenzoate (HEB), supplied by Monsanto, in place of the dimethyl terephthalate and the sodiosulfo isophthalate. The DMT/HEB ratio used was 72/28 by weight. The polymer produced had an intrinsic viscosity of 1.74 dL/g vs 0.42 for a comparable polyethylene 4,4'-bibenzoate/terephthalate copolymer made by a solution polymerization in phenyl ether. Example 6 Dimethyl terephthalate (38.2 g) and 1,4-butanediol (23.0 g) were heated, under a nitrogen blanket, in a 500 ml flask equipped as per the preceding examples along with 0.027 ml of tetraisopropyl titanate for 60 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the reaction rose from 153.degree. C. to 240.degree. C. and 12.4 ml of methanol were liberated. A sample of the bis(2-hydroxybutyl)terephthalate monomer was analyzed as having 1.19% unconverted dimethyl terephthalate. Phenyl ether (107.0 g) and tetradecane (107.0 g) were then added and the mixture heated at the boil for an additional 3 hours to codistill out the excess 1,4-butanediol along with the solvent/heating media. After the three hour polymerization time, 4.9 ml of the butane diol polycondensation polymerization by-product plus 112.1 ml of the solvent/heating media was distilled over. During this polymerization time, the mixture was hazy indicating a 2 phase system. When agitation was stopped at the end of the reaction, the discontinuous phase settled to the base of the reactor. The layer was sampled and found to be 48.6% solids. The polymer was isolated from this sample by extraction with acetone. This PBT polymer had an intrinsic viscosity of 1.18. Example 7 Polyethylene terephthalate (30.0 g), with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.79 dL/g was dissolved in phenyl ether (301.0 g) heated to approximately 200.degree. C. Tetradecane (127.7 g) that had been passed down a column of acidic alumina and sparged with nitrogen was then added by means of a syringe causing precipitation. Continued heating and stirring caused the precipitate to re-disperse in the media. Then 6.0 mL of a 1:1000 solution of tetrapropyl titanate in tetradecane was added by means of a syringe. The resulting mixture was heated at about 248.degree. C. under nitrogen at 500 rpm for 4 hours during which time 250 mL of distillate was collected. The stirring was stopped and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature. The resulting polymer was isolated and extracted with acetone to remove residual solvent/non-solvent. The polymer had an intrinsic viscosity of 2.40 dL/g.

2C

08

J

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a container 10 which is fitted therein with transverse dividers or partitions 12 and longitudinal dividers or partitions 13 which define the side walls of a plurality of cells 14. Each cell 14 is designed to hold an article 15 to be shipped. Both the transverse dividers 12 and the longitudinal dividers 13 have some excess portion 16 which extends beyond an adjacent cell 14 and into contact with side panels 17 of the container 10, thereby defining a plurality of voids 18 or empty spaces which remain unused. As known in the container industry, the transverse dividers 12 have vertically, downwardly extending slits, and the longitudinal dividers 13 have corresponding vertically, upwardly extending slits, to enable interfitting of the dividers within the container 10 to partially define the cells 14. Alternately, the vertical slits in the transverse divider 12 may be upwardly extending and the vertical slits in the longitudinal dividers 13 may extend downwardly. As shown in FIG. 2, a lower pad 23 resides beneath the dividers, and an upper pad 22 overlays the dividers to completely enclose the cells 14. According to the invention, the transverse dividers 12, the longitudinal dividers 13, and the top 22 and bottom 23 pads are comprised of a multiple-ply anti-static paperboard 25, which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The multi-ply anti-static paperboard 25 comprises a layer of high-carbon content fiberboard 26 which is preferably sandwiched between two layers of low-density, anti-static polyethylene 27, as shown in FIG. 3. The interior paperboard ply 26 is electrically conductive, having a surface resistivity of less than 10.sup.5 ohms per square inch. When the dividers and upper and lower pads are in place in the container 10, each cell 14 is completely enclosed by a Faraday cage. The conductive inner layer 26 is formed by mixing a sufficient quantity of carbon particles into a paper slurry during the paper forming process to create a fiberboard having a surface resistivity of less than 10.sup.5 ohms per square inch. The carbon particles have a size, on the average, of about 27 nanometers. In order to achieve a sufficient density of particles so as to render the middle layer 26 conductive, a first quantity of carbon particles is mixed in with the paper slurry during the mixing process, and an experimental roll of carbon content paperboard is formed. By measuring the actual surface resistivity of the experimental roll with an ohm meter, relative to the known quantity of carbon particles that were mixed in with the slurry, the first quantity can be altered accordingly to arrive at a quantity which corresponds to a paperboard having the desired conductive surface resistivity. To form the exterior plies of the multiple-ply anti-static paperboard according to one embodiment of the invention, low-density, polyethylene doped with an anti-static additive is layered onto both sides of the high-carbon content paperboard 26. As shown in FIG. 4, a roll 30 of high-carbon paper-board 26 is unwound at a first level 32. At a first extruding station 34, the low-density molten polyethylene doped with a conventional anti-static agent is extruded onto a first side of the paperboard 26. The polyethylene solidifies shortly thereafter. Rollers 36 then direct the paperboard 26 to a second level 37 and below a second extruding station 38 in order to extrude a layer of the low-density, antistatic doped polyethylene onto a second side of the paperboard 26. Shortly thereafter, the multiple-ply anti-static paperboard of this invention is ready to be cut for use. Any one of a number of different surfactants may be added to polyethylene to render the outer layers anti-static. In one preferred embodiment, an anti-static agent produced by the AMET Company and referred to as 10069 Antistatic Master Batch is mixed in sufficient quantity to provide a resulting outer layer having a surface resistivity of from 10.sup.9 to 10.sup.14 ohms per square inch. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer anti-static layers 39 of the multiple-ply anti-static paperboard 25' can be formed of low-carbon paperboard. The carbon particles are mixed into the paper slurry during the paper making process. The desired quantity of carbon particles is arrived at in the same manner as described previously with respect to conductive layer 26, except that the quantity of carbon particles is varied to achieve a final surface resistivity of between 10.sup.9 and 10.sup.14 ohms per square inch. A slurry 1 between 10 is spilled out of a first box 41 to form one of the outer layers 39. The high-carbon layer 26 is spilled from a second box 42 in slurry form on top of the first formed outer layer 39. A slurry is subsequently spilled from a third box 43 out onto the exposed surface of the high-carbon paperboard 26 to form the other of the two outer layers 39. A third and currently preferred embodiment of the multiple-ply anti-static paperboard 25'' is illustrated in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, precast anti-static plastic layers 50 are laminated onto the opposite sides of the high-carbon content, conductive paperboard 26. The preferred precast anti-static plastic layers 50 are layers of low-density, polyethylene film which have been chemically coated and then subjected to high-energy, electron-beam radiation so as to impart to the film a final surface resistivity of between 10.sup.9 and 10.sup.14 ohms per square inch. One preferred precast, polyethylene film having this anti-static surface resistivity is manufactured by MPI Metallized Products, Inc. of Winchester, Massachusetts and is identified by that company as its "Staticure" product. This "Staticure" product is particularly advantageous for use in this application because it is a permanently static dissipative plastic film, i.e., it does not lose its static dissipative quality or change its surface resistivity over prolonged periods of time. With reference to FIG. 8, there is illustrated schematically the manner in which the paperboard product 25'' of FIG. 7 is manufactured. As there illustrated, a roll 30 of high-carbon paperboard 26 is unwound at a first level 51. At a first extruding station 52, a thin film 53 of low-density, molten, polyethylene is extruded onto the top side of the paperboard 26. Before the polyethylene film solidifies, a first ply of the precast anti-static plastic film 50 is unwound from a roll 54 and applied over the top surface of the molten polyethylene film 53. Rollers 36 then direct the paperboard 26, having one ply of precast anti-static plastic film 50 applied thereto, to a second level 55. As the paperboard 26 moves along the second level 55, the paperboard 26 passes beneath a second extruding station 56 at which a second thin film 53 of molten, low-density polyethylene is applied to the now top surface (formerly the undersurface) of the paperboard 26. While this second film 53 of molten polyethylene is still in the molten state, a second ply 50 of precast anti-static plastic film is unrolled from a roll 57 onto the top surface of the molten polyethylene film 53. When the polyethylene films 53 are solidified, they secure the top and bottom plies or laminates 50 to the high-carbon content paperboard 26 which is now sandwiched therebetween. The multiple-ply, anti-static paperboard 25'' is now ready to be cut for use. Thus, according to the invention, a conductive layer of paperboard 26 is sandwiched by layers of anti-static material, which anti-static material may be a precast anti-static plastic ply laminated onto the conductive layer of paperboard or a plastic ply, such as polyethylene doped with an anti-static agent extruded onto the conductive paperboard, or paperboard having carbon particles mixed therein to provide a surface resistivity of from 10.sup.9 to 10.sup.14 ohms per square inch layered onto the conductive paperboard. The inner conductive layer 26 provides a Faraday cage to form a static shield about the packaged article, thereby protecting the article from electrostatic discharge. The anti-static layer adjacent the article prevents sloughing of the conductive material onto the article, which would otherwise cause circuit damage, and prevents generation of static electricity resulting from insulation or electric movement of the protected articles and the packaging paperboard. In the first and third embodiments, the extruded antistatic plastic film or the laminated anti-static plastic film physically blocks conductive particles from the packaged article. In the second embodiment, that which utilizes a low-carbon content paperboard outer layer, the size and density of the incorporated carbon particles is such that even dust particles will be electrically neutral, or anti-static. Thus, even if these particles should contact the packaged article, no damage would occur. In both instances, relative movement between the packaged article and the anti-static layers does not generate harmful static electricity. The multiple-ply anti-static paperboard also provides sufficient rigidity to physically protect packaged articles. This physical protection is achieved with a savings in material and labor, as compared to packaging requiring a bag. As compared to a corrugated fiberboard, the multiple-ply anti-static paperboard of this invention is less expensive, denser, is easier to cut, and cuts more cleanly. Lastly, with each embodiment, the multiple-ply anti-static paperboard of this invention can be made to provide chemical protection for a packaged article. For example, a corrosion inhibitor commonly referred to as Cobra Tech, manufactured by PMC Specialty and formerly made by Sherwin Williams, may be mixed into the outer layers prior to application to interior layer 26 in order to protect copper or copper alloyed articles. This substance dissipates off the outer layer to attach itself to the copper or copper alloy, thereby shielding the article from sulfuric compounds in the paper. Similarly, other corrosion inhibitors could be used with other types of articles, depending upon the metal that is required to be protected. Because the low-density anti-static polyethylene layers of the preferred embodiment are chemically inert, they will physically shield the packaged article from chemical corrosion. Thus, the addition of a corrosion inhibitor for this embodiment would not be necessary, but would provide added protection against chemical corrosion. While I have described only three preferred embodiments of the multiple-ply anti-static paperboard of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereby and that in light of the present disclosure of the invention, various other alternative embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as particularly set forth and claimed.

1B

65

D

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed at the development of an efficient method of treating the diseases of the urogenital system, mostly of the prostate, and of a relevant medicament, by the use of activated forms of antibodies. The formulated objective is attained by the use of a medicament containing an activated form of ultra-low doses of monoclonal, polyclonal or natural antibodies to prostate-specific antigen, the medicament being prepared by multiple consecutive dilutions and by exposure to external factors, mostly following homeopathic technology. For preparing the antibodies we used prostate-specific antigen isolated from the tissues of animal prostates or prepared by a synthetic method. Preferably, a mixture of various, mostly centesimal, homeopathic dilutions should be employed. The method of treating the diseases of the urogenital system by administering a medicament obtained on the basis of polypeptides isolated from the prostatic tissue consists in the use of activated forms of ultra-low doses of antibodies to prostate-specific antigen, the activated forms being prepared by multiple consecutive dilutions and exposure to external factors. The agent prepared in accordance with the present invention is a new pharmaceutical, which is characterized by a prominent specific pharmacologic activity, the absence of side effects with the therapeutic action retained, environmental purity, and low production cost, which makes it possible to treat efficiently diseases of the urogenital system, mostly of the prostate. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The new medicament is preferably prepared as follows. The prostate-specific antigen is isolated from the homogenate of the prostatic tissue of cattle by the method of gel filtration (see, for example, Sensabaugh, G F, Blake, E T, “Seminal Plasma Protein p30: Simplified Purification and Evidence for Identity with Prostate Specific Antigen”, J. Urol. 144:1523-1526, 1990). The resultant polypeptide is used as an immunogen for immunization of laboratory animals to produce immune antibodies, or in hybridoma technology designed to produce monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are purified by affinity chromatography. The method of preparation of immune and polyclonal antibodies is described, for instance, in the book edited by G. Frimel, Immunological Methods (in Russian), Moscow, Meditsina, 1987, pp. 9-33. The isolated antibodies to prostate specific antigen are subjected to multiple consecutive dilutions and exposure to mechanical factors to produce ultra-low or low doses, for instance, by homeopathic technology (see W. Schwabe, “Homöopathisches Arzneibuch”, Stuttgart, 1978). This technique enables a uniform decrease in concentration through consecutive dilution of 1 volumetric part of the initial matter (antibodies) in 9 volumetric parts (for decimal dilution, D) or in 99 volumetric parts (for centesimal dilution, C) of a neutral solvent together with multiple vertical shaking of each solution; the advantages of various containers for each subsequent dilution are used. Finally, this technique gives the required dose (potency). The external treatment in the course of concentration reduction can also be executed by exposure to ultrasonic, electromagnetic, or other physical factors. The resultant medicines are used mostly in the dosage forms and dilutions adopted in the homeopathic practice: as alcoholic and aqueous solutions or as tablets (granules) prepared by impregnating the carrier contained in the dosage form by the potentised solution to saturation; also, the potentised solution can be added directly to a liquid dosage form. EXAMPLE 1 In studies of the action of activated forms of ultra-low doses of antibodies (AB) to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) on the state of the rat prostate in acute aseptic inflammation, a morphometric analysis of the prostate sections was run; the density of the prostate and the levels of zinc on the 7thday after the operation of prostate stitching with a silk thread were assessed. The animals of the test group received polyclonal immune antibodies to the bovine PSA in a mixture of homeopathic dilutions C12+C30+C200 intragastrically: per 1.5 ml over a period of 3 days before and 7 days after the operation. TABLE 1Effect of AB to PSA on the state of theRat Prostate in Aseptic InflammationIndex assessedControlExperimentMorphometry: proportion ofstructural elements of theprostate on acuteinflammation, %:vessels2.98 ± 0.611.84 ± 0.25*edema17.3 ± 0.6312.32 ± 1.29*Density of the prostate, g/cm31.10 ± 0.031.92 ± 0.02*Concentration of zinc ions,0.49 ± 0.112.01 ± 0.37*mg/100 gNote.*The data are significantly different from those of the Control;p < 0.05. The experimental results listed here indicate that antibodies to PSA attenuate the manifestations of acute inflammatory reaction in the prostate and improve the functional state of the gland in aseptic inflammation. EXAMPLE 2 Prostatotropic effect of activated forms of ultra-low doses of antibodies to PSA was studied in the model of gonadectomized infantile male rats (under the conditions of androgenic insufficiency) receiving testosterone propionate. Monoclonal immune antibodies to human PSA were administered intragastrically (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) in a mixture of C12+C30+C200 homeopathic dilutions against the background of testosterone propionate injections to gonadectomized infantile male rats within a period of 7 days beginning with the day following gonadectomy. TABLE 2Effect of Antibodies to PSA on the Androgenic Action ofTestosterone Propionate in Gonadectomized Male RatsWeight coefficients ofWeight coefficients oforgans, mg/gorgans, % of controlVentralSeminalVentralSeminalTest groupProstatevesiclesprostatevesiclesControl 10.21 ± 0.020.12 ± 0.01100100(intactanimals)Control 20.09 ± 0.03*0.08 ± 0.01*42.866.6(castratedanimals)Control 3 +0.17 ± 0.02*0.28 ± 0.01*188.8362.5testosteronepropionate +solventTestosterone0.23 ± 0.010.29 ± 0.02135.2103propionate +(as against(as againstanti-PSAControl 3)Control 3)Note.*The differences are significant as compared with the Control;p < 0.05. The experimental results given in Table 2 show that the antibodies to PSA feature pronounced prostatotropic activity and stimulate the androgenic effect of an androgen on the prostate. EXAMPLE 3 Patient P., aged 31, applied to the urologist with a complaint about disagreeable feelings and dragging pain along the urethra, at the bottom of the abdomen, trusting pain in the perineum, frequent micturate urges, and periodic dysuria. The patient had been noting these phenomena for 3 years; the disease exacerbated 3-5 times a year, particularly after becoming cold and after alcohol abuse. A detailed interview also revealed the lessening of satisfaction from coitus, impaired erection, and pain in the perineum after coitus. Rectal examinations detected sore soft prostate. Bacteriological studies of the prostatic secretion and immunofluorescent analysis forChlamidia trachomatisfound no pathogenic microorganisms. Diagnosis: chronic prostatitis. Prescription: a mixture of polyclonal antibodies to the human prostate-specific antigen in a C1000 homeopathic dilution, 1 tablet daily for 1 month. Ten days after the beginning of the treatment the patient marked a noticeable weakening of pain and improved urination. Three weeks after the beginning of the treatment the patient indicated the disappearance of problems in the sexual sphere. After the end of the treatment a complete clinical remission of the disease was established. Recommendation: intake of the preparation 2 times weekly over a period of 3 months. Catamnesis: one exacerbation within a year, the inflammation being stopped in a short time by daily intake of the preparation for 5 days. EXAMPLE 4 Patient A. (male), aged 60, appealed to the urologist with a complaint about the sensation of incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder, frequent and interrupted urination, need to strain during urination, bradyuria, nycturia (4-5 times). The symptoms had been lasting for 5 years with aggravation. There had been no episodes of acute retention of urine. The filling out the International scale of symptoms of prostate diseases (I-PSS) gave a total score of 25. Rectal palpation revealed a painless enlarged prostate; the gland had a soft elastic consistence. According to the ultrasonic examination, the volume of the residual urine was 100 ml. Diagnosis: benign hyperplasia (adenoma) of the prostate. The patient refused from operative treatment. Prescription: a mixture of polyclonal antibodies to the human prostate-specific antigen in C30+C200+C1000 homeopathic dilutions, 1 tablet daily for 1 month. The second examination one month later showed that the intensity of the dysuric symptoms decreased markedly; the total score of I-PSS scale reduced to 15 points. The ultrasonic examination indicated that the volume of the residual urine was 30 ml. Recommendation: further intake of the preparation two times a week.

2C

07

K

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention provides cellulosic fibers having high wet bulk and methods for their preparation. The high-wet-bulk fibers of the invention have a wet bulk that is at least about 20 percent, preferably at least about 30 percent, and more preferably about 50 percent greater than commercially available high-bulk fibers. The fibers of the invention have a wet bulk greater than about 20 cc/g, preferably greater than about 22 cc/g, and more preferably greater than about 25 cc/g at 0.6 kPa. As used herein, the term "bulk" refers to the volume in cubic centimeters occupied by 1.0 gram of airlaid fluff pulp under a load of 0.6 kPa. The term "wet bulk" refers to the volume in cubic centimeters occupied by 1.0 gram (dry basis) of fluff pulp under load of 0.6 kPa after the pulp has been wetted with water. Wet bulk under load is measured by FAQ and reported in cc/g at 0.6 kPa as described below. The present invention provides individualized cellulosic fibers having high wet bulk. The high-wet-bulk cellulosic fibers of the invention are glyoxal crosslinked cellulosic fibers. As used herein, the term "glyoxal crosslinked cellulosic fibers" refers to cellulosic fibers that have been treated with a glyoxal crosslinking combination as described herein. In one embodiment, the invention provides cellulosic fibers catalytically crosslinked with glyoxal and, optionally, a glycol. Suitable glycols include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a preferred glycol. Catalysts for crosslinking include an aluminum salt of a strong inorganic acid and/or a water-soluble .alpha.-hydroxy carboxylic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the aluminum salt is aluminum sulfate and the carboxylic acid is citric acid. The cellulosic fibers to be crosslinked are treated with an aqueous solution of glyoxal, optionally glycol, and one or more catalysts. The fibers are treated with an effective amount of glyoxal, glycol, and catalysts to achieve the wet bulk enhancement described herein. Generally, the fibers are treated with from about 3 to about 6 percent by weight glyoxal, up to about 2 percent by weight glycol, from about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight aluminum salt, and from about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight carboxylic acid based on the total weight of the treated fibers. In a preferred embodiment, fibers are treated with about 3.94 percent by weight glyoxal, about 0.52 percent by weight propylene glycol, about 1.34 percent by weight aluminum sulfate, and about 1.56 percent by weight citric acid based on the total weight of the treated fibers. The wet bulk of fibers prepared from this combination was determined as described below and compared to commercially available high-bulk fibers. These crosslinked fibers exhibited a 47 percent wet-bulk enhancement compared to the commercial high-bulk fibers. The results are summarized in the Table 1 below. In another embodiment of the invention, cellulosic fibers crosslinked with a combination of glyoxal and a glyoxal-derived resin are provided. The glyoxal-derived resins include glyoxal/polyol condensates, cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensates, and cyclic urea/glyoxal condensates. A glyoxal/polyol condensate can be prepared by reacting glyoxal with a vicinal polyol. These glyoxal/polyol condensates, substituted cyclic bis-hemiacetals, and methods for their preparation are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,537,634; 4,547,580; and 4,656,296; each expressly incorporated herein by reference. Preferred glyoxal/polyol condensates can be prepared from polyols such as dextrans, glycerin, glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, sorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, calcium ascorbate, calcium sorbate, potassium sorbate, sodium ascorbate, sodium sorbate, monoglycerides of edible fats or oils or edible fat-forming acids, inositol, sodium tartrate, sodium potassium tartrate, glycerol monocaprate, sorbose monoglyceride citrate, polyvinyl alcohol, and their mixtures. Other suitable polyols include, but are not limited to, .alpha.-D-methylglucoside, sorbitol, and dextrose, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the glyoxal/polyol condensate is commercially available from Sequa Chemicals, Inc., Chester, S.C., under the designation SEQUAREZ 755. A cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensate can be prepared by reacting glyoxal, at least one cyclic urea, and at least one polyol. These condensates and methods for their preparation are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,455,416; 4,505,712; and 4,625,029; each expressly incorporated herein by reference. Preferred condensates can be prepared from cyclic ureas, including pyrimidones and tetra-hydropyrimidinones, such as ethylene urea, propylene urea, uron, tetrahydro-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-one, 4,5-dihydroxy-2-imidazolidinone, 4,5-dimethoxy-2-imidazolidione, 4-methylethylene urea, 4-ethylethylene urea, 4-hydroxyethylethylene urea, 4,5-dimethylethylene urea, 4-hydroxy-5-methylpropylene urea, 4-methoxy-5-methylpropylene urea, 4-hydroxy-5,5-dimethylpropylene urea, 4-methoxy-5,5-dimethylpropylene urea, tetrahydro-5-(ethyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-one, tetrahydro-5-(propyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-one, tetrahydro-5-(butyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-one, 5-methyl-pyrimid-3-en-2-one, 4-hydroxy-5-methylpyrimidone, 4-hydroxy-5,5-dimethylpyrimid-2-one, 5,5-dimethylpyrimid-3-en-2-one, 5,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyethoxypyrimid-2-one, and the like, and mixtures of these; and 5-alkyltetrahydropyrinmidin-4-en-2-ones where the alkyl includes 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as 5-methyltetrahydropyrimidin-4-en-2-one, 4-hydroxy-5-methyltetrahydropyrimidin-2-one, 4-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-one, 5,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyethoxytetrahydropyrimidin-2-one, and mixtures of these. A preferred cyclic urea is 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-one. Preferred condensates include polyols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, polyethylene glycols having the formula HO(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H where n is 1 to about 50, glycerine, and the like, and their mixtures. Other suitable polyols include dextrans, glyceryl monostearate, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, sorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, calcium ascorbate, calcium sorbate, potassium sorbate, sodium ascorbate, sodium sorbate, monoglycerides of edible fats or oils or edible fat-forming acids, inositol, sodium tartrate, sodium potassium tartrate, glycerol monocaprate, sorbose monoglyceride citrate, polyvinyl alcohol, .alpha.-D-methylglucoside, sorbitol, dextrose, and their mixtures. In a preferred embodiment, the cyclic urea/glyoxalpolyol condensate is commercially available from Sequa Chemicals, Inc. under the designation SUNREZ 700M. A cyclic urea/glyoxal condensate can be prepared by reacting glyoxal with a cyclic urea as generally described above for the cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensates. Suitable cyclic ureas include those noted above. In a preferred embodiment, the cyclic urea/glyoxal condensate is commercially available from Sequa Chemicals, Inc. under the designation SEQUAREZ 747. The cellulosic fibers to be crosslinked are treated with an aqueous solution of glyoxal and glyoxal-derived resin. The fibers are treated with an effective amount of glyoxal and glyoxal-derived resin to achieve the wet bulk enhancement described herein. Generally, the fibers are treated with from about 2 to about 8 percent by weight glyoxal and from about 2 to about 8 percent by weight glyoxal-derived resin based on the total weight of the treated fibers. In one preferred embodiment, fibers are treated with about 5 percent by weight glyoxal and about 5 percent by weight glyoxal-derived resin based on the total weight of the treated fibers. The wet bulk of fibers prepared from this combination using a representative cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensate (i.e., SUNREZ 700M) was determined as described below and compared to commercially available high-bulk fibers. These crosslinked fibers exhibited a 60 percent wet-bulk enhancement compared to the commercial high-bulk fibers. The results are summarized in the Table 1 below. As noted above, the present invention relates to crosslinked cellulose fibers. Although available from other sources, cellulosic fibers are derived primarily from wood pulp. Suitable wood pulp fibers for use with the invention can be obtained from well-known chemical processes such as the Kraft and sulfite processes, with or without subsequent bleaching. The pulp fibers may also be processed by thermomechanical, chemithermomechanical methods, or combinations thereof. The preferred pulp fiber is produced by chemical methods. Ground wood fibers, recycled or secondary wood pulp fibers, and bleached and unbleached wood pulp fibers can be used. The preferred starting material is prepared from long-fiber coniferous wood species, such as southern pine, Douglas fir, spruce, and hemlock. Details of the production of wood pulp fibers are well-known to those skilled in the art. These fibers are commercially available from a number of companies, including Weyerhaeuser Company. For example, suitable cellulose fibers produced from southern pine that are usable with the present invention are available from Weyerhaeuser Company under the designations CF516, NF405, PL416, FR516, and NB416. The wood pulp fibers useful in the present invention can also be pretreated prior to use with the present invention. This pretreatment may include physical treatment, such as subjecting the fibers to steam, or chemical treatment. Although not to be construed as a limitation, examples of pretreating fibers include the application of fire retardants to the fibers, and surfactants or other liquids, such as water or solvents, which modify the surface chemistry of the fibers. Other pretreatments include incorporation of antimicrobials, pigments, and densification or softening agents. Fibers pretreated with other chemicals, such as thermoplastic and thermosetting resins also may be used. Combinations of pretreatments also may be employed. The crosslinked fibers of the present invention can be prepared by applying a glyoxal crosslinking combination described above to a cellulosic fibrous mat or web; separating the treated fibrous web into individual, substantially unbroken fibers in a fiberizer; and then drying and then curing the individual treated fibers to provide glyoxal crosslinked fibers having high wet bulk. In general, the cellulose fibers of the present invention may be prepared by a system and apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,977 to Young, Sr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Briefly, the fibers are prepared by a system and apparatus comprising a conveying device for transporting a mat of cellulose fibers through a fiber treatment zone; an applicator for applying a treatment substance such as a glyoxal crosslinking combination from a source to the fibers at the fiber treatment zone; a fiberizer for completely separating the individual cellulose fibers comprising the mat to form a fiber output comprised of substantially unbroken cellulose fibers; and a dryer coupled to the fiberizer for flash evaporating residual moisture and for curing the crosslinking agent, to form dried and cured individualized crosslinked fibers. As used herein, the term "mat" refers to any nonwoven sheet structure comprising cellulose fibers or other fibers that are not covalently bound together. The fibers include fibers obtained from wood pulp or other sources including cotton rag, hemp, grasses, cane, husks, cornstalks, or other suitable sources of cellulose fibers that may be laid into a sheet. The mat of cellulose fibers is preferably in an extended sheet form, and may be one of a number of baled sheets of discrete size or may be a continuous roll. Each mat of cellulose fibers is transported by a conveying device, for example, a conveyor belt or a series of driven rollers. The conveying device carries the mats through the fiber treatment zone. At the fiber treatment zone, the glyoxal crosslinking combination is applied to the cellulose fibers. The crosslinking combination is preferably applied to one or both surfaces of the mat using any one of a variety of methods known in the art, including spraying, rolling, or dipping. Once the crosslinking combination has been applied to the mat, the crosslinking combination may be uniformly distributed through the mat, for example, by passing the mat through a pair of rollers. After the fibers have been treated with the crosslinking agent, the impregnated mat is fiberized by feeding the mat through a hammermill. The hammermill serves to separate the mat into its component individual cellulose fibers, which are then blown into a dryer. In a preferred embodiment, the fibrous mat is wet fiberized. The dryer performs two sequential functions; first removing residual moisture from the fibers, and second curing the glyoxal crosslinking combination. In one embodiment, the dryer comprises a first drying zone for receiving the fibers and for removing residual moisture from the fibers via a flash-drying method, and a second drying zone for curing the crosslinking agent. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the treated fibers are blown through a flash-dryer to remove residual moisture, and then transferred to an oven where the treated fibers are subsequently cured. Overall, the treated fibers are dried and then cured for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to effect crosslinking. Typically, the fibers are oven-dried and cured for about 15 to 20 minutes at 150.degree. C. For the glyoxal/glycol combination, the cure time is preferably about 15 minutes and, for the glyoxaliglyoxal-derived resin combination, the cure time is preferably about 20 minutes. The wet bulk of cellulosic fibers crosslinked with the glyoxal crosslinking combinations of the present invention was determined by the Fiber Absorption Quality (FAQ) Analyzer (Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash.) and reported in cc/g at 0.6 kPa using the following procedure. In the procedure, a 4-gram sample of the pulp fibers is put through a pinmill to open the pulp and then air-laid into a tube. The tube is then placed in the FAQ Analyzer. A plunger then descends on the fluff pad at a pressure of 0.6 kPa and the pad height bulk determined. The weight is increased to achieve a pressure of 2.5 kPa and the bulk recalculated. The result, two bulk measurements on the dry fluff pulp at two different pressures. While under the 2.5 kPa pressure, water is introduced into the bottom of the tube (bottom of the pad). The time required for the water to reach the plunger is measured. From this, the absorption time and absorption rate are determined. The final bulk of the wet pad at 2.5 kPa is also measured. The plunger is then withdrawn from the tube and the wet pad allowed to expand for 60 seconds. The plunger is reapplied at 0.6 kPa and the bulk determined. The final bulk of the wet pad at 0.6 kPa is considered the wet bulk (cc/g) of the pulp product. The wet bulk of the glyoxal crosslinked cellulosic fibers of the invention is compared to the wet bulk of commercially available high-bulk fibers (Columbus MF, Weyerhaeuser Co., citric acid crosslinked fibers) in the Table 1 below. In Table 1, percent enhancement refers to the increased wet bulk compared to the commercially available high-bulk fibers. TABLE 1 Wet Bulk Enhancement of Glyoxal Crosslinked Fibers Percent Crosslinking Combination Wet Bulk (cc/g at 0.6 kPa) Enhancement glyoxal/glycol 24.9 47 glyoxal/glyoxal-derived 27.3 60 resin citric acid 17.0 -- As illustrated in the table, the glyoxal crosslinked cellulosic fibers of the present invention exhibit dramatically increased wet bulk compared to commercial high-bulk fibers. The wet bulk of cellulosic fibers similarly crosslinked with the glyoxal combination including a representative glyoxal/polyol condensate (i.e., SEQUAREZ 755) is presented in Table 2 below. In these examples, the crosslinked fibers were obtained by crosslinking with a combination including about 6 percent by weight glyoxal and about 5 percent by weight glyoxal/polyol condensate based on the total weight of fibers. In Table 2, the wet bulk is shown as a function of cure temperature and time. TABLE 2 Wet Bulk of Glyoxal Crosslinked Fibers Wet Bulk (cc/g) Cure Temperature/Time 300.degree. F. 320.degree. F. 340.degree. F. 1 minute 21.4 22.7 22.7 3 minutes 23.0 23.1 24.0 5 minutes 23.4 23.9 23.9 As shown in Table 2, wet bulk generally increases with increasing cure temperature and cure time. The results indicate that the glyoxal crosslinking combination of the invention provides high-bulk fibers at lower cure temperatures than for commercially available high-bulk fibers, which are crosslinked at about 380.degree. F. for maximum fiber bulk. The high-wet-bulk cellulosic fibers of the present invention can be advantageously incorporated into an absorbent composite to impart wet bulk to the composite. Such composites can further include other fibers such as fluff pulp, synthetic fibers, and other crosslinked fibers, and absorbent materials such as superabsorbent polymeric materials. The high-wet-bulk fibers of the invention, or composites that include the high-wet-bulk fibers, can also be advantageously incorporated into diapers and, more particularly, into liquid acquisition and distribution layers to provide diapers having superior liquid acquisition rates, and liquid distribution and rewet properties. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

3D

01

F

EXAMPLE 1 This Example is a laboratory evaluation of strength properties and bending stiffness on handsheets prepared with 70/30 Northern Softwood/CTMP furnish. The results are shown in Table 1. The anionic additives were first added to the pulp followed by the cationic additive. The control used in this case is a handsheet prepared with the same pulp with no additive. Galaxy 707D is a carboxymethyl guar (DS 0.08), and Gendrive 162 is a quaternary ammonium chloride treated guar (DS 0.075). Jaguar 8600, available commercially as Hi-Tek, and WG-18, are hydroxypropylcarboxymethyl guars. Guar AQU-3129 and High DS cationic guar (404-48-3) are available from Aqualon, a Hercules Incorporated unit. WC100 and Hercofloc 1129 sodium acrylate-acrylamidecopolymer and sodium polyacrylate homopolymer, respectively. Reten.RTM. is a polyamide-epichlorohydrin polymeric material used as a retention. The "Jaguar" products are available from High-Tek. Co. TABLE 1 __________________________________________________________________________ Bending Enhancement, % Control Stiffness Anionic Cationic Tensile % of Additive Percent Additive Percent Strength TEA Elongation Control __________________________________________________________________________ None -- Gendrive 162 1.0 6.5 -- -- -- Galaxy 707D 0.5 Reten .RTM. 200 0.4 8.3 -- -- -- Galaxy 707D guar 0.5 Gendrive 162 0.5 33.9 -- -- 94 None -- Jaguar CP-13 1.00 6.6 13.9 10.0 -- Jaguar 8600 0.5 Jaguar CP-13 0.50 16.0 23.9 13.0 106 None -- High MW Cationic Guar (0083-40-3) 1.00 4.0 12.7 3.1 104 K0341A 2 (WG-18) 0.5 0083-40-3 0.5 12.0 23.1 13.0 105 None -- Percol 743 1.00 2.5 3.5 2.8 101 WC-100 0.5 Percol 743 0.50 14.0 6.9 22.0 113 Hercofloc 1129 0.5 Reten 157 0.50 15.4 3.2 8.9 101 None -- 404-48-3 1.0 3.7 AQU-D3129 0.5 404-48-3 0.5 14.3 Jaguar 8707 0.5 Jaguar CP-13 0.5 21.3 48.0 19.4 __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 2 Results on laboratory evaluation of strength properties, tensile stiffness and bending stiffness on handsheets prepared as in Example 1 are presented in Table 2. Pulp system employed in Set No. 1 is 50/50 recycled/northern softwood bleached kraft pulp. In Set No. 2, the pulp is 100 percent bleached kraft. The process to prepare the guars is similar to what has been explained in Example 1, except that the anionic guar was a carboxymethyl guar (available from Aqualon under the designation AQU-D3 129) having a DS of 0.15 and the cationic guar (available from Aqualon under the designation 404-48-3) was a quaternary-modified guar having a DS of 0.10. TABLE 2 __________________________________________________________________________ Anionic Cationic Enhancement, % of Control Tensile Stiffness Bending Stiffness None Guar % Guar % Tensile Strength TEA Elongation % of control % of Control __________________________________________________________________________ 1 AQU-D3129 0.5 404-48-3 0.5 21.5 37.77 13.3 108 95 2 AQU-D3129 0.5 404-48-3 0.5 15.2 31.22 16.1 99 99 __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 3 Laboratory evaluation results of strength properties and bending stiffness on handsheets prepared with 70 30 northern softwood/CTMP (Nos. 1 and 2) and recycled pulps (Nos.3 to 5) are shown in Table 3. The anionic additive is added to the pulp prior to adding the cationic additive. The guar additives Galaxy 707D and Gendrive 162 are the same as those used in Example 1. Kymene.RTM.557H is the reaction product of an polyamide and epichlorohydrin conventionally used as a wet strength resin in paper and available from Hercules Incorporated. KN9-56CMG is a carboxymethyl guar. The combinations show minimal adverse effects on paper softness caused by the presence of the wet strength agent, as indicated by the stiffness data. TABLE 3 __________________________________________________________________________ Bending Enhancement, % of Control Stiffness Anionic Cationic Kymene 557H Dry % of No Additive Percent Additive Percent Percent Tensile Elongation TEA Control __________________________________________________________________________ 1 None -- None -- 1.0 10.8 10.0 -- 95 2 KM9-56CMG 0.15 Gendrive 162 0.15 0.75 18.3 13.9 108 3 None -- None -- 1.0 11.9 22.2 20.6 -- 4 None -- Gendrive 162 0.5 0.5 19.6 25.9 34.4 -- 5 Galaxy 707D 0.25 Gendrive 162 0.25 0.5 34.5 33.2 77.6 104 __________________________________________________________________________ COMATIVE EXAMPLE 4 Results of the evaluation of strength on handsheets prepared with unbleached kraft containing about 2 percent black liquor are shown in Table 4. The results show that a combination of an anionic and a cationic guar additive is not more effective than the cationic guar additive alone when added at the same total level. The guar additives, Galaxy 707D and Gendrive 162, are the same as used in Example 1. TABLE 4 __________________________________________________________________________ Anionic Cationic Enhancement, % of Control Additive Percent Additive Percent Tensile Strength TEA Elongation __________________________________________________________________________ Galaxy 707D 0.50 Gendrive 162 0.5 14.2 21.1 12.5 None -- Gendrive 162 1.0 16.9 25.3 12.5 __________________________________________________________________________ COMATIVE EXAMPLE 5 Results of strength properties evaluation on handsheets prepared with partially unbleached kraft incorporated externally with 0.9% black liquor are presented in Table 5. The results show that a combination of an anionic and a cationic guar, when added to this unbleached kraft-black liquor system, is in fact less effective than the cationic guar alone at the same total addition level. The guar additives are the same as those used in Example 1. TABLE 5 __________________________________________________________________________ Anionic Cationic Tensile Strength TEA Elongation Additive Percent Additive Percent (PSI) (ft. lb/ft.sup.2) (%) __________________________________________________________________________ Control -- -- -- 5877 5.29 2.2 Galaxy 707D 0.5 Gendrive 162 0.5 7644 7.58 2.6 None -- Gendrive 162 1.0 8684 10.62 3.0 __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 6 This series of tests examines the strength properties and bending stiffness of paper prepared in a small-scale pilot plant version of a conventional paper machine, located at Kalamazoo, Mich. and referred to herein as the Laboratory Former. The pulps used in the numbered tests were: Nos. 1 and 2, 50/50 NSW/NHW kraft; Nos. 3, 4, 7 and 8, 70/30 long fiber/sawdust; and Nos. 1 and 2, 70/30 virgin fiber/broke. In each case, a combination of an anionic and a cationic additive (guar or acrylamide copolymer) was incorporated in the pulp followed by the same amount of wet strength resin Kymene 557H. The anionic components used were all carboxymethyl guars. Among the cationic additives, Percol 743 is a polyacrylamide copolymer, the rest are guars. These results, recorded after 2 weeks natural curing and presented in Table 6, represent the enhancements of properties over what are obtained with 1 percent Kymene 557H alone. They demonstrate the fact that these combinations of an anionic and a cationic component provide synergistic effects on wet strength as well as dry strength of paper. These effects are significantly greater when one of the components is a conventional wet strength resin, such as Kymene 557H. TABLE 6 __________________________________________________________________________ Total Enhancement over Control Bending Stiffness Kymene Additive 1% Kymene 557H % of 1% Anionic Cationic 557H Level Dry Wet Kymene No Additive % Additive % % % Tensile Elongation TEA Tensile Control __________________________________________________________________________ 1 WG-18 0.30 Percol 743 0.20 0.50 1.00 20.3 19.5 42.5 17.8 99 2 Galaxy 707D 0.30 Gendrive 162 0.20 0.50 1.00 18.0 24.2 45.3 10.7 96 3 0087-08-2 0.30 Gendrive 162 0.20 0.50 1.00 26.2 28.2 62.2 31.9 109 4 0087-08-2 0.30 Percol 743 0.20 0.50 1.00 26.3 32.2 63.1 40.5 99 5 0087-08-2 0.30 Percol 743 0.20 0.50 1.00 20.5 26.8 57.1 17.5 99 6 WG-18 0.30 0083-40-3 0.20 0.50 1.00 15.4 18.5 36.8 11.3 107 7 D3129 0.30 Percol 743 0.20 0.50 1.00 25.0 22.0 52.0 36.8 104 8 WG-18 0.30 0083-40-3 0.20 0.50 1.00 19.3 27.3 62.0 29.2 98 __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 7 This series of tests examines the strength properties and bending stiffness on handsheets prepared in the Laboratory Former. The pulps used in the numbered tests were: Nos. 1 to 6,55/30/15 northern softwood/CTMP/recycled pulp, and No. 7,50/50 northern softwood/hardwood furnish. The results in No 8 were produced from handsheets using 70/30 northern softwood/CTMP pulp. All the cationic additives were modified polyacrylamides. Percol 743 is a copolymer of acrylamide and 10 mole % MTMAC (Methylacryloxytrimethyl ammonium chloride), Reten 157 contains 10 mole % ATMAC (acryloxytrimethyl ammonium chloride) and Hercofloc 1154 contains 6 mole % DADMAC (dialcryloxydimethyl ammonium chloride). All the anionic additives are guar products available from Aqualon. The results are recorded in Table 7. TABLE 7 __________________________________________________________________________ POLYACRYLAMIDE COPOLYMER - GUAR COMBINATIONS Enhancement, % of Control Bending Stiffness Anionic Cationic Tensile % of No Additive Percent Additive Percent Strength Elongation TEA Control __________________________________________________________________________ 1 None -- Percol 743 1.00 6.4 15.0 22.6 -- 2 K0341 A2 WG-18) 0.50 Percol 743 0.50 17.8 12.9 36.3 -- 3 None -- Reten 157 1.0 5.3 11.7 14.6 -- 4 AQU-D3129 0.50 Reten 157 0.5 12.7 19.5 35.3 -- 5 None -- Hercofloc 1154 1.0 11.7 10.0 21.1 -- 6 AQU-D3129 0.50 Hercofloc 1154 0.50 16.9 22.8 44.2 -- 7 AQU-D3129 0.50 Percol 743 0.50 37.5 45.5 101 106 8 Galaxy 707D 0.50 Hercofloc 1154 0.50 16.3 8.0 26.4 92 __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 8 This series of tests examines the strength properties and bending stiffness of paper prepared in the Kalamazoo Laboratory Former with 70/30 northern softwood/CTMP furnish. The anionic component was added first followed by the cationic component, and the wet strength resin (Kymene 557H) was added last. The results, recorded in Table 8, show that the combination of a wet strength resin and an anionic and a cationic guar, and even the combination of a an anionic guar and a wet strength resin enhances not only the dry strength but also the wet strength very significantly over the corresponding properties obtained by the same amount of the wet strength resin alone. The bending stiffness of the paper samples is not adversely affected by the presence of these additive combinations. The additives AQU-D3129, Galaxy 707D and 0.1 DSCMG are anionic carboxymethyl guars. 404-48-3,404-48-1 and Gendrive 162 are Aqualon cationic guars of which the first two are developmental. The respective controls used were made with the same furnish, but with no additive. TABLE 8 __________________________________________________________________________ Total Enhancement, % of Control Bending Kymene Additive Wet Stiffness Anionic Cationic 557H Level Dry Tensile % of No Additive % Additive % % % Tensile Elongation TEA (P/I) Control __________________________________________________________________________ 1 None -- None -- 1.00 1.00 9.1 3.4 13.0 5.65 113 2 None -- None -- 1.50 1.50 -- 9.9 15.5 5.85 130 3 None -- None -- 2.00 2.00 11.9 13.0 37.0 5.93 -- 4 AQU-D3129 0.13 404-48-3 0.13 1.00 1.26 17.5 24.0 52.3 6.44 88 5 Galaxy 707D 0.25 404-48-1 0.25 1.00 1.50 16.3 20.0 37.0 6.58 91 6 0.1 DSCMG 0.19 404-48-1 0.19 1.50 1.88 28.2 4.3 29.8 7.14 -- 7 0.1 DSCMG 0.50 Gendrive 162 0.50 1.00 2.00 33.4 8.9 38.9 7.15 89 8 0.1 DSCMG 1.00 None -- 1.00 2.00 32.6 9.8 30.9 7.67 -- __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 9 This series of tests examines the strength properties and bending stiffness of handsheets prepared from the following pulps: Nos. 1 to 4, 50/50 softwood/hardwood kraft (SWK/HWK); (Nos. 5 and 6), 70/30 northern softwood kraft/CTMP (NSK/CTMP). AQU-D3129 and Galaxy 707D are anionic carboxymethyl guars previously referred to, and Gendrive 162 is a cationic guar previously referred to, while 404-48-3 is a developmental cationic guar. The results, which are recorded in Table 9, show that the paper properties obtained by adding to the pulp coacervates formed by premixing the anionic and cationic components are about the same as those obtained by adding the additives individually to the pulp. They were significantly more convenient to use. TABLE 9 __________________________________________________________________________ Enhancement over Control Containing Bending 1% Kymene 557H Stiffness Anionic Cationic Modes of Addition Tensile % of No Additive % Additive % to Pulp System Strength Elongation TEA Control __________________________________________________________________________ 1 AQU-D3129 0.5 404-48-3 0.5 Added individually in pulp 12.2 12.5 11.6 102 2 AQU-D3129 0.5 404-48-3 0.5 Premixed to form 12.8 8.3 21.7 107 coacervate before adding to pulp 3 AQU-D3129 1.0 404-48-3 1.0 Added individually 28.5 25.0 45.0 108 4 AQU-D3129 1.0 404-48-3 1.0 Premixed to form 25.6 29.2 49.8 110 coacervate 5 Galaxy 707D 0.5 Gendrive 162 0.5 Added individually to pulp 17.8 6.5 28.5 91 6 Galaxy 707D 0.5 Gendrive 162 0.5 Premixed to form 17.4 9.7 29.3 95 coacervate before adding to pulp __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 10 Dry strength properties and bending stiffness of paper prepared in the Kalamazoo Laboratory Former (KLF) with 55/30/15 NSK/CTMP/secondary furnish are presented in Table 10. The data recorded in K-17803 and K-17822 represent enhancement of dry strength properties over what was obtained with the control with no additive. The anionic additive employed are CMG (AQU-D3129, Galaxy 707D) and CMHPG (WG-18) while the cationic components are cationic guars (Jaguar CP-13-HiTek, and 0083-40-3) and acrylamide copolymer (Percol 743). The results show that in most cases, at the same level of addition, dry strength with a combination of an anionic and a cationic guar (or a cationic polyacrylamide) is significantly higher than what is obtained with a combination of an anionic guar and the wet strength resin Kymene 557H, with less adverse effect of paper softness, as indicated by the bending stiffness results. TABLE 10 __________________________________________________________________________ Bending Kymene Total Enhancement, Stiffness Anionic Cationic 557H Additive % of Control % of Additive Percent Additive Percent Percent Level % Tensile TEA Elongation Control __________________________________________________________________________ AQU-D3129 0.50 Jaguar CP-13 0.50 None 1.00 43.3 76.9 29.0 87 WG-18 0.50 Percol 743 0.50 None 1.00 32.9 63.2 27.8 89 WG-18 0.50 0083-40-3 0.50 None 1.00 26.9 47.0 19.5 108 AQU-D3129 0.50 None -- 0.50 1.00 23.5 54.2 23.9 112 WG-18 0.50 None -- 0.50 1.00 9.3 28.0 18.0 110 Galaxy 707D 0.50 None -- 0.50 1.00 25.7 57.0 23.9 118 __________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 11 Dry strength properties and bending stiffness of paper prepared in the KLF using 70/30 NSK/CTMP furnish are recorded in Table 11. The data demonstrated enhancement of dry strength properties over what was obtained with the control containing no additive. The anionic additives are CMG and cationic components are either cationic guar or Kymene 557H, a wet strength resin. The results show that in most cases, at the same level of addition, a combination of an anionic and a cationic guar provides significantly higher dry strength than what is obtained with the combination of an anionic guar and Kymene, with less adverse effect on paper softness. TABLE 11 __________________________________________________________________________ Bending Kymene Total Enhancement, Stiffness Anionic Cationic 557H Additive % of Control % of Additive Percent Additive Percent Percent Level % Tensile TEA Elongation Control __________________________________________________________________________ AQU-D3129 0.50 404-48-1 0.50 None 1.00 34.8 53.7 25.7 95 AQU-D3129 0.60 404-48-3 0.40 None 1.00 25.6 45.9 21.0 92 AQU-D3129 0.50 404-48-3 0.50 None 1.00 25.9 96.6 51.2 96 AQU-D3129 0.50 None -- 0.50 1.00 18.4 26.7 9.8 110 Galaxy 707D 0.50 None -- 1.0 1.50 26.5 51.5 22.8 116 0.1 DS CMG 1.0 None -- 1.0 2.00 22.5 30.9 9.2 -- __________________________________________________________________________ COMATIVE EXAMPLE 12 Strength properties and bending stiffness of paper prepared at the Kalamazoo Laboratory Former with 70/30 NSW/CTMP are presented in Table 12. The results demonstrate enhancement of dry strength properties over what was obtained with the control with no additive while the wet strength tensile is the enhancement over what was obtained with 0.5 % Kymene.RTM. alone. To demonstrate the advantages achieved by the combinations of anionic and cationic components according to the invention over the prior art combinations described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,058,873, the anionic additives used according to the invention were CMG and CMHPG, while CMC-6CTL is a technical grade carboxymethyl cellulose such as that disclosed in the Patent. Gendrive 162 is a cationic guar and Reten.RTM.157 is an acrylamide copolymer. A sharp drop in dry strength accompanied by an increase in bending stiffness was noted when the carboxymethyl cellulose was used. TABLE 12 __________________________________________________________________________ Kymene Enhancement, Wet Strength Bending Stiffness Run Anionic Cationic 557H % of Control Enhancement % of No. Additive Percent Additive Percent Percent Tensile TEA Elongation % 0.5 Kymene Control __________________________________________________________________________ 1 Galaxy 707D 0.30 Gendrive 162 0.20 0.50 31.0 102 33.6 24.5 -- 2 Galaxy 707D 0.50 None -- 0.50 27.6 68 30.6 27.0 -- 3 WG-18 0.20 Reten 157 0.30 0.50 30.8 76 -- -- 96 4 WG-18 0.50 None -- 0.50 22.4 60 37.3 25.7 94 5* CMC-6CTL 0.50 None -- 0.50 13.5 21 13.1 12.0 99 __________________________________________________________________________ *See U.S. Pat. No. 3,058,873 described above. TESTS OF ADDITIVES FOR EXAMPLES Results of viscosity and relative specific viscosity (RSV) for 0.25 % aqueous solutions of the guar additives are shown in Table 13. The results indicate the range of relative molecular weights of typical additives employed in the examples. Since these data do not lead to the absolute molecular weights of the additives, no comparison can be made with similar data for materials of different molecular shapes. Charge densities of typical additives employed in the examples are shown in Table 14. TABLE 13 ______________________________________ Additives Viscosity (CP) RSV (dl/g) ______________________________________ Guar Gendrive 162 31.1 121.5 Guar Galaxy 707D 9.0 32.4 Guar Jaguar CP-13 66.5 223.8 ______________________________________ TABLE 14 ______________________________________ Charge Density Viscosity (cp) Product (meq/g) 2% Solution ______________________________________ AQU-D3129 -1.34 2,300 404-48-3 0.86 4,200 Jaguar 8707 -0.012 12,000 Jaguar LP-13 0.23 23,000 ______________________________________

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring now toFIG. 1, apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. The apparatus is for serially depositing first edible food products on second edible food products. In the disclosed embodiment, the first edible food product10is produced or made available by a food product pump12which may be of any suitable commercially available type. The food product pump or equipment12serially makes available a plurality of the first edible food products, the latter for example being ground meat, vegetables or other material lending itself to utilization of the present invention. The first edible food products10produced by equipment12are of substantially the same length and must be so when carrying out the teachings of the present invention. Positioned downstream from the food product pump12is an intermittently movable belt-type upper conveyor14for receiving first edible food products10from equipment12one at a time, the intermittently movable upper conveyor14supporting one first edible food product at a time. The effective length of the upper conveyor14is the same as the length of each first edible food product. The upper conveyor is motor driven. The apparatus also includes a lower conveyor16for continuously transporting second edible food products18which may for example be edible shells or wraps. The lower conveyor operates continuously and passes under the discharge end20of upper conveyor14. The space between the discharge end20and the lower conveyor is sufficient to allow passage of second edible food products18therebetween. A photoelectric sensor or other type of sensor22senses when the leading edge of each of the second edible food products18reaches a predetermined location and immediately sends a signal to a suitably programmed controller24. Sensor24is preferably mounted on a bracket26allowing placement of the sensor to be changed. Controller24is in the operative relationship with food product pump12and the electric motor30driving upper conveyor14. When the controller receives the sensor signal, the controller initiates movement of the upper conveyor from a stopped condition by energizing the motor thereof to transport a first edible food product10supported thereby and place the transported first edible food product on the second edible food product18sensed at the aforesaid predetermined location by the sensor during continuous transport thereof. Simultaneously, the controller causes the equipment12to place a replacement edible food product10on the upper conveyor. The controller is operable to stop movement of the upper conveyor by deenergizing the motor thereof after the transported first edible food product on the upper conveyor leaves discharge end20and is placed on the second edible food product sensed at the predetermined location by the sensor and the food product pump has placed the replacement first edible food product on the upper conveyor. The controller is operable to terminate operation of the equipment12after the equipment has placed the replacement first edible food product on the upper conveyor. As indicated above, the present invention also encompasses a method for serially depositing first edible food products on second edible food products. The method includes the step of serially making available the first edible food products10and placing the first edible food products10one at a time on intermittently movable upper conveyor14. Lower conveyor16is employed to continuously transport the second edible food products18. The method includes sensing when each of the second edible food products continuously transported by the lower conveyor reaches a predetermined location. Also included in the method is the step of substantially simultaneously initiating movement of the upper conveyor from a stopped condition to transport a first edible food product supported thereby and place the transported first edible food product on the second edible food product sensed at the predetermined location by the sensor22during continuous transport thereof and placing a replacement first edible food product on the upper conveyor. The first edible food products10are made available at the same length as the effective length of the upper conveyor. The method also includes the step of stopping movement of the upper conveyor after the upper conveyor has placed the transported first edible food product on the second edible food product sensed at the predetermined location by the sensor and the replacement first edible food product has been placed on the upper conveyor. According to the method, the upper conveyor is moved during each period of movement during the intermittent movement thereof a distance equal to the effective length thereof and the length of the first edible food product supported thereby. Because the present arrangement results in a first edible food product always waiting for the intended shell, wrap or other second edible food product, the minimum spacing required by known methods is eliminated. The main bed of the upper conveyor and the belt thereof are easily interchanged with longer or shorter assemblies to accommodate different length products. The perfected relationship of the dimensions of the apparatus to the shell, wrap or other second edible food product to be operated upon eliminates the necessity for the electronic control elements to correct otherwise imperfect mechanical design elements. The need for electronic motor speed adjustments is eliminated by the design of the depositor elements in a proper relationship to the shell or wrap and the filling or other type of first edible food product. While electronic control systems have been employed in the past to modify the position and velocity profile parameters of edible food products being combined, these methods are complex, costly and prone to unpredictable failure. By embedding the deposit parameters in the physical relationship of the mechanical components as taught by this invention, it becomes the nature of the apparatus to perform the task for which it was designed in a highly efficient, reliable and speedy manner.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference toFIGS. 1, 1A, 1Band in accordance with embodiments of the invention, fins10,11,12are formed on a substrate14and shallow trench isolation (STI)16is formed that provides electrical isolation for the fins10,11,12and other adjacent fins (not shown). The fins10,11,12are three-dimensional bodies comprised of a semiconductor material, such as undoped or intrinsic silicon, arranged in lengthwise parallel rows and project in a vertical direction relative to the top surface of the substrate14. The fins10,11,12may be formed by photolithography and etching processes, such as a sidewall imaging transfer (SIT) process or self-aligned double patterning (SADP). The substrate14may be a bulk substrate composed of silicon or a silicon device layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The STI16may be composed of, for example, silicon dioxide (SiO2) deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A gate dielectric layer22is conformally deposited on the fins10,11,12and the STI16. The gate dielectric layer22may be composed of a dielectric material, such as a high-k dielectric having a dielectric constant (e.g., permittivity) higher than the dielectric constant of SiO2. In particular, candidate high-k dielectric materials for the gate dielectric layer22may have a dielectric constant (i.e., permittivity) greater than 10 and, in an embodiment, a dielectric constant in a range of 10 to 100. Candidate high-k dielectric materials for the gate dielectric layer22include, but are not limited to, a hafnium-based dielectric material like hafnium oxide (HfO2), a layered stack of a hafnium-based dielectric material and another other dielectric material (e.g., aluminum oxide (Al2O3)), or combinations of these and other dielectric materials. Gate electrodes18,19,20are arranged in lengthwise parallel rows and are aligned orthogonal or transverse to the fins10,11,12. The gate electrodes18and19overlap with the fins10,11,12and are separated from their exterior surfaces by the gate dielectric layer22. The gate electrodes18,19,20and fins10,11,12may be used to form one or more fin-type field-effect transistors. Each of the gate electrodes18,19,20includes a gate stack that includes, in addition to the gate dielectric layer22, a metal gate conformal layer24representing one or more barrier metal layers and/or work function metal layers, such as titanium aluminum carbide (TiAlC) or titanium nitride (TiN), and a metal gate fill layer25that is comprised of a conductor, such as tungsten (W). The layers24,25may be serially deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) or CVD on the fins10,11,12and the STI16. The metal gate conformal layer24is conformally deposited with a constant thickness that is independent of the underlying feature topography, and the metal gate fill layer25is deposited as a blanket or fill material. In an embodiment, the metal gate conformal layer24and the gate dielectric layer22may be recessed before the metal gate fill layer25is deposited. The gate electrode18,19,20are surrounded by spacers28, which may be composed of a dielectric material such as silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) or silicon oxycarbide (SiOC). A semiconductor layer30is formed by epitaxial growth on sections of the fins10,11,12that are not covered by the spacer-clad gate electrodes18,19,20. The semiconductor layer30may include portions that are located in the interstitial spaces between the spacer-clad gate electrodes18,19,20. The semiconductor layer30grows epitaxially from the sidewalls of the fins10,11,12in order to merge source/drain regions and provide a larger area for landing vertical contacts to the source/drain regions. The semiconductor layer30may be comprised of a semiconductor material, such as silicon germanium (SiGe) or silicon (Si), and may be in situ doped during growth to impart a given conductivity type to the semiconductor material. The gate electrodes18,19,20are embedded in, and the fins10,11,12and STI16are covered by, an interlayer dielectric layer26. The interlayer dielectric layer26may be composed of a dielectric material, such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), that is deposited by CVD. The gate electrodes18,19,20are coplanar with a top surface27of the interlayer dielectric layer26. The materials constituting the spacers28and the gate electrodes18,19,20are capable of being removed selective to the dielectric material constituting the interlayer dielectric layer26. As used herein, the term “selective” in reference to a material removal process (e.g., etching) denotes that, with an appropriate etchant choice, the material removal rate (i.e., etch rate) for the targeted material is greater than the removal rate for at least another material exposed to the material removal process. With reference toFIGS. 2A, 2Bin which like reference numerals refer to like features inFIGS. 1A, 1Band at a subsequent fabrication stage, the metal gate fill layer25of the gate electrodes18,19,20and the spacers28are recessed relative to the top surface27of the interlayer dielectric layer26with an etching process. The etching process may remove the conductor of the metal gate fill layer25selective to the dielectric material of the interlayer dielectric layer26. The etching process recessing the metal gate fill layer25may be an isotropic etching process. The spacers28are also recessed with an etching process that removes the spacers28selective to the dielectric material of the interlayer dielectric layer26. A conformal dielectric layer32is deposited that fills the spaces created by the recessing of the metal gate fill layer25and the spacers28, and that covers the top surface27of the interlayer dielectric layer26. The dielectric layer32may be comprised of, for example, silicon nitride (Si3N4) deposited by ALD, which results in a planar top surface for the dielectric layer32without the necessity of polishing. An organic planarization layer34may be applied by spin-coating an OPL material on a top surface of the dielectric layer32. A hardmask layer36is formed on a top surface of the organic planarization layer34. The hardmask layer36is composed of a material, such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), a silicon-containing anti-reflective coating (SiARC), titanium oxide (TiOx), or silicon oxynitride (SiON) deposited by CVD or physical vapor deposition (PVD). The hardmask layer36is patterned and then used to pattern the organic planarization layer34to define gate cuts38,40. The gate cut38is aligned in a vertical direction with a section of the gate electrode20and, in an embodiment, the gate cut38may be aligned with the entirety of the gate electrode20. The gate cut40is located horizontally between fin11and fin12, and is aligned in a vertical direction with a section of the gate electrode18. The patterning that opens the hardmask layer36and organic planarization layer34at the location of the gate cuts38,40may rely on etching processes, such as reactive ion etching (RIE), using one or more etch chemistries, and that stops on the dielectric material of the dielectric layer32when penetrating vertically through the organic planarization layer34. With reference toFIGS. 3A, 3Bin which like reference numerals refer to like features inFIGS. 2A, 2Band at a subsequent fabrication stage, the hardmask layer36is removed selective to the materials of the organic planarization layer34and the dielectric layer32. For example, if the hardmask layer36is comprised of silicon dioxide, a wet chemical etch using a buffered hydrofluoric acid solution may be used to remove the hardmask layer36. Using the patterned organic planarization layer34as an etch mask, the gate cuts38,40are transferred by an etching process to the dielectric layer32that removes the material of the dielectric layer32selective to the material of the metal gate fill layer25. The gate cuts38,40extend to the top surface of the metal gate fill layer25. The spacers28exposed by the gate cut38are pulled down slightly relative to the gate electrode20and, more specifically, relative to the top surface21of the metal gate fill layer25of gate electrode20by the performance of this etching process. Consequently, the spacers28over the area of the gate cut38will include a height reduction, Δh, relative to the height of the spacers28that are masked by the organic planarization layer34across areas not coinciding with the gate cut38. Due to masking by the organic planarization layer34and the dielectric layer32during the performance of this etching process, the spacers28cladding the gate electrodes18and19, as well as the spacers28cladding the gate electrode20outside of the area of the gate cut38, will not be shortened by the etching process. The spacers28in these masked areas do not experience the height reduction and will therefore have a height that is greater the height of the spacers28over the area of the gate cut38due to the height reduction. The reduced height may result from recessing due to an over-etch used to ensure that the material of the dielectric layer32is completely removed from the gate electrode20inside the perimeter of the gate cut38. With reference toFIGS. 4A, 4Bin which like reference numerals refer to like features inFIGS. 3A, 3Band at a subsequent fabrication stage, a section of the gate electrode18exposed by the gate cut40is removed at the location of the gate cut40. More specifically, the metal gate conformal layer24and metal gate fill layer25constituting the section of the gate electrode18are removed at the location of the gate cut40. A section of the gate electrode20is removed at the location of the gate cut38. More specifically, the metal gate conformal layer24and metal gate fill layer25constituting the section of the gate electrode20are removed at the location of the gate cut38. In an embodiment, the gate electrode20may be removed in its entirety. The materials of the metal gate conformal layer24and metal gate fill layer25are removed at the location of the gate cuts38,40selective to the materials of the interlayer dielectric layer26and the spacers28. For example, one or more directional etching processes, such as reactive ion etching (RIE), each having a given etch chemistry may be used to remove respective sections of the gate electrodes18and20at the location of the gate cuts38,40. Sections of the gate dielectric layer22are revealed by the removal of the sections of the metal gate conformal layer24. The gate dielectric layer22may optionally be removed over the area of the gate cuts38,40by an etching process, such as reactive ion etching (RIE), having a given etch chemistry that removes the material of the gate dielectric layer22selective to the materials of the interlayer dielectric layer26and spacers28. The removal of the gate electrodes18and20and the optional removal of the gate dielectric layer22over the areas of gate cuts38,40creates unfilled open spaces that extend in a vertical direction through the interlayer dielectric layer26and between the spacers28to the top surface of the STI16or the gate dielectric layer22on the STI16if the gate dielectric layer22is not removed. Gate electrode18is divided by the gate cut40into two separate gate electrodes18a,18beach comprised of the metal gate conformal layer24and metal gate fill layer25. The gate cut40is located in a horizontal direction between the gate electrode18aand the gate electrode18b, and defines a vertical discontinuity in the metal gate conformal layer24and metal gate fill layer25. With reference toFIGS. 5, 5A, 5Bin which like reference numerals refer to like features inFIGS. 4A, 4Band at a subsequent fabrication stage, the gate cuts38,40are filled with respective portions42,44of a dielectric layer46composed of a dielectric material. In an embodiment, the dielectric layer46and the dielectric layer32may be composed of the same dielectric material, such as silicon nitride (Si3N4). A planarization with, for example, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) may restore a planar top surface27for the dielectric layers26,32,46. The portion44of the dielectric layer46filling the gate cut40includes sidewalls45that extend vertically through the dielectric layer32and the gate electrode18. The metal gate conformal layer24of gate electrode18aand the gate dielectric layer22terminate at one of the sidewalls45of the portion44of the dielectric layer46on the STI16and adjacent to the fin11. The metal gate conformal layer24of gate electrode18band the gate dielectric layer22terminate at the opposite sidewall45of the portion44of the dielectric layer46on the STI16and adjacent to the fin12. The sidewalls45are in direct contact with the dielectric layer32and in direct contact with the metal gate fill layer25of the gate electrode18over the height of the gate cut40above the level of the metal gate conformal layer24. Silicidation, middle-of-line (MOL), and back-end-of-line (BEOL) processing follow, which includes formation of contacts and wiring for the local interconnect structure overlying the device structure, and formation of dielectric layers, via plugs, and wiring for an interconnect structure coupled by the interconnect wiring with the gate electrodes and source/drain regions of the field effect transistors. The recessing of the spacers28over the area of the gate cut38, when the dielectric layer32is opened, will exhibit the height reduction, Δh, relative to the height of the spacers28that are masked by the dielectric layer32over areas not coinciding with the gate cut38. The portion44of the dielectric layer46, because the gate cut40is formed and filled with dielectric material after the gate electrode20is removed, does not include material from the metal gate conformal layer24or the gate dielectric layer22extending vertically along its sidewalls. Conventionally, a metal gate layer is deposited after the dielectric material is formed in a gate cut and covers the sidewalls of the dielectric material in the gate cut. The methods as described above are used in the fabrication of integrated circuit chips. The resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form (e.g., as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips), as a bare die, or in a packaged form. In the latter case, the chip is mounted in a single chip package (e.g., a plastic carrier, with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier) or in a multichip package (e.g., a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections). In any case, the chip may be integrated with other chips, discrete circuit elements, and/or other signal processing devices as part of either an intermediate product or an end product. References herein to terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, etc. are made by way of example, and not by way of limitation, to establish a frame of reference. Terms such as “horizontal” and “lateral” refer to a direction in a plane parallel to a top surface of a semiconductor substrate, regardless of its actual three-dimensional spatial orientation. Terms such as “vertical” and “normal” refer to a direction perpendicular to the “horizontal” and “lateral” direction. Terms such as “above” and “below” indicate positioning of elements or structures relative to each other and/or to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate as opposed to relative elevation. A feature “connected” or “coupled” to or with another element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or, instead, one or more intervening elements may be present. A feature may be “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element if intervening elements are absent. A feature may be “indirectly connected” or “indirectly coupled” to another element if at least one intervening element is present. The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

7H

01

L

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 3, a preferred form of the present invention can be used to control a load 20 powered by an electrical power source 22 capable of supplying voltage in the range of 20-260 volts AC or 20-260 volts DC. In such a system, the preferred form of the invention basically comprises an electronic switch 28 (preferably a field effect transistor), a resistor 29, a gating circuit 30, an example of a gating means, a sensor circuit 32, an example of a sensing means, a storage circuit 34, an example of a storage means, and a regulator circuit 36, all connected as shown. The regulator circuit 36 (preferably a "Buck regulator"), the means used to regulate voltage, is further comprised of a metal oxide varistor 24, a full wave bridge rectifier 26, including diodes D1-D4, a dual diode rectifier 35, a switching regulator 37, a voltage regulator 39, and visual indicator circuitry 40. The dual diode rectifier is further comprised of diodes D5 and D6. Still referring to FIG. 3, load 20 only has a minimal amount of current flowing through it if switch 28 is in its high impedance state. With switch 28 in its high impedance state, regulator circuit 36 (FIG. 4) provides sufficient power to operate sensor circuit 32, and regulator circuit 36 charges storage circuit 34 to approximately 8.5 volts. Once sensor 32 detects the presence of a condition for which the load 20 should be turned on (i.e., at least a predetermined quantity of current sufficient to operate the load should flow through the load), sensor 32 outputs a signal to gating circuit 30 over a conductor 33. Next, gating circuit 30 switches switch 28 into a low impedance mode that permits current to flow through load 20. In the low impedance mode, storage circuit 34 discharges, supplying the necessary power to sensor circuit 32 to keep it operating. Eventually, the storage circuit will have discharged to a point where it cannot continue to supply enough power to sensor circuit 32 to keep it operative. When this happens, gating circuit 30 temporarily switches switch 28 to its high impedance state, and load 20 only has minimal current flowing through it. At this point, regulator circuit 36: (1) provides power to sensor circuit 32; and (2) provides sufficient power to recharge storage circuit 34. Once storage circuit 34 is sufficiently recharged, gating circuit 30 switches switch 28 back into its low impedance mode. At this point: (1) current sufficient to operate load 20 flows through load 20 again; (2) storage circuit 34 begins to discharge again; and (3) sensor circuit 32 receives power necessary to operate it from storage circuit 34 again. The time necessary to recharge storage circuit 34 is about one-tenth the time storage circuit 34 (starting from a fully charged state) can keep sensor circuit 32 operational. Referring to FIG. 4, switching regulator 37 comprises resistors 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 and 58, capacitors 60, 62 and 64, field effect transistors (FETs) 66 and 68, an inductor 70, an operational amplifier 72, a dual diode rectifier 74, transistors 76 and 78, and a zener diode 80, all connected as shown. The dual diode rectifier 74 is further comprised of diodes D7 and D8. Switching regulator 37 is responsive to the full wave bridge rectifier 26 (FIG. 3) and essentially controls the impedance seen by load 20 via FET 68. When FET 68 is in its low impedance state, power is supplied to the circuit through an inductor 70 to the load 20. When the voltage rises across the output of the switching regulator 37 as set by the operational amplifier 72, FET 68 is placed in its high impedance state and the energy stored in the inductor 70 is returned to the circuit via dual diode rectifier ("flyback" diode) 74. Switching regulator 37 supplies approximately 8.5 volts DC to voltage regulator 39 (shown in detail in FIG. 5). Referring to FIG. 5, voltage regulator 39 comprises an operational amplifier 82, a zener diode 84, resistors 86 and 88, capacitors 90 and 92, and a transistor 94, all connected as shown. FIG. 5 also shows FETs 96, 98 and 100, resistor 102, and LEDs 104 and 106, which are connected to voltage regulator 39 and switching regulator 37. Referring specifically to voltage regulator 39, zener diode 84 acts as a 1.2 volt reference for one of the inputs to operational amplifier 82. Resistors 86 and 88 set the gain of the operational amplifier 82 to ensure that the proper voltage will be available to sensor circuit 32. The operational amplifier 82 output will be about 5.0 volts DC (1.2 volts.times.[1+[475/150]]), which is sufficient voltage for the sensor. The voltage regulator 39 is always operational regardless of the load's state and provides constant DC voltage to the sensor circuit 32. Transistor 94, connected to the output of operational amplifier 82, provides current gain, ensuring that proper current will be available to sensor circuit 32. Still referring to FIG. 5, visual indicator circuitry 40 comprises resistor 102, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 104 and 106 and FETs 96, 98 and 100. FET 96 and FET 100 are enhancement mode FETs. These FETs are in the high impedance state when their gate voltages are positive with respect to their source voltages. FET 98 is a N-channel FET and is in a low impedance state when its gate voltage is positive with respect to its source voltage, exactly the opposite logic of FETs 96 and 100. Thus, FET 98 and FET 100 are complementary, one being in a high impedance state and the other in a low impedance state all of the time. When FET 98 is conducting, LED 104 will be illuminated, indicating the absence of a triggering event or condition detected by sensor circuit 32. When FET 100 is conducting (FET 98 is not conducting), LED 106 will be illuminated, indicating the presence of a triggering event or condition detected by sensor circuit 32. LEDs 104 and 106 are of aid in troubleshooting the preferred embodiment of the invention once it is operative in the field. Again referring to FIG. 5, FET 96 essentially short circuits resistor 52 (FIG. 4) when an object is sensed, which disables the current limiting circuit formed by resistor 52 and transistor 78. This eliminates any delays in refreshing the charge stored in storage circuit 34 (FIG. 6). Thus, the current limiting circuit formed by resistor 52 and transistor 78 functions only on powering up the device and serves to minimize the initial surge of current that would otherwise occur and erroneously turn on the load 20. After powering up, FET 96 renders the current limiting circuit inoperable. Referring to FIG. 6, storage circuit 34 (FIG. 3) consists of a 4.7 micro farad capacitor 34 and generates a storage signal indicative of the amount of electrical energy stored within it. Sensor circuit 32 comprises a photoelectric head, such as Honeywell part No. MPD2. However, it is clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that many other types of sensors could be used in conjunction with the present invention, including, but not limited to, an inductive proximity sensor, such as Honeywell part No. 977SO1. Still referring to FIG. 6, gating circuit 30 comprises a zener diode 38, resistors 110, 112, 114 and 116, a capacitor 118, an operational amplifier 120 (functioning as a comparator) having an inverting input 120I and a non-inverting input 120N, and transistors 122 and 124, all connected as shown. Control line 126 of sensor circuit 32 is connected to zener diode 38 (a 6.8 volt zener diode), which, in turn, is connected to input 120I. Control line 126 carries a sensing signal which is generated by the sensor 32. The zener diode takes the sensing signal and generates a reference signal, which is input into the inverting terminal 120I of operational amplifier 120. If a triggering event has not occurred, input 120I is pulled high (to approximately 8.5 volts) by resistor 110, which is connected via zener diode 38 to an open collector or open drain output of the sensor circuit 32. Non-inverting input 120N of the operational amplifier is approximately 7.2 volts (i.e., 8.0 multiplied by [100/110] due to the resistor divider consisting of resistors 112 and 114). Since inverting input 120I is higher in voltage than non-inverting input 120N, the output of the operational amplifier 120 is switched to approximately zero volts and FET switch 28 (the switch means) is gated to its high impedance state. In this state, the regulator circuit 36 maintains the charge on the storage circuit 34 at about 8.5 volts. Again referring to FIG. 6, when a triggering event occurs, control line 126 is driven low (to about zero volts), and inverting input 120I is reduced to about 6.8 volts (i.e., to the voltage drop across zener diode 38). Since non-inverting input 120N is still at about 7.2 volts, the output of the operational amplifier 120 is switched high, transistors 122 and 124 are switched to their low impedance states (placing a high voltage at the gate of FET 28), and FET 28 is switched to its low impedance state. This permits a predetermined quantity of electrical power to flow through the load 20, turning the load on and enabling the load to perform its intended function. Transistors 122 and 124 function together to provide current gain, helping the gate of FET 28 react quickly to the presence or absence of a triggering event. At this time, operational amplifier 120 and resistors 112 and 114 try to maintain 7.5 volts across storage circuit 34. However, storage circuit 34 begins to discharge in order to supply the necessary current required by the sensor circuit 32 and voltage regulator 39. Eventually, storage circuit 34 will not have sufficient voltage to maintain the high output of the operational amplifier 120 and FET 28 will switch to its high impedance state. The switching occurs when input 120N drops below about 6.8 volts (i.e., the voltage on inverting input 120I is maintained by the zener diode 38). Then, FET 68 (FIG. 4) will go to its low impedance state, allowing the regulator circuit 36 to both supply power to sensor circuit 32 and recharge storage circuit 34 (because it is less than 8.5 volts). Almost instantly, storage circuit 34 will be recharged, and the output of operational amplifier 120 will go high, placing FET 28 in its low impedance state and permitting a predetermined amount of current to flow through load 20 again. FET 28 goes to its high impedance state for such a short time that there is no impact on the load 20. In fact, the load 20 does not turn off during this time and only sees a slight difference in the impedance of FET 28 during the time the storage circuit 34 is being recharged. Referring to FIG. 7, lines a1, b1, c1, d1, e1, f1 and g1 of FIG. 4 are connected to lines a2, b2, c2, d2, e2, f2 and g2 of FIG. 5, respectively. Further, lines h1, i1, j1, k1 and l1 of FIG. 6 are connected to lines h2, i2, j2, k2 and l2 of FIG. 5, respectively. Finally, lines m1, n1, o1, p1, q1 and r1 of FIG. 4 are connected to lines m2, n2, o2, p2, q2 and r2 of FIG. 6, respectively. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the preceding preferred embodiment can be altered and modified without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

7H

02

M

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The integral helmet represented in the drawing comprises a helmet shell1which extends from a front edge2over the top part of the head into the rear neck region and over the ear regions of a helmet wearer. The helmet shell forms an upper and lateral defining edge for a visor opening3. In the exemplary embodiment represented, the helmet shell1forms the lateral regions4which cover the ear regions of the helmet wearer and from which an extension piece5extends on one side into a chin region. On the opposite lateral part4is formed a through opening6for a stable pivot joint7by means of which a chin part8can be swivelably fastened to the helmet shell1. The chin part8terminates in a pivot joint part9of the pivot joint7and extends on the relevant side of the helmet shell1over the entire chin region and beyond a central edge10into the chin region on the other side up to the extension piece5. It can be seen fromFIG. 1that the helmet shell1is provided in its lateral region4with a projection which forms a butting edge11and which, in combination with a rear edge12of the chin part8, limits the downward movement of the chin part8about a horizontal pivot axis13of the pivot joint7. It can also be seen fromFIG. 1that the helmet shell1is provided with an inner lining14which is formed in the usual manner by a shock-damping inner shell and padding parts. The chin part8is thus formed asymmetrically and extends from the pivot joint7to the extension piece5, to which it can be connected via a lock arrangement15, which is only schematically indicated inFIG. 1. The central edge10is situated halfway across the width of the visor opening3and merely constitutes a design feature. FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate that the extension piece5in the exemplary embodiment represented is connected in one piece with the helmet shell1. The chin part extends over more than ⅔ of the width of the visor opening3. When the helmet is in the assembled state, as is represented inFIGS. 2 and 3, the visor opening3is covered in the customary manner by a visor panel16pivotally mounted on the helmet shell1. The visor panel16is mounted such that it can be pivoted up by means of pivot joints17on the helmet shell1. FIGS. 2 and 3show that the free end of the chin part8bears via a butting edge18against the extension piece5. In the closed state represented inFIGS. 2 and 3, the helmet shell1and the chin part8form an access opening19which is closed on all sides, as can be seen fromFIG. 1(in the as yet non-closed state). FIG. 4shows that the chin part8can be swung up and takes along the visor panel16during the swinging-up movement. In this position the helmet can be removed comfortably from the head of the helmet wearer or placed onto the head of the helmet wearer. FIG. 5illustrates that the chin part8can be swung up about the pivot joint7, to which the visor panel16is also fastened such that it can be swung up. In this case, the pivot axis13for the chin part8and for the visor panel16are coincident. FIG. 6, by contrast, illustrates that the pivot joint17on the other side of the helmet shell1is intended only for the pivoting of the visor panel16, since the chin part8does not extend as far as the pivot joint17. Since, given the one-piece design of the extension piece5with the shell1, it cannot be seen fromFIG. 6where the chin region begins in the context of this description, it should be pointed out that the lateral end of the visor opening3is usually regarded as the transition line to the chin region. In the representation ofFIG. 1, the approximately vertically extending front edge of the lateral region4of the helmet shell1thus constitutes the transition line to the chin region. The same applies to an imaginary mirror-symmetrical line on the other side of the helmet (view according toFIG. 6). The asymmetric design of the chin part represented allows sufficient enlargement of the access opening19in order to put on and take off the integral helmet and thus makes it possible, by virtue of its configuration, for the chin part8to be articulated using only one pivot joint7in the lateral region4of the crash helmet and makes it possible to use only one lock arrangement15on the butting edge between the free end of the chin part8and the helmet shell1, wherein the butting edge can be produced on the extension piece5, for example. In a variant of the embodiment represented, it is possible to prolong the chin part8to such an extent that the butting edge18is formed as a front edge of the lateral region4on this side of the helmet shell1, with the result that an extension piece5supplementing the chin part8can be dispensed with. In this case, too, only one pivot joint7and one lock arrangement15are required. Investigations have revealed that—unlike the completely symmetrical design of a movable chin part in the prior art—the asymmetric design of the chin part8according to the invention is capable of achieving identical safety values in spite of the elimination of one pivot joint and of one lock arrangement.

0A

42

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1is a top plan view of a conventional ducting for an AC system12used in a building14. The AC system12has an air handling unit16to which are connected supply duct18and return duct20. The return duct20connects between the intake of the air handling unit16and a return plenum22. The supply duct18has a trunk section24and branch sections26which connect to and extend outward from the trunk section24. Reducer fittings28are provided within the trunk section24to reduce the cross sectional area of the trunk section18as air is removed and passed through the branch sections26. Supply vents30are provided for connecting between the supply duct18and in the spaces to be conditioned within the building14. Tee's32are fittings which connect between the branch sections26and the trunk section24. There may also be additional branch sections such as the section34which extends off of one of the branch sections26. FIG. 2is an exploded view of a trunk section24formed of flexible duct36according to the present invention. A supply plenum38extends off the air handling unit16and is shown having a square cross-section. A transition fitting40is provided for connecting to the supply plenum38. An outward end or downstream end of the transition fitting40is provided with a terminal end profile58for coupling with a duct section42. The duct section42is preferably provided by flexible duct. The downstream end of the duct section42connects to a first terminal end profile58of a tee44. The tee44provides a fitting for connecting to two branch sections26. A second end of the tee44has a second end profile58which is adapted for connecting to a duct section46. The duct section46is also preferably a flexible type of duct, and a downstream end of the duct section46connects to a end profile58of a reducer fitting48. The reducer fitting48has a second end profile58which is adapted for connecting to a duct section50. The duct section50is preferably a flexible duct. A second end of the flexible duct50is connected to a first end of an end cap fitting52. The end cap fitting52also has a end profile58which attaches for securing the duct section50thereto. The trunk section24has a centrally disposed, longitudinal axis54about which the flexible duct36and the fittings40,44,48and52are preferably coaxially disposed. FIG. 3is a perspective view of the transition fitting40providing square to round adapter fitting. A first end of the transition fitting40has a flange56for securing to the supply plenum38. A second end, which is a downstream end of the transition fitting40, has the end profile58. The end profile58has a tapered surface60which provides a guide surface which is beveled for guiding a terminal end of the duct section42over the end profile58of the square to round adapter fitting40. Spaced apart from the terminal end, from the outermost end or downstream most end of the transition fitting40is a catch shoulder62, which is preferably annular shaped and inward facing relative to the end profile58. The catch shoulder62provides an abutment for placing securing straps92,94and96around the terminal ends of the duct sections42,46and50for securing the terminal ends of the duct sections42,46and50to respective ones of the fittings40,44,48and52. FIG. 4is a perspective view of the tee44for coupling to flexible duct providing branch sections and trunk sections. The tee44has two end profiles58, each with tapered surfaces60and catch shoulder62. The tee44additionally has mounting members64which provides loops that define stabilizing bars for securing tie down straps thereto for rigidly affixing the tee44in a fixed position relative to the building14and the air handling unit16. FIG. 5is a perspective view of the reducer fitting48. The reducer fitting48has opposite fitting end profiles58for securing respective ones of the ducts46and50thereto. The reducer fitting48further includes mounting members66which provide loops which define stabilizing bars for receiving respective ones of the securing straps92,94and96. FIG. 6is a perspective view of the end cap fitting52. The end cap fitting52preferably has a first end which provides a fitting end profile58with a tapered surface60and a catch shoulder62. The second end of the end cap fitting52preferably includes an end cap68. The end cap68seals the terminal end of the flexible duct section36. The end cap fitting52further includes mounting members64which provide loops which define stabilizing bars for receiving the securing straps92,94and96. FIGS. 7 and 8are perspective views showing the steps in securing respective ends of the flexible duct sections42,46and50to the fittings40,44,48and52. Only the reducer fitting48is shown, but the other fittings40,44and52will be secured by the same method. First and inner layer82as shown inFIG. 7, is secured over the end profiles58, with the tapered guide surface60and the catch shoulder62fitting within the terminal end of the ducts46and50. Tape is then wrapped around the terminal end portion of the ducts46and50and an inner tie band94, preferably a self locking plastic tie, is secured about the inner layer42, adjacent to the catch shoulder62, as shown inFIG. 8. Then the outer layer of insulation84which is preferably fiber glass and the outer covering or jacket86is extended over the fitting terminal end58, beyond the catch shoulder62, and an outer tie band96is secured thereto adjacent the inward side of the catch shoulder62. Mastic98is then applied to seal closed the inner layer, the insulation, and the outer jacket86. The mounting straps80may be seen secured to the mounting member66to suspend the reducer fitting48in a fixed position. FIG. 9is perspective view of a transition fitting102providing a square to round adapter fitting having multiple end profiles58. The transition fitting102has an open terminal downstream end108and an open upstream end110. A flange112is provided for securing to the supply plenum38(shown inFIG. 2). The multiple end profiles58are spaced apart and are of increasingly smaller sizes in moving toward terminal ends of the transition fitting102, defining a plurality of reducer sections104. Cut lines106are provided between each of the adjacent end profiles58. The cut lines106are preferably molded into the transition fitting102, preferably scored to identify where to cut. In some embodiments, the cut lines106may be provided by perforations. The fitting102is preferably molded of thermoplastic such that is may be easily cut along scored cut lines106during installation. Each of the end profiles58have a tapered surface60which faces outward of the fitting102and provides a guide surface which is beveled for guiding a terminal end of the duct section42over the end profile58. Spaced apart from the smaller terminal ends of each of the tapered shoulders60is a catch shoulder62, which is preferably annular shaped and inward facing relative to the tapered surface60of the respective end profile58. The catch shoulders62provide abutments for retaining securing straps, such as the straps92,94and96which are placed around the terminal ends of duct sections to secure flex ducting thereto. FIG. 10is perspective view of a tee fitting114having trunk connections116and branch connections118for coupling with flexible duct providing branch sections and trunk sections. Each of the trunk connections116and the branch connections118of the tee114preferably has multiple end profiles58which are spaced apart and are of increasingly smaller sizes in moving toward terminal ends of respective ones of the branch and trunk connections116,118which define a plurality of reducer sections104. Cut lines106are provided between each of the adjacent end profiles58. The cut lines106are preferably molded into the transition fitting102, preferably scored to identify where to cut. In some embodiments, the cut lines106may be provided by perforations. The Tee fitting114is preferably molded of thermoplastic such that is may be easily cut along scored cut lines106during installation. Each of the end profiles58have a tapered surface60which faces outward of the fitting102and provide a guide surface which is beveled for guiding a terminal end of the duct section42over the end profile58. Spaced apart from the smaller terminal ends of each of the tapered shoulders60is a catch shoulder62, which is preferably annular shaped and inward facing relative to the tapered surface60of the respective end profile58. The catch shoulders62provide abutments for retaining securing straps, such as the straps92,94and96which are placed around the terminal ends of duct sections to secure flex ducting thereto. The tee44additionally has mounting members64which provides loops that define stabilizing bars for securing tie down straps thereto for rigidly securing the tee44in a fixed position relative to the building14. FIG. 11is a perspective view of a reducer end cap fitting126which defines a reducer end section128having an integral end cap130. The reducer end section128has multiple end profiles58which are spaced apart and are of increasingly smaller sizes in moving toward the end cap120. In other embodiments, the reducer section128may taper in an opposite direction, such that the end cap end is larger. A plurality of reducer sections104are defined and cut lines106are provided between each of the adjacent end profiles58. The cut lines106are preferably molded into the transition fitting102, preferably scored to identify where to cut. In some embodiments, the cut lines106may be provided by perforations. The end cap fitting126is preferably molded of thermoplastic such that is may be easily cut along scored cut lines106during installation. Each of the end profiles58have a tapered surface60which faces outward of the fitting102and provide a guide surface which is beveled for guiding a terminal end of the duct section42over the end profile58. Spaced apart from the smaller terminal ends of each of the tapered shoulders60is a catch shoulder62, which is preferably annular shaped and inward facing relative to the tapered surface60of the respective end profile58. The catch shoulders62provide abutments for retaining securing straps, such as the straps92,94and96which are placed around the terminal ends of duct sections to secure flex ducting thereto. The reducer end cap126also has mounting members64which provides loops that define stabilizing bars for securing tie down straps thereto for rigidly securing the tee44in a fixed position relative to the building14. The fittings102,114and126are preferably cut to fit various nominal duct sizes. The following Table A shows typical nominal sizes for the reference letters listed inFIGS. 9-11: TABLE ASectionLarge Fitting SetSmall Fitting SetA18″8″B20″10″C22″12″D24″14″E—16″F6″6″G7″7″H8″8″I9″9″ The present invention provides advantages of flexible duct installations with sections of flexible duct pulled taut between adjacent fittings. This provides for the ease and simplicity of installation of a flexible ducting system with the clean, tidy appearance of rigid ducting systems. End profiles are provided for the fittings to allow end portions of flexible duct sections to be fixedly secured to the fittings, with at least some of the fittings having mounting members for securing the fittings in fixed positions within buildings. The end profiles are preferably tapered and include abutments provided by shoulders spaced apart from terminal ends of the fittings for securing the flexible duct end portions with bands. Various fittings may have multiple end profiles spaced apart in adjacent relation with cut lines there-between to allow one fitting to be used for multiple flex duct sizes, reducing inventory requirements for duct installation businesses. Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

5F

24

F

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION In a housing 1 a cold-sintered filter 2 is disposed. The construction of this filter 2 comprises individual layers of filter disks of different filter fineness, specifically selected for the particular spinning process, on a spinneret plate 3 . In this exemplary spinneret arrangement, the spinneret plate 3 is fastened by means of a thread in the housing 1 . The thread in the housing 1 and on the spinneret plate 3 are so configured that upon screwing of the plate in until it reaches an abutment or stop the spinning orifice pattern is always located at the same place so that the correct blowing onto the filaments as they are spun out of the orifices can be assured. The connection of the polymer melt supply is effected via the connecting seal 4 and adapter (not here further shown) to the heating vessel (also called the spinning beam). The embodiment can be matched completely to the requirements of the user and the equipment available to him. The housing 1 is comprised of material No. 1.4057 (according to German Industrial Standard-Steel Key), a material with a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient. The spinneret plate 3 can be composed of material No. 1.4580 and the filter structure 2 of material No. 1.4301 or 1.4541, all materials with a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. The fits are so selected with respect to the dimensions and materials that the individual parts, in a cold state can easily be fitted together and disassembled from one another and that the sealing effect on the one hand will result at the latest shortly before the specific spinning temperature is reached and on the other hand the parts at elevated cleaning temperature (about 450-540 C.) will not be damaged by overexpansion. The desired self-sealing function in the operating state is achieved without conventional seals by the targeted pairing of materials and selection of the fits: the four parts, housing 1 , filter 2 , spinneret plate 3 and connection seal 4 are mounted together in the cold state and thereafter heated as is customary. Because of the different thermal expansions, the sealing effect arises and the spinneret can spin the filaments at optional pressure. The outer housing 1 is thus comprised of material of a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion and the inner parts, filter 2 and/or spinneret plate 3 can be fabricated by contrast of a material with a higher thermal expansion coefficient. The dimensions are so selected that the parts can easily be mounted in the cold state (room temperature) but at the operating temperature for spinning (about 300 C.) because of the differential expansion can yield a self-sealing press fit between the parts. Upon termination of spinning, the complete spinneret is subjected to a cleaning and first after cooling is disassembled. Thereafter, the spinneret plate 3 and the filter element 2 which can thus be used primarily like a filter candle, can be further cleaned and scraped or subjected to ultrasound. The sealing principle here expounded upon using differential thermal expansion is not limited to the described spinnerets and filter uses but can be used universally wherever filtering, shearing or spinning is desired whether for microfibers, textile filaments, high strength tire cords or other applications. It remains for the product or applications expert to select the configuration by the choice of the cold-sintered filter, the materials and the fits for their special cases either by analysis or empirically.

3D

01

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the words “may” and “can” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. FIG. 1shows an inkjet printhead generally designated by reference number1101. The printhead1101has a housing1127formed of a lid1161and a body1163assembled together through attachment or connection of a lid bottom surface and a body top surface at interface1171. The shape of the housing varies and depends upon the external device that carries or contains the printhead, the amount of ink to be contained in the printhead and whether the printhead contains one or more varieties of ink. In any embodiment, the housing or body has at least one compartment in an interior thereof for holding an initial or refillable supply of ink and a structure, such as a foam insert, lung or other, for maintaining appropriate backpressure in the inkjet printhead during use. In one embodiment, the internal compartment includes three chambers for containing three supplies of ink, especially cyan, magenta and yellow ink. In other embodiments, the compartment contains black ink, photo-ink and/or plurals of cyan, magenta or yellow ink. It will be appreciated that fluid connections (not shown) may exist to connect the compartment(s) to a remote source of bulk ink. A portion1205of a tape automated bond (TAB) circuit1201adheres to one surface1181of the housing while another portion1211adheres to another surface1221. As shown, the two surfaces1181,1221exist perpendicularly to one another about an edge1231. The TAB circuit1201has a plurality of input/output (I/O) connectors1241fabricated thereon for electrically connecting a heater chip1251to an external device, such as a printer, fax machine, copier, photo-printer, plotter, all-in-one, etc., during use. Pluralities of electrical conductors1261exist on the TAB circuit1201to electrically connect and short the I/O connectors1241to the bond pads1281of the heater chip1251and various manufacturing techniques are known for facilitating such connections. It will be appreciated that while eight I/O connectors1241, eight electrical conductors1261and eight bond pads1281are shown, any number are embraced herein. It is also to be appreciated that such number of connectors, conductors and bond pads may not be equal to one another. The heater chip1251contains at least one ink via1321that fluidly connects to a supply of ink in an interior of the housing. Typically, the number of ink vias of the heater chip corresponds one-to-one with the number of ink types contained within the housing interior. The vias usually reside side-by-side or end-to-end. During printhead manufacturing, the heater chip1251preferably attaches to the housing with any of a variety of adhesives, epoxies, etc. well known in the art. As shown, the heater chip contains four rows (rows A-row D) of fluid firing elements, especially resistive heating elements, or heaters. For simplicity, dots depict the heaters in the rows and typical printheads contain hundreds of heaters. It will be appreciated that the heaters of the heater chip preferably become formed as a series of thin film layers made via growth, deposition, masking, photolithography and/or etching or other processing steps. A nozzle plate, shown in other figures, with pluralities of nozzle holes adheres over or is fabricated with the heater chip during thin film processing such that the nozzle holes align with the heaters for ejecting ink during use. Alternatively, the heater chip is merely a semiconductor die that contains piezoelectric elements, as the fluid firing elements, for electro-mechanically ejecting ink. As broadly recited herein, however, the term heater chip will encompass both embodiments despite the name “heater” implying an electro-thermal ejection of ink. Even further, the entirety of the heater chip may be configured as a side-shooter structure instead of the roof-shooter structure shown. FIG. 2shows an external device in the form of an inkjet printer for containing the printhead1101, generally designated by reference number1401. The printer1401includes a carriage1421having a plurality of slots1441for containing one or more printheads. The carriage1421is caused to reciprocate (via an output1591of a controller1571) along a shaft1481above a print zone1431by a motive force supplied to a drive belt1501as is well known in the art. The reciprocation of the carriage1421is performed relative to a print medium, such as a sheet of paper1521, that is advanced in the printer1401along a paper path from an input tray1541, through the print zone1431, to an output tray1561. In the print zone, the carriage1421reciprocates in the Reciprocating Direction generally perpendicularly to the paper Advance Direction as shown by the arrows. Ink drops from the printheads are caused to be ejected from the heater chip1251(FIG. 1) at such times pursuant to commands of a printer microprocessor or other controller1571. The timing of the ink drop emissions corresponds to a pattern of pixels of the image being printed. Often times, such patterns are generated in devices electrically connected to the controller (via Ext. input) that are external to the printer such as a computer, a scanner, a camera, a visual display unit, a personal data assistant, or other. A control panel1581having user selection interface1601may also provide input1621to the controller1571to enable additional printer capabilities and robustness. To print or emit a single drop of ink, the fluid firing elements (the dots of rows A-D,FIG. 1) are uniquely addressed with a small amount of current to rapidly heat a small volume of ink. This causes the ink to vaporize in a local ink chamber and be ejected through the nozzle plate towards the print medium. The fire pulse required to emit such ink drop may embody a single or a split firing pulse and is received at the heater chip on an input terminal (e.g., bond pad1281) from connections between the bond pad1281, the electrical conductors1261, the I/O connectors1241and controller1571. Internal heater chip wiring conveys the fire pulse from the input terminal to one or many of the fluid firing elements. In order to operate within industrial printers, a printhead according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention must be able to accommodate ketone, acetate and alcohol based inks. For example, certain materials that are compatible with such inks may be selected for the body and lid of the printhead and internal features and the back pressure system of the printhead may be altered as compared to conventional printheads. FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view andFIGS. 4 and 5are cross-sectional views of a printhead assembly, generally designated as reference number1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The printhead assembly1includes an ink cartridge body10, filter20, filter cap30, gasket40, in reservoir50, fill ball60and lid70. The ink cartridge body110includes a datum surface13. The ink cartridge body10has a chamber12that is sized and configured to receive the ink reservoir50. Although only one ink reservoir50is shown in the figures, it should be appreciated that multiple ink reservoirs may be provided to accommodate one or more color inks. The ink reservoir50includes an exit port52for delivery of the ink, once installed in the chamber12, and the port52can include an interface structure as appropriate, such as a lip or extension. The exit port52can be sealed using a removable seal, which can be removed at the time of installation. Attached to the ink cartridge body10is a print head chip11including a plurality of nozzles for delivery of the ink to the print medium. In other embodiments, the nozzles are provided on a structure separate from the chip. The ink flows from the exit port52of the ink reservoir50through channels in the lower portion of the body10. The ink then flows within the body10to a manifold in the print head chip11, from which it is drawn to the nozzles for ejection onto the print medium, such as by using heater elements or piezoelectric elements formed in the chip11. The system1is moved relative to the print medium, such that the nozzles drop ink at one or more desired locations on the medium. The lower portion of the ink cartridge body10includes a tower14. The tower14may include any appropriate extension, structure, port, or interface for receiving ink for printing. The tower14of this example includes a raised tubular extension, or standpipe, having one or more openings15through which the ink may flow. Other tower configurations are also possible as will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the filter cap30engages the tower14, and in particular may be welded to an upstanding outer perimeter wall of the tower14. The filter cap30includes a conduit or guide component for providing a passage between the ink cartridge body10and the ink reservoir50. In this example, the filter cap30includes an inner passage32for providing ink therethrough, the passage32being defined by a smaller diameter upper passage portion34at the ink reservoir end and a larger diameter lower passage portion36at the ink cartridge body end. The filter cap30may be made of a polyamide, such as, for example, nylon, or other suitable materials that can provide a fluid resistant seal against the tower14, ink cartridge body10, and/or ink reservoir50. The upper passage portion34of the filter cap30engages a corresponding exit port52of the ink reservoir50to allow ink to flow from the ink reservoir50to the passage32of the filter cap30. A sealing member is disposed adjacent the filter cap30and assists in sealing between the filter cap30and the ink reservoir50. In this example, the sealing member includes the gasket40that engages the upper passage portion34, so as to create a fluidic seal to control fluid and evaporative losses from the system, and prevent air from entering the system to maintain back pressure. The gasket40may be made of a suitable elastomer material, or other material with good sealing properties. The filter20filters contaminants in the ink from reaching the printhead chip. The filter20can also provide capillary functions to allow ink to pass upon demand to the printhead chip and to prevent air passage into the printhead chip. The filter20can be made of a metal weave, a polymer weave, or other mesh, screen, or weave materials. For instance, a stainless steel dutch twill or a stainless steel random weave material may be used to form the filter20. The filter20may be insert injection molded in the tower14, or otherwise disposed in the ink cartridge body10. As another example, the filter20may be heat staked to the ink cartridge body10. The material used to form the ink cartridge body10and associated lid70may be, for example, nylon (e.g., Nylon 6,6, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,12), polyethersulfone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene or other materials that are compatible with ketone, acetate and alcohol based inks. Since these materials exhibit vapor loss through permeation, a secondary boundary may be provided in the form of the ink reservoir50. In this regard, the ink reservoir50may be made of polypropylene and/or polyethylene based materials so as to create a sufficient permeation barrier. The ink reservoir50is also provided to serve as a back pressure device since conventional back pressure devices are made of foam or felt materials, which are easily attacked by ketone, acetate and alcohol based inks. The ink reservoir50provides the primary permeation boundary for the ink cartridge body10and when the ink reservoir50is attached internally to the ink cartridge body10and lid70, a tortuous vent path is created having a high length to area ratio. This tortuous path allows air to move through it, while maintaining a high humidity environment, which reduces evaporative losses and greatly reduces permeation from the system. FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of the ink reservoir50. The ink reservoir50is made up of a peripheral frame51, spring53, side plates54, and side walls55. The frame51is generally rectangular shaped and is open on both sides. The frame51may be made of a polypropylene and/or polyethylene based material. An ink fill hole56is disposed at the top of the frame51. In this regard, the lid includes an opening72that corresponds with the ink fill hole56of the frame51, as well as an air vent opening74and indent76for locking an associated muzzle cap in place (as described in more detail below). The fill ball60may be disposed within the ink fill hole56to allow for passage of ink into the ink reservoir50while preventing leakage of ink out of the ink reservoir50. The spring53may be made from 316 stainless steel or other compatible material, and is used to deliver force to the side plates54, to generate a back pressure. The side plates54may be made of 316 stainless steel or other comparable material, and act as the rigid surface area that generates the back pressure in the system. The side plates54may be attached to the spring53at either end. In an exemplary embodiment, the side plates54may be attached to the side walls55, though they need not be. The side walls55are made of multi-layer polymeric films that are thermally formed and then welded to the sides of the frame51to create the chamber needed to store the ink. The polymeric film used to form the side walls55may be, for example, thermally formed polypropylene and/or polyethylene film. During printing, ink is ejected out of the nozzles, causing an increase in negative pressure under the filter20. This negative pressure pulls ink from above the filter20and into the tower14. Since the ink reservoir50is in direct fluid connection with the tower14, the negative back pressure inside the ink reservoir50increases as well. The negative back pressure pulls against the side walls55and side plates54, which causes the spring53to collapse further. The spring53is what maintains and dictates the static back pressure in the system. During shipping any inkjet printhead can see temperature and atmospheric changes that can change the internal back pressure in the printhead, which in turn may lead to leaks. With water based inks this can lead to unhappy customers that have ink on their hands when they open the shipping bag, but when solvent based inks are introduced, an added danger exists in that combustible vapors may be released when a bag is opened. In this regard, a muzzle cap according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention keeps the printhead completely sealed during shipping and maintains the pressure inside the printhead cavity equalized with the surrounding atmosphere upon removal of the muzzle cap to minimize the risk of drooling or air ingestion into the printhead. Drooling would produce an unhappy customer from the standpoint of ink dripping everywhere, and in the case of air ingestion, poor print quality. To this end, the muzzle cap according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention seals the nozzle plate, covering each and every nozzle, without causing damage to the nozzle plate, and also seals the atmospheric vent in the printhead to prevent air pressure changes from reaching the back pressure device. The opening of these seals is done in a particular order in order to prevent problems from occurring. In particular, the atmospheric vent must be opened first in order to equalize the internal pressure in the printhead prior to the opening of the nozzles. FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow perspective views andFIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of a muzzle cap, generally designed by reference number100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The muzzle cap100includes a main body110, vent seal120, nozzle plate seal130and nozzle plate seal retainer140. The main body110may be a unitary member including a side wall112, a top wall114and a bottom wall116. The main body110is made of a plastic that is compatible with the ketone and acetate based inks that is being jetted, so as to not degrade in the presence of the ink. For example, the main body110may be made of nylon (e.g., Nylon 6,6, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,12), polyethersulfone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene or other materials that are compatible with ketone, acetate and alcohol based inks. The main body110includes guiding and locking elements, such as protrusions113and snap-locking element119. As described in further detail below, these features locate the vent seal120and nozzle plate seal130relative to the printhead assembly1as accurately as possible so as to cover openings in the printhead assembly1and lock the muzzle cap100in place relative to the printhead assembly1. The main body110may also contain datum features152that directly address datum features13on the printhead in order to minimize tolerance stack-ups. In this regard, the main body110may include a datum biasing element154(FIG. 19) that applies force to push the datum feature13of the printhead body10into engagement with the datum feature152on the main body110. FIG. 9is a perspective view of the vent seal120, which is preferably made of a thermoset elastomer, such as a peroxide cured ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) material, so as to reduce compression set over time and provide maximum resistance to the ketone and acetate solvent inks. The vent seal120closes the opening in the printhead assembly1that is in direct communication with the atmosphere, where the opening otherwise allows air to enter the internals of the printhead assembly1during printing as ink is displaced. The vent seal120is a generally cylindrical element portions of which have different diameters from one another. In particular, the vent seal120includes a sealing surface portion122that interfaces with the air vent opening74in the lid70, where the opening has a raised rim around it. This seals the opening with minimal force. A compression locking portion124, which has a smaller diameter than the sealing surface portion122, compresses into an opening115in the top wall114of the main body110of the muzzle cap100so as to create an interference fit between the compression locking portion124and the opening115. The assembly lead in portion126, which has a smaller diameter than the compression locking portion124, allows the vent seal120to be grabbed with a tool to pull the vent seal120into place. As shown inFIG. 10, the nozzle plate seal retainer140may be molded into the muzzle body110so as to reduce tooling and component costs, and eliminate the need to track an additional component. Prior to use of the muzzle cap100, the nozzle plate seal retainer140is twisted out of the muzzle body110and pressed into the nozzle plate seal130. FIG. 11is a perspective view andFIG. 12is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle plate seal130. The nozzle plate seal130is a generally open-bottomed cuboid shaped element including a top portion131and a bottom portion134. The nozzle plate seal130is preferably made of a thermoset elastomer, such as a peroxide cured ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) material, so as to reduce compression set over time and provide maximum resistance to the ketone and acetate solvent inks. The top surface of the top portion131of the nozzle plate seal includes an elevated portion that forms a sealing surface132. The sealing surface132has a smooth finish that allows good sealing to the nozzles. The perimeter of the bottom portion134locates the nozzle plate seal130in a corresponding opening117in the muzzle body110, and, as described in further detail below, when used in conjunction with the nozzle plate seal retainer140, centers the nozzle plate seal130in the muzzle body110. The bottom surface of the top portion131forms a flexing floor136that flexes to reduce the force applied to the nozzle plate and to also provide a uniform distribution of force on the nozzle plate to aid in sealing. The top portion131of the nozzle plate seal130extends over the bottom portion134so as to form a retaining lip138that acts as a stop for the nozzle plate seal130once assembled. FIG. 13is a perspective view of the nozzle plate seal retainer140, which is preferably made of a plastic material, such as nylon. The nozzle plate seal retainer140includes a top surface having an elevated portion142. Teeth-like locking projections144are arranged around the perimeter of the elevated portion142. The top surface also includes an elevated perimeter forming a rim146. As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, in order to assemble the muzzle cap100, after the nozzle plate seal130is disposed within the opening117, the nozzle plate seal retainer140is engaged with the nozzle plate seal130by sliding the elevated portion142of the nozzle plate seal retainer140into the open bottom of the nozzle plate seal130. The locking projections144“bite into” the elastomer material of the nozzle plate seal130to retain the nozzle plate seal130in place, while naturally centering the nozzle plate seal130in the muzzle body opening117. FIGS. 16-18show assembly of the muzzle cap100onto the printhead assembly1. The muzzle cap100is placed on the printhead assembly1in a manner such that the nozzle plate seal110engages and seals the nozzle plate before the vent seal120engages and seals the air vent opening in the lid70of the printhead assembly1. In particular, as shown inFIG. 16, as the muzzle cap100is assembled to printhead assembly1, the datums in the printhead are guided by guides113and biased to a datum pad in the muzzle body110to provide proper alignment to the nozzle plate seal130. As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, the sequence of steps taken to place the muzzle cap100on the printhead assembly1may include a first step of engaging the bottom portion of the muzzle cap100with the bottom portion of the printhead assembly1, and then sliding the snap locking element119onto the lid70so that the snap locking element119engages with the indent76, thereby locking the muzzle cap100in place relative to the printhead assembly1. Engagement of the snap locking element119with the indent76in the lid70ensures proper placement of the vent seal120over the air vent opening74and also causes the nozzle plate seal130to deflect into tight engagement with the nozzle plate13, thereby preventing damage to the nozzle plate13and maintaining a uniform force across the nozzle plate13. When removing the muzzle cap100, the snap locking element119must first be disengaged from the lid70. This allows internal air pressure in the printhead to equalize to atmosphere prior to removal of the nozzle plate seal130, thereby minimizing drooling due to pressure differentials. While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1B

41

J

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals, and in order not to weigh down the figures, some elements are not referred to in some figures if they were already identified in a precedent figure. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”. Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more. According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided twin wire press for separating solid and liquid from a primary solid-liquid suspension, the twin wire press comprising: top and bottom endless webs; a support frame; a first dewatering section mounted to the support frame and including a wedge area which has an inlet and an outlet; the first dewatering section further including first and second tension roll assemblies mounted to the support frame upstream the wedge interspace inlet for directing respectively the top and bottom endless webs into the wedge interspace for movement from the inlet to the outlet thereof; the wedge interspace acting on the top and bottom webs in movement therein for collecting a first quantity of liquid from the primary solid-liquid suspension received therein so as to yield at the outlet a secondary solid-liquid suspension which is denser than the primary solid-liquid; a secondary dewatering section mounted to the support frame adjacent the outlet of the first dewatering section for receiving the secondary solid-liquid suspension therefrom; the secondary dewatering section having a press roll assembly including press rolls which are all mounted onto the support frame; the top and bottom webs cooperating in movement with the press rolls to further extract liquid from the secondary solid-liquid suspension to yield a tertiary solid-liquid suspension; and a drive roll mounted to the support frame that cooperates with first and second tension roll assemblies to move the top and bottom webs from the inlet of the wedge interspace to the second dewatering section via the outlet of the wedge interspace then back to the inlet of the wedge interspace. The expression press roll is intended herein to include a roll which, alone or in cooperation with another roll, cooperates with a web in a twin wire press to extract liquid from a suspension. According to further embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a primary dewatering system for a twin wire press including top and bottom endless webs, the primary dewatering system being for separating solid and liquid from a primary solid-liquid suspension, the primary dewatering system comprising: a support frame; a pair of opposite superimposed planar static elements which are operatively mounted to the frame so as to yield a wedge interspace therebetween and having first and second longitudinal ends defining respectively an inlet and an outlet of the wedge interspace; excess liquid removal elements secured to the frame so as to be positioned in the wedge interspace adjacent the outlet thereof; and first and second tension roll assemblies mounted to the frame upstream the wedge interspace inlet for directing respectively the top and bottom endless webs into the wedge interspace for movement from the inlet to the outlet thereof; the top and bottom webs cooperating in movement with the pair of opposite superimposed planar static elements therebetween for collecting a first quantity of liquid from the primary solid-liquid suspension so as to yield at the outlet a secondary solid-liquid suspension which is denser than the primary solid-liquid. With reference toFIGS. 1 to 3, a twin wire press10according to a first embodiment will now be described. The twin wire press10allows dewatering solid-liquid suspensions between top and bottom webs12and14. The twin wire press10comprises a primary dewatering section16including a wedge area17, a secondary dewatering section18, adjacent to the primary section16downstream therefrom, including grooved rolls20-24in an s-roll configuration, and a tertiary dewatering section26including scissor-nip roll assemblies28-34adjacent the secondary dewatering section18downstream thereof. The press10further comprises a head box36located upstream from the wedge area16for feeding fiber material to the press10. The headbox36comprises two (2) pressurized pulp feeders37. It is to be noted that the number and configuration of the feeders37may vary depending for example on the width of the press10and/or on the nature of the solid-liquid suspension. The head box36, primary, secondary and third dewatering sections16,18and26are mounted to a bottom frame38. It is to be noted that no frame element is provided above the secondary and tertiary dewatering sections18and26, and therefore above the S rolls20to24and press roll assemblies28to34, which are supported only by the bottom frame38thereonto. Turning now briefly toFIGS. 4 and 5, the wedge area16is defined by superimposed top and bottom static sheets40and42which are operatively assembled via top and bottom frame assemblies44and46. The bottom frame assembly46is part of or assembled to the support frame38. The interspace17between the top and bottom static sheets40and42has a height which is sufficient to allow passage to the top and bottom webs12and14and the suspension (not shown), which is injected by the head box36between the top and bottom webs12and14. The interspace17has a longitudinal inlet end side88and a longitudinal outlet side90for the solid-liquid suspension. The wedge area17, which is defined by the interspace, is tapered, with the cross section thereof being greater at the inlet side88than at the outlet side90. The pressure exerted onto the solid-liquid suspension therefore increases from the inlet88to the outlet90. The static sheets40and42are perforated to allow passage to liquid therethrough. The top and bottom static sheets40-42respectively define the top and bottom plates of respective top and bottom support assemblies44-46. Each of the frame assemblies44and46includes transversal beams92secured between two generally parallel longitudinal beams94transversally thereof. Each transversal beam92includes a bended resilient end96extending beyond the beam94on the side of the interspace16. These ends96act as biasing members that apply pressure onto the static sheets40and42so as in the interspace17. The pressure applied onto the static sheets40and42is further applied by the static sheets40and42onto the solid-liquid suspension via the top and bottom webs12and14. Since the interspace is tapered, more pressure is applied onto solid-liquid suspension therein. The above-described arrangement causes the solid-liquid suspension entering through the inlet88to lose liquid and therefore to exit through the outlet end90more dense than at the inlet. The solid-liquid suspension exiting the head box36and entering the inlet88of the wedge portion16will be referred to herein as the primary solid-liquid suspension, and the one exiting the outlet90will be referred to as the secondary solid-liquid suspension. Other biasing means than the bent end96of the transversal beams94can be provided, such as springs and/or angle iron (both not shown). According to another embodiment (not shown), the wedge area is defined by first and second series of rolls mounted respectively to the top and bottom frame44and46. The proximate end of each of the top and bottom support assemblies44and46is provided with a tension roll assembly48which contribute to tensioning the webbings12and14. Each tension roll assembly48includes a roll50in contact with the respective webbing12and14and being selectively biased from a respective support assembly44or46by a cylinder52. In addition to their tensioning function, the tension roll assemblies48directs respectively the top and bottom endless webs12and14into the wedge area17for movement from the inlet88to the outlet90thereof. As will be described hereinbelow with reference to a further embodiment, the two tension roll assemblies48need not to be identical and may also be mounted differently to the primary dewatering section16. The tension on the webs12and14is adjusted by a human operator (not shown) after visualizing loosening of the webs by operating the roll assemblies48. According to a further embodiment (not shown), a web tension sensor is provided which is coupled to the tension assemblies so as to trigger and command their operation. The two tension assemblies48are independently operable. A liquid outlet54is secured to the bottom support assembly46to recuperate liquid extracted in the wedge area17. Liquid is also recuperated under the secondary and tertiary dewatering sections18and26. Additional liquid recuperating means such as recipients (not shown) can further be provided under the primary dewatering section16. Top and bottom web alignment assemblies56are mounted to respective top and bottom support assemblies44and46of the primary dewatering section16. Top and bottom web alignment assemblies56allow aligning respectively the top and bottom webs12and14during operation. The web alignment assembly56includes a guiding roll58and two lateral air balloons60which offset the roll58as required in order to keep the respective web12and14centered. The pair of air balloons60is responsive to a feedback sensor62mounted to the support assembly44or46adjacent the web alignment assembly56. Other sensor technologies can be used detect the misalignment of the webs12and14such as without limitation optical sensors. Similarly, other centering mechanisms than a roll with lateral balloons can be used. The primary dewatering section16also includes two shower stations64, each mounted to a respective support assembly44and46on the side of the web12and14opposite the respective support assembly44and46. The showers64are position upstream from the wedge area17relative the movement of the webs12and14. The shower stations64include perforated tubing (not shown) fed by a pressurized web cleaning fluid distribution system (not shown) which creates cleaning jets onto the web12and14. The tubing is positioned transversally the orientation of the webs12and14and has a length or configuration allowing to spread the cleaning fluid along its width. According to the first embodiment, the cleaning fluid is water. However, the cleaning fluid can be another liquid depending for example on the solid-liquid suspension and/or the web material. According to other embodiment of the present invention, the shower station64includes sprinklers, water nozzles or another fluid distributing mechanism (not shown). Turning briefly toFIG. 6, the wedge area17is further provided with excess water removal elements66near the outlet90thereof. According to the first embodiment, these elements66are in the form of friction shoes98made for example of a polymeric material and that are alternatively secured to the top and bottom support assemblies44and46. In diminishing the height of the interspace17, the friction shoes98provide additional friction onto the webs12and14and therefore increase the water extraction from the solid-liquid suspension. This allows for example increasing the treatment speed of the apparatus10and more specifically the speed of displacement of the webs12and14. The water removal elements can be provided alternatively or in addition to the static sheets40and42. According to a further embodiment, the excess water removal elements differ to those illustrated. According to still another embodiment, the excess water removal elements66are omitted. The secondary solid-liquid suspension that enters the secondary dewatering section18exits in the form of a tertiary solid-liquid suspension which has an increased density compared to the secondary solid-liquid suspension. The grooved rolls20-24of the secondary dewatering section18have gradually decreasing diameter from the primary dewatering station16to the tertiary dewatering section26so as to provide an increasing pressure onto the pulp as it advances through the section18and as it gains consistency. According to a further embodiment (not shown), the grooved rolls20-24have the same diameter or show a diameter pattern different than the one according to the first embodiment. According to another embodiment (not shown), the rolls20-24are not grooved. According to still another embodiment, the first roll20is mounted to the top frame44of the primary dewatering section16. Each of the four press roll assemblies28-34has a scissor nip configuration. The assemblies28-34allow removing additional water from the pulp as increasing pressure is applied onto the pulp material running therein. Even though the pair of rolls from each assembly28-32is illustrated as having regular rolls, grooved rolls can also be used in these assemblies. The rolls68and70from the last assembly34further act as energized rotating rolls to drive the top and bottom webs12and14respectively. According to another embodiment (not shown), a driving roll assembly is mounted to or positioned adjacent the tertiary dewatering section26to cooperate with the tension roll assembly48so as to drive the top and bottom webs12and14. According to still another embodiment, the tertiary dewatering section26includes two or more drive roll assemblies (not shown). The number of press roll assemblies may vary depending for example on the application and/or on the speed of the webs12and14. The assembly28will now be described herein in further detail. Since the assemblies30-34are similar in configuration to the assembly28, and for concision purposes, they will not be described herein in more detail. The assembly28includes a first roll72rotatably mounted to the bottom frame38thereonto. For that purpose, the bottom frame38includes two opposite arcuate notches74(only one shown) for receiving the longitudinal ends of shaft76of the first roll72. The assembly28further includes a second roll78mounted to the first roll72, on top thereof in a scissor nip configuration, via a mounting assembly80. The mounting assembly80includes two end plates82(only one shown), each rotatably mounted at a respective longitudinal end of the second roll78. Each end plate82is pivotally mounted to the bottom frame38via a pivot rod84(only one shown). The assembly28further includes a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder86for applying a selected pressure between the two rolls72and78. The cylinder86is pivotally mounted to both the frame38and the plate82therebetween. Whenever maintenance is to be performed on any one of the rolls20-24and the ones in the assemblies28-34, an overhead crane can for example be used since no frame structure is provided on top thereof. Each of the rolls20-24and the rolls from the assemblies28-34are demountable independently from the other. Maintenance of the secondary and tertiary sections18and26of the press10is therefore facilitated. It is to be noted that the alignment of the press rolls in the assemblies28-34is achieved through the machining of the rolls support. Even though the twin wire press10is illustrated as having a single support frame38supporting the headbox36, primary, secondary, and tertiary dewatering sections16,18, and26, each of these assemblies36,16,18, and26can be mounted onto individual frames (not shown) which are then assembled before operation. Also, even though the support frame38is illustrated as being part steel and part concrete, a support frame according to another embodiment of the present invention can be made completely of steel. It is to be noted that modifications can be made to the press10such as: the number of rolls in the secondary or tertiary dewatering sections18and26may vary; the primary, secondary or tertiary dewatering sections16,18, and26can be provided with different pulp treating devices or mechanism in addition or alternatively to those illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3; the press10can be provided with other web aligning mechanism than the one illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3and described hereinabove. For example, a crowned roller (not shown) can be used. In some applications, the web-aligning mechanism is omitted; the press10can be provided with other web tensioning mechanism than the illustrated tension roll assembly48. Depending on the application, the tension roll assembly may not be configured to tension the webs12and14and may only serve the purpose of directing the webs12and14in the wedge area; in some applications, the excess water removal elements66can be omitted; in some applications, a single one of the secondary and tertiary dewatering sections18and26is required; in some applications, the secondary and tertiary dewatering sections18and26can have their position swapped; shall the secondary dewatering section18be the last one in the dewatering process, a drive roll assembly is further provided for driving the endless webs12and14. A twin wire press100according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference toFIG. 7. Since the twin wire press100is similar to the twin wire press10, only the differences between the two presses100and10will be described herein. A first difference between the presses100and10is that the secondary dewatering section19is omitted, and the tertiary dewatering section116is positioned adjacent the primary section102. Also, the section116includes two pairs of rolls in a scissor-nip configuration compared to the section26which includes four pairs. Also, the head box104is in the form of a medium consistency headbox positioned over the bottom support frame38upstream from the wedge area17so as to drop by gravity the primary solid-liquid suspension (not shown). The top support frame106is shorter than the bottom support frame46on the inlet side so as to accommodate the head box104therein. Also, the tension roll assembly108of the top portion of the primary dewatering section102differs than the one48mounted to the primary dewatering section10. Indeed, since the roll assembly108is positioned upstream from the wedge area17and downstream from the head box104, the tension roll assembly108comprises two rolls110and112for directing the top web12from the top web aligning system56into the wedge area17. The higher roll112allows bending the top web12and redirecting it towards the lower roll110which has a lower edge at the wedge area level. A cylinder114is mounted to the higher roll112and to the top support frame106therebetween for allowing selective biasing of the roll112relative to the frame106thereby allowing tensioning of the top web12. The expression “excess water removal elements” and “dewatering” should not be construed as being limited to water removal and is intended to mean removal of any liquid in a solid-liquid suspension. Twin wire presses according to embodiments of the present invention can be used to remove liquid in a suspension such as a pulp suspension in the paper industry or the juice industry and can be used in sludge treatment for example to produce biofuel. Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of illustrated embodiments thereof, it can be modified without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention, as defined in the appended claims.

3D

21

F

EXAMPLES InFIGS. 1 and 2an example of a vehicle1is represented, the position of which is to be determined in a defined region3represented inFIG. 3, e.g. a storage depot. Here it can be seen that the vehicle1has a plurality of imaging sensor devices, preferably digital cameras2. The attachment to the vehicle1is preferably undertaken such that the field of view registered by the digital camera2is directed rearwards of the vehicle1. This is advantageous, since in the case of industrial goods-handling vehicles the field of view in the direction forwards of the vehicle1is often restricted when transporting goods items. When using a plurality of digital cameras2they can be attached—as can be seen inFIG. 1—such that the field of view of the cameras2is directed in both the rearward and forward directions, wherein, needless to say, the lateral environment of the vehicle1is also registered with the cameras2. Depending upon the circumstances of the environmental infrastructure (e.g. size of the storage areas, size of the reference markings, size of the labels for goods identification, etc.) the cameras2can have, a different resolution and framing rate. The deployment of a digital camera2of the Pointgrey Research GRAS-20S4M-C BW Grasshopper type with a resolution of 1624×1224 pixels and a framing rate of up to 30 fps (frames per second) is conceivable. The digital cameras2are equipped for industrial deployment and are linked to a computer (industrial PC) in the interior of the vehicle, either without cables (with a replaceable battery and wireless data transfer), or with cables. Processing of the image data delivered by the digital cameras2is undertaken in the computer. In the schematic view in accordance withFIG. 3can be seen the defined region3designed as a storage space. Here in particular two different types of reference feature, of Type I (T1) and Type 2 (T2), are shown. Here the T1 reference features are stationary reference features of a fixed design, with a unique identifying feature and variable size. These possess e.g. a rectangular shape (4 corner points) and can consist of a black edge, a white surface, and black symbols (letters, numbers, or other symbols). The combination of symbols represents a unique identifying feature. Examples are markings located on the floor, on walls or posts (e.g. storage markings or storage depot corridor markings), or signage. The size of these objects can vary depending upon the environmental conditions. Markings in storage areas can be e.g. 40×30 cm in size, markings on storage depot gangways are somewhat larger at e.g. 80×60 cm, and signage on walls or posts can even be e.g. 200×150 cm in size. Each of the T2 stationary reference features is of fixed design, with no unique identifying feature, and of variable size. These T2 reference features can be any stationary high-contrast objects in the defined environment (e.g. fire extinguishers, shelving, posts, etc.). A further example would be a right angle, which is formed by two lines of marking on the floor, which are located at approx. 90 degrees to one another (seeFIG. 3: A18/2: corner point of a storage area). These T2 reference features possess no unique identifying features of their own (e.g. in the form of a combination of symbols). T3 stationary reference features are those of no fixed design, with no unique identifying features, and of variable size. These T3 reference features are all high-contrast features of any size and shape (e.g. edges of goods items or labels, contamination on the floor, vehicles, etc.), which are for the most part only located at one stationary location for a certain period of time. These possess no unique identifying features of their own (e.g. in the form of a combination of symbols). The digital map of the defined region3, i.e. of the defined environment (e.g. storage depot) possesses a defined (global) coordinates system, includes the reference features T1, T2, T3 and their properties (e.g. coordinates, identifying features, etc.), and can be used for purposes of electronic data processing. In addition the digital map of the storage depot can include further specific properties of the defined environment (e.g. global coordinates and dimensions of storage areas, etc.). InFIG. 4is shown a schematic example of a goods item4, wherein in particular the corner points5of the goods item4are called upon as temporary reference features for purposes of determining an absolute position. In addition the goods item4can have a label6, which in turn can have a unique identifying feature such as, for example, a barcode or a unique identification number executed in plain script, e.g. EAN 128. FIG. 5shows schematically a flow diagram of a method according to the invention, which comprises a total of 18 steps of the method. Here reference is made to a total of four different types of reference features, which are defined as follows: A: is a Type 1 reference feature and initially, i.e. before the start of the method, is already stored with its properties (measured coordinates, unique identifying feature) in the digital map. V: is a Type I or Type 2 reference feature, which is stored by the method with its properties (measured coordinates, unique identifying feature) in the digital map, and initially, i.e. before the start of the method, is not stored in the digital map. R: is a Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 reference feature, which is not stored in the digital map. Z: is a Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 reference feature, which is temporarily stored in the digital map. The individual steps of the method 1a-18a can be summarised as follows. 1a—Recording of at least one digital image at a point in time t. 2a—Detection of all reference features of the different types as well as detection of a detail of the digital image in which a reference feature is located (a so-called region of interest—ROI). 3a—Identification of all types of reference features and ROIs. 4a—Determination of the global, i.e. absolute, camera position, and thus the position of the vehicle per reference feature. 5a—Calculation of the coordinates per type of reference feature by means of image processing algorithms of known art. 6a—Storage of the global coordinates per type of reference feature in the digital map. With this the registration and measurement of the types of reference feature is completed and the types of reference feature can be identified in a further step3aof the method. 7a—Initialisation of the ROI, i.e. selection and temporary storage of the ROI for each reference feature plus image position. 8a—Calculation of the transformation and the image difference by means of image processing algorithms of known art. 9a—Determination of the global camera position per type of reference feature by means of image processing algorithms of known art. Steps 7a to 9a of the method thus represent a determination of absolute position by means of marker tracking. 10a—For each identical reference feature the position is determined by means of camera position at the point in time t and a previous point in time t-1. 11a—Temporary storage of the Type R reference features in the digital map. 12a—Determination of the global camera position per type of reference feature by means of image processing algorithms of known art. With steps 10a to 12a of the method a determination of position is thus executed by means of three-dimensional features. 13a—Detection of all goods items, labels and the corner points of the corresponding goods items. 14a—Identification of the goods items by means of barcodes and/or plain script on the labels of the goods items. 15a—Determination of the global coordinates, or at least one corner point, of the goods items. 16a—Determination of the global camera position by means of image processing algorithms. Steps 15a and 16a of the method thus represent a further determination of absolute position by means of the labels of the goods items. 17a—Conflation of the results from the individual methods for purposes of determining position and from further items of information, i.e. prior knowledge, which in particular can be the following:Global coordination of regions in the defined environment that cannot be navigated/driven through by the vehicle (e.g. posts, walls, doors, shelving, goods items, etc.).Maximum possible alteration in position within a period of time on the basis of the performance data of the respectively deployed vehicle (max. speed, min. turning circle, max. acceleration/retardation) in combination with the prior knowledge concerning the movement history (previously covered path, speed, acceleration and rotation).Regions of the defined environment that cannot be reached by the vehicle, as determined from the geometry of the vehicle (length/width/height) 18a—Determination of the final global camera position by means of state estimations in a dynamic process based on a filter system (e.g. particle filter) InFIG. 6can be seen in detail a stage of the method for purposes of recognising and measuring reference features in the defined region3. With the aid of this stage of the method the digital warehouse map of the defined environment is created in a simple manner that saves effort and cost. This digital map serves as the fundamental database for the described method for purposes of continuous registration of the position of vehicles1. In the defined environment3individual Type A reference features are located at suitable points, i.e. a crossing point, for example, on the storage depot's internal corridor. The steps of the method can be individually summarised as follows: 1b—Recording of digital images by means of digital cameras installed on a vehicle or vehicles. A vehicle has executed, or a plurality of vehicles have executed, journeys in the defined environment of the form such that all relevant regions of the defined environment are registered by means of digital images. 2b—Detection means the recognition (but not the unique identification) of all reference features of Types A, V and R by means of image processing algorithms. 3b—A calculation of absolute position can in principle only be executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type A or V is located in this image, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. The determination of the absolute position of this reference feature can only be executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type R is located in this image, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 4b—The objective of the method, namely the recognition, determination of position and storage in the digital map of hitherto unknown reference features can only be achieved for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type R is located in this image. For purposes of determining position of a Type R reference feature at least two digital images with different angles of view (with a sufficiently large parallax) are necessary (request of buffer storage of the Type R reference feature, i.e. the reference feature has been already recognised in a previous image). 5b—Specification means the determination of the properties (e.g. shape) for all Type R reference features by means of image processing algorithms and their buffer storage. 6b—Identification means the unambiguous recognition of the properties (identifying features) of reference features of Types A, V and R by means of image processing algorithms. 7b—A calculation of absolute position can be only executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type A or V is located in this image and this has been unambiguously identified, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 8b—Calculation of the global camera position by means of image processing algorithms while taking into account all reference features of Type A or V identified under Item 6. 9b-11b—A calculation of the absolute position of the Type R reference feature and an application of the global camera position calculated under Item 8 can only be executed by means of image processing algorithms for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type R is located in this image, and has been unambiguously identified, and already buffer stored, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 12b-13b—The Type R reference feature is only stored in the digital map under the presumption that minimum conditions (e.g. a sufficiently large parallax in the case of two different images with different angles of view) for the absolute position calculated under item 11 have been fulfilled. 14b-17b—Continuously exercised method for the optimisation of the accuracy of the global position of Type V reference features stored in the digital map by means of the application of the algorithms described under items 11-12. FIG. 7shows in detail a stage of the method for purposes of determining absolute position by means of the continuous tracking of Type 1 and 2 reference features. The ROI (region of interest) hereby represents that detail of the digital image in which the reference feature is located. The ROI is firstly initialised with the identification of a Type A or Type V reference feature and is only re-initialised at a later point in time if necessary (e.g. too great a distance between the current global position and that camera position at which the ROI is initialised for the first time). During the initialisation the storage of the detail takes place, and the initial transformation of this detail, which is calculated with reference to the respectively current image. The ROI is projected by means of a transformation (e.g. homography, . . . ) of the image from the previous point in time t-1onto the image for the subsequent point in time. From the image difference the transformation alteration (and with that the alteration in position) is recalculated by means of optimisation methods. The steps of the method can be individually described as follows: 1c—Recording of digital images in a defined environment by means of digital cameras installed on a vehicle or vehicles. 2c—Search for buffer stored ROIs, which function as the basis for the transformation calculation. 3c—Detection means the recognition (but not the unique identification) of all reference features of Type A and Type V by means of image processing algorithms. 4c—A calculation of absolute position can in principle only be executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type A or Type V is located in this image, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 5c—Identification means the unambiguous recognition of the properties (identifying features) of reference features of Type A and Type V by means of image processing algorithms. 6c—For the case in which at least one reference feature of Type A or Type V is located in this image, and this reference feature has been unambiguously identified, a calculation of absolute position can be executed, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 7c—Calculation of the global camera position by means of image processing algorithms while taking into account all reference features of Type A or Type V identified under Item 5. 8c—Initialisation of the ROI, i.e. selection and buffer storage of the ROI for each reference feature with its image position. 9c—Transformation calculation, i.e. the search for the relationship between the buffer stored ROI and the reference feature in a subsequent digital image in time. 10c—Calculation of the alteration in position by means of image processing algorithms on the basis of the results from Item 9. 11c—Calculation of the global camera position by means of image processing algorithms while taking into account all alterations of position determined under Item 10. 12c—Check on the number of images downstream of the initialisation of the ROI in which no relationships could be found in accordance with Item 9. 13c—If a defined threshold value in accordance with the check described in Item 12 is exceeded, the buffer stored ROI is deleted. Advantageously therefore, an identification of the reference feature is only necessary once, and is made possible by means of a determination of position that is significantly more robust and can also be executed at greater distances. In addition such a determination of position is insensitive to contamination in the defined region3. FIG. 8represents in detail the determination of absolute position by means of the continuous tracking of Type 3 reference features. 1d—Recording of digital images by means of digital cameras installed on a vehicle or vehicles. A vehicle has executed, or a plurality of vehicles have executed, journeys in the defined environment of the form such that all relevant zones of the defined environment are registered by means of digital images. 2d—Detection means the recognition (but not the unique identification) of all reference features of Types A, V, R and Z by means of image processing algorithms. 3d—A calculation of absolute position can in principle only be executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type A, V or Z is located in this image, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. The determination of the absolute position of this reference feature can only be executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type R is located in this image, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 4d—The objective of the method, namely the determination of the position of the camera by means of Type R reference features, can only be achieved for the case in which there is a buffer stored ROI for a detected Type R reference feature. 5d—Deletion of all buffer stored ROIs, for which the corresponding Type R reference feature has not been detected. 6d—Identification means the unambiguous recognition of the properties (identifying features) of reference features of Types A, V, Z and R by means of image processing algorithms. 7d—A calculation of absolute position can only be executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type A, V or Z is located in this image and this reference feature has been unambiguously identified, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 8d-9d—If a defined threshold value in accordance with the identification described in Item 6 is exceeded, the buffer stored Type Z reference feature is deleted. For 9d see 8d. 10d—A determination of the position by means of the camera positions at the points in time t and t-1can only be executed for the case in which at least one reference feature of Type R is located in this image and this reference feature has been unambiguously identified, otherwise the subsequent image in time must be analysed. 11d—Calculation of the global camera position by means of image processing algorithms while taking into account all reference features of Type A and/or V and/or Z identified under Item 6, but without an identification of a Type R reference feature. 12d—Calculation of the global camera position by means of image processing algorithms while taking into account all reference features of Type A and/or V and/or Z identified under Item 6, but with an identification of a Type R reference feature. 13d—Search for buffer stored ROIs and image positions of the Type R reference features, which function as the basis for the determination of position by means of image processing algorithms. 14d—Storage of the global camera position. 15d—Storage of the ROI and image position of Type R reference features. 16d—A determination of position using the Type R reference features is only undertaken under the presumption that minimum conditions (e.g. a sufficiently large parallax in the case of two different images with different angles of view) have been fulfilled. 17d—By means of image processing algorithms the global position is calculated by means of camera position (determined under Item 12) at the points in time t and t-1for each identical Type R reference feature. 18d—The position of the Type R reference feature determined under Item 17d is temporarily stored in the digital map, and the Type R reference feature is thus converted into a Type Z reference feature. 19d-20d—If the minimum conditions described under Item 16d are not fulfilled the storage of the current global camera position and image position of the Type R reference features takes place. Thus with the aid of such a determination of position no calculation of a pure relative movement (determination of relative position) is required, but instead at each point in time reference can be made back to absolute coordinates, as a result of which the method for purposes of determining position becomes more robust, and at the same time a more accurate and more robust determination of position is achieved compared with methods of known art.

6G

05

D

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1, a multiple pole electrical connector consists of an electrical plug 1 and an electrical receptacle 2. The electrical plug 1 includes a plug block 3, a coupling ring 4, and a cord ring 5. The plug block 3 includes a cylindrical shell 6 made from a metal; an insulation housing 7 placed within the cylindrical shell 6, and three female terminals 8 and one ground terminal 9 supported by the insulation housing 7. In FIG. 2, a grounding member 23 is affixed to the ground terminal 9 and held between the insulation housing 7 and a retainer member 10. Referring back to FIG. 1, the cylindrical shell 6 has a coupling section 12 in the front portion and an outer flange 14 in the middle portion for engaging the coupling ring 4 and a packing 13 (FIG. 15). The coupling section 12 has an axial slit 15 as a guide. The rear portion of the cylindrical shell 6 has an exterior thread 16 and an inner ridge 17 extending in the axial direction for serving as a guide. In FIGS. 3-6, the insulation housing 7 has a cylindrical block 18 made from a synthetic resin. The cylindrical block 18 has an enlarged rear section 18a on the side wall of which four ground member mounting recesses 20 are formed at regular intervals and one guide channel 21 between two of the mounting recesses 20. Four terminal mounting apertures 22 are formed through the cylindrical block 18 on the lines each including the center of the grounding member mounting recess 20 and the center of the cylindrical block 18. Each terminal mounting aperture 22 has an enlarged rear portion 22a. Each ground member mounting recess 20 and each terminal mounting aperture 22 are linked with a channel 23. A couple of positioning holes 19 are formed on the rear face of the cylindrical block 18. In FIG. 7, the female terminal 8 has a cord connection portion 8a, terminal contact portion 8b, and an enlarged base portion 8c between them. The terminal contact portion 8b has an axial slit 20a and a circumferential channel 21a at the front portion. In FIG. 8, the ground terminal 9 has a cord connection portion 9a, a terminal contact portion 9b, and an enlarged base portion 9c between them. The enlarged base portion 9c has a reduced ground member mounting portion 9d. The terminal contact portion 9b has an axial slit 20 and a circumferential channel 21b in the front portion. In FIGS. 9-11, the ground member 23 has a rectangular arcked comb contact 24 made from a sheet metal. The comb contact 24 is curved outwardly and has a number of slits 25 arranged at regular intervals across the comb contact 24. A circular mount strap 27 with an opening 27a is linked to the comb contact 24 by a linkage piece 26. In FIGS. 12-14, the retainer disk 10 is made from a synthetic resin and has four contact apertures 28 formed at equidistance from each other. A pair of positioning studs 29 extend forwardly from the retainer disk 10. As best shown in FIG. 2, a spring ring 30 is put on each of the circumferential channels 21a and 21b of three female terminals 8 and one ground terminal 9, and the mounting strap 27 of the ground member 23 is fitted over the mounting portion 9d of the ground terminal 9. The three female terminals 8 and the ground terminal 9 are mounted in the terminal mounting apertures 22 such that the comb contact 24 and the linkage piece 26 are fitted in the ground terminal mounting recess 20 and the channel 23, respectively. In FIG. 15, the insulation housing 7 is put in the conductive shell 6 by sliding the guide ridge 17 of the conductive shell 6 along the guide channel 21 of the insulation housing 7 for positioning. At this point, part of the comb contact 24 of the ground member 23 is brought into close contact with the inside wall of the conductive shell 6 breaking the lacquer coating into contact with the ground metal of the conductive shell 6 for conduction. The retainer disk 10 is then fitted into the conductive shell 6 such that the female terminals 8 and the ground terminal 9 are put through the terminal through holes 28. A stopper ring 32 is then fitted in an annular space made by the annular groove 33 of the conductive shell 6 and the annular groove 40 of the retainer disk 10 to hold the insulation housing 7 and the retainer disk 10 in place, thus completing the connector block 3. The coupling ring 4 is mounted on the connector block 3 such that the inner flange engages the exterior flange 14 of the conductive shell 6 for rotation. The cord ring 5 is threaded over the conductive shell 6. Respective cords (not shown) are soldered to the cord connection portions 8a and 9a of the female terminals 8 and the ground terminal 9 to complete the plug 1. Referring back to FIG. 1, the electrical receptacle 2 has a cylindrical shell 34 and a square mounting flange 35 extending outwardly from the cylindrical shell 34. In FIG. 15, an annular stopper flange 36 is formed on the inside of the cylindrical shell 34. A terminal support member 37 and a waterproof packing 38 are held one upon another within the receptacle shell 34 between the stopper flange 36 and the stopper ring 39a which is fitted in the annular channel 39 of the receptacle shell 34. Four male terminals 40 are mounted in the terminal support member 37 at equidistance from each other through the waterproof packing 38. Cords (not shown) are soldered to the cord connection portions 40a of the male terminal 40 of the completed receptacle 2. The receptacle 2 is affixed to an equipment panel, for example, by screwing the mounting flange 35. The coupling section 12 of the conductive shell 6 is plugged into the receptacle shell 34 of the receptacle 2 such that the male terminals 40 are fitted into the female terminals 8 and the ground terminal 9 for electrical connections. The guide ridge of the receptacle shell 34 is inserted into the guide channel 15 of the conductive shell 6 for guiding. Then, the coupling ring 4 is threaded over the receptacle shell 34 to connect the plug I to the receptacle 2. Consequently, the ground terminal 9 is grounded to the equipment panel via the ground member 23, the conductive shell 6, and the receptacle shell 34. According to the invention, the ground terminal 9 can be mounted in a given terminal mounting aperture 22 of the insulation housing 7 such that the ground member 23 is fitted in the ground member recess 20. When the insulation housing 7 is put into the conductive shell 6, the comb contact 24 of the ground member 23 is brought into close contact with the inside wall of the conductive shell 6, breaking the coating of the conductive shell 6 and coming into contact with the ground metal of the conductive shell 6. Thus, the ground terminal 9 and the ground member 23 can be mounted in any terminal mounting aperture 22 of the insulation housing 7 for the plug 1. Since the linkage piece 26 of the ground member 23 is held firmly between the retainer member 10 and the insulation housing 7, the electrical connector is useful in places which are subjected to vibrations or frequent plugging operations without suffering from loose contact between the ground terminal 9 and the ground member 23. In addition, the ground member 23 is not exposed, there is little or no danger of causing shortcircuit by falling metallic pieces, etc. and coming into contact with the hand, thereby increasing the safety of the electrical connector.

7H

01

R

This FIGURE shows the outer, water-soluble phase of the film-shaped administration form1, and the internal, liposoluble phase2containing aromatics or flavorings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The administration form produced according to the inventive method disintegrates in the mouth within, at most, 5 minutes, and while dissolving releases the aromatics contained therein, making them available, preferably, for providing assistance in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food-technology applications. The products obtained according to the inventive method are surface-stable, flexible and break-resistant, as well as being largely tear-resistant. The adhesion-reducing rough surfaces exhibit only little static friction and practically no “cold flow”. The object of the inventive method is achieved when the outer phase consists substantially of polyvinyl alcohol, and the quantitative portion or constituent amount of the aromatics-containing inner phase relative to the outer phase is between 0.1 and 30% (w/w), preferably between 1 and 5% (w/w), each value relative to water-free portions. Below a portion of 0.1%-wt. the phases are soluble in each other; above 30%-wt., the outer phase becomes fatty and no longer results in film-formation. By adding up to 30% (w/w) of a surfactant to the outer phase, it is possible to improve the homogeneity of the distribution of droplets and of the size thereof, which may be between less than 1 μm and about 1000 μm. Adding up to 40% (w/w) of a filler does not eliminate the advantages of the invention, but widens the scope of application, for example to the use as dry tooth paste. Suitable for this purpose are silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, talcum, calcium phosphate or mixtures of these substances—this enumeration not claiming to be comprehensive. Aroma-enhancing substances such as sodium saccharinate, other sweeteners, salt, and sugar derivatives are just as suitable for improving the taste impression as are low-molecular organic acids, e.g. malic acid, adipic acid, citric acid or glutamine acid. The film-shaped products obtained preferably have a thickness between 20 and 300 μm, their size advantageously being from 0.5 to 8 cm2. The polyvinyl alcohol used is preferably a partially hydrolised form, wherein between 1 and 20%, especially preferred is when 12% of the hydroxyl groups have been replaced by acetyl groups. The core of the invention resides in the state of matter of the aromatic or odorous substance and of further aromatics or flavoring agents. These substances are essentially ethereal oils (volatile, water-insoluble distillates of odoriferous parts of plants) and other volatile odoriferous or flavoring substances having limited miscibility with water. Examples for such substances are phenyl ethanol as component of rose fragrance aromatics, menthol, camphene and pinene in fresh, peppermint-like aromas, appetite-inducing aromatics, spicing aromatics such as, for example, n-butyl phtalide or cineol, but also aromatics having medicinal applications such as eucalyptus oil and thyme oil. A very broad field is taken up by volatile oils and/or aromatics which are being used as additives in foods and in prefabricated food additives. Examples for these are the so-called fruit ethers, but also other aromatics such as ethyl vanillin, 6-methylcoumarin, citronellol or n-butyl acetate. The above-mentioned aromatics, mentioned by way of example, which for the most part are miscible with one another, but not in every ratio with the base substance polyvinyl alcohol, nor with water, are according to the invention encapsulated as small drops embedded within the base substance. This state is characterized in that the aromatic is present in an inner phase, in the form of minute droplets within the solid, but otherwise monolithic, outer phase of the dried polyvinyl alcohol and, optionally, further additives. Although it is true that the technology of distribution of liquid active substance in the form of droplets within a solid carrier material has been known for a long time, it has hitherto nevertheless been employed only in coacervation, spray-drying and spray-solidification processes, and in processes resulting in powdery products as final products. The present invention, however, describes a distribution state wherein the outer phase is macroscopically tangible, thus enabling a simple, monolithic structure of the product. Advantages with regard to production technology are also obvious: the integrity of drop-shaped initial products which are sensitive to moisture is prevented from being disturbed during the further processing to a film-like administration form. Also, intermediate steps, increasing energy consumption, are avoided. The simultaneous use of the auxiliary substance polyvinyl alcohol, which is characterized by particularly low diffusibility to ethereal oils and to other aromatics, ensures, both in the production as well as in the storage of the finished product, the best possible conservation of the aromatics and flavors contained, as well as protection of said substances against diffusion from the administration form. Even though the mechanic strength of the system results, in particular, from the use of polyvinyl alcohol, a portion of up to 20% of other water-soluble polymers need not have any detrimental effects on the quality of the product of the invention. Advantageous properties may, with regard to the adjustment of the mechanical product characteristics, also be achieved by addition of polyethylene glycol and other softening or plasticizing additives. The manufacture and processing of the product according to the invention may be performed in accordance with the methods known to those skilled in the art. Particular reference is made in this context to the prior art known from EP 0 460 588 and DE 36 30 603. In a preferred method, first, a 30% (w/w) solution of polyvinyl alcohol is dissolved in water. Into this phase is given the pre-weighed amount of aromatic or flavoring substance, while stirring slowly. In this process, a high-shear stirring motion must be avoided. By adjusting the temperature to below 30-40° C. and by adding relatively small amounts of solibilizing additives, the sensitive aromatic or flavoring substances are prevented from becoming dissolved or are evaporated. Typically, the liquid mass is physically stable for only a few hours, and must be coated immediately, preferably in a layer thickness of about 200-300 μm, onto a carrier, e.g. a film material or metal roller, and dried. Drying may be effected in a canal dryer at increasing temperatures, not exceeding 80° C., until the desired product hardness is reached. If a lower surface adherence is desired, it is possible to obtain a lustreless surface on the product—by coating onto a dehesively coated material having a rough surface. As long as pigments and other light-scattering additives do not interfere, the two-phase structure surprisingly enables a translucid to transparent appearance of the film. The light refraction indices of common aromatic substances are typically near the refractive power of polyvinyl alcohol, so that no light scattering results. Microscopically, however, the disperse state of the aromatic substance can be shown at any time, by coloring of the inner phase with lipophile colorants, e.g. Solvent Red. Example Preparation of an Administration Form According to the Present Invention 17.0 g polyvinyl alcohol (degree of hydrolysis: 88%) are completely dissolved in 60.0 g water, while stirring, at about 90° C. After cooling, 8.0 g spearmint oil are added thereto and this is slowly stirred for 60 minutes. The resultant, uniformly cloudy, viscous mass is applied in a layer thickness of 400 μm onto 200 μm-strong polyethylene terephthalate film. The layer is dried for 10 minutes, at room temperature, and is subsequently redried for 8 minutes at 50° C. This results in a clear-transparent film with monolithic appearance, which, upon addition of water, becomes completely dissolved within 60 seconds. After equilibration with 60% relative humidity for 24 hours, the film retains its flexural strength against a bending radius of 1 mm. The surface is dry, has slip, and enables durable storage in stack form. After 1 week of unpacked storage at 25° C./60% relative humidity, the subjective impression of taste is still unaffected. The invention has been described with particular emphasis on the preferred embodiments. It should be appreciated that these embodiments are described for purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention or the equivalents thereof.

0A

61

K

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1,2, 3 and 4 depict a bond tester 10 for testing the bond strength of an adhesive 12 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. A first substrate 13 is transported by a conveyor 16 through a dispensing station 17 where the adhesive 12 is dispensed on a top surface thereof. The conveyor may be driven by a motor 19 controlled by a conveyor motor controller 20. The substrate may be placed on the conveyor 16 either automatically or by hand. The substrate 13 may be of any desired substrate material, but preferably is of the same material that will be used in the operation for which the adhesive is being tested. One typical substrate that may be used with this bond tester 10 is a single fluted corrugated paperboard approximately 0.156" thick, preferably about 8 inches long and 5 inches wide. The width of the substrate 13 is the dimension which extends transverse the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 16, and the length of the substrate 13 is the dimension directed along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 16. Mounted upstream of the dispensing station 17, a trip sensor 23, preferably a photoelectric sensor utilizing both a transmitter and a receiver, is located above the conveyor 16 and directed downwardly to detect the presence of substrate 13 as it moves toward the dispensing station 17. Alternatively, the trip sensor may comprise a photo cell above the conveyor 16 directed downwardly and aligned with a light sensor below the conveyor 16 directed upwardly to detect substrate 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor 16 includes two endless belts 24 spaced close enough to carry the substrate 13 but sufficiently far apart so as to not be detected by the sensor 23. The trip sensor 23 signals a controller 26 to activate a dispenser 27, or glue gun, to dispense adhesive 12 on a top surface of the substrate 13. The spacing of the belts 24 also prevents accidental dispensing of adhesive 12 upon the conveyor 16. Adhesive 12 is dispensed on substrate 13 to provide a single bead about 1/8" to 3/16" in width and at least one inch in length, the length of the bead extending parallel to the belts 24. Adhesive 12 is fed to the gun 27 via a conduit 29 connected to an adhesive supply and pump assembly 30. The supply/pump 30 is periodically filled with liquid adhesive by an operator. If hot melt adhesive is used, it may be supplied in solid form and then melted into a liquid state. The glue gun 27 may be mounted in any desired manner above the dispensing station 17. The sensor 23 senses the substrate 13 and the gun 27 is turned on for a preset dispense cycle. Preferably, a programmable controller 31 (not shown), such as an Allen Bradley PLC 2/02 is mounted behind a control panel 32 and provides all timing controls for the bond tester 10. The controller 31 is connected to gun controller 26 to control elapsed time during dispensing. The desired dispensing time is selected on dial 34 on the control panel 32, under the designation "GUN-ON TIME". A typical gun on time is about 0.1 seconds. The control panel 32 provides a rotatable dial 35 to enable selection of an open time period for the adhesive 12. The selected open time period commences upon completion of the dispensing operation and continues until substrate 13 is in position to be bonded with another, second substrate 40 at a compressing station 42. Typically, conveyor 16 transports adhesive laden substrate 13 to the compressing station 42, about 8" to 12" away, at a speed of about 150 feet per minute, or well within most preselected open time periods, time periods which usually extend from about 1 second to about 3 seconds. The controller 31 also controls elapsed open time. The conveyor 16 is capable of operating at a speed of about 300 feet per minute, which would transport substrate 13 from the dispensing station 17 to the compressing station 42 within about 0.2 seconds. At the end 39 of the conveyor 16, the substrate 13 has enough linear momentum to be propelled to the compressing station 42, under the second substrate 40. A position sensor 43 provides a signal to controller 31 to indicate that substrate 13 has arrived at the compressing station 42. The signal is relayed to the compression control valve 45 which directs the airflow through valves 46 and 47 to either raise or lower a compressor 49, preferably a compression cylinder located beneath the substrate 13. Upon detection of the presence of substrate 13, and after lapsing of the preselected open time period, compression cylinder 49 is actuated to raise the adhesive-laden substrate 13. Above the compressing station 42, a second substrate 40 is carried by a vertically movable tension head 51. As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 40 is held by tension head 51 so as to place a midportion 41 thereof, which resides between end portions 53 and 54, firmly against a bottom surface 52 of the tension head 51 during the compression and tension cycles. Firm securement of midportion 41 to bottom surface 52 is critical to the obtaining of accurate test results. Otherwise, if slipping of midportion 41 away from bottom surface 52 should occur, there will be an undesired time lag between compression and tension on the bond. To accomplish firm securement of substrate 40 to the tension head 51, end portions 53 and 54 of the second substrate 40 are wedged between angle plates 56 and 57. Eccentric cams 58 and 59 have circumferential gripping teeth to clamp and engage the end portions 53 and 54 and pull midportion 41 tightly against bottom surface 52 when rotatable handles 60 and 61 are turned outwardly, as shown by the directional arrows in FIG. 3. Each of the cams 58 and 59 has a ratchet and pawl mechanism associated therewith to prevent inward rotation of the handles 60 and 61, respectively, and thereby maintain clamped tension on the substrate 40 during compression and tension on the bond. Because the ratchet and pawl mechanisms are mirror images of each other, preventing outward handle rotation, only the ratchet and pawl mechanism associated with cam 59 will be described. A ratchet wheel 44 aligned along a cam axis 48 but displaced rearwardly (as viewed in FIG. 2) from toothed cam 59 is engaged by a pawl 50. The pawl 50 is pivotal in a clockwise direction about a pawl axis 55 to permit outward, or counterclockwise, rotation of cam 59 when handle 61 is turned outwardly. To rotate handle 61 counterclockwise, the pull force of a tension spring 64 connected to the pawl 50 must be overcome. The spring 64 is held at its other end by an interior side wall (not shown) of the tension head 51. The tension spring 64 biases the pawl 50 back into engagement with the next ratchet of the ratchet wheel 44. Engagement between the ratchet wheel 44 and the pawl 50 prevents clockwise rotation, or loosening, of cam 59 upon end portion 54. Similarly, another ratchet and pawl mechanism prevents outward, or counterclockwise loosening of cam 58 from end portion 53. The ratchet and pawl mechanisms retain the cams 58 and 59 in clamped engagement with end portions 53 and 54. This assures that the bond will be broken in a vertical direction, perpendicular to the plane of engagement of the substrates, and that the test will provide a measure of green strength and not peel strength. A load cell 62 connects tension head 51 to a vertically movable slide 63. The load cell 62 senses vertical force, directed either upwardly or downwardly, upon the tension head 51. The tension head 51 is further connected to slide 63 by a ball bushing guide 66, to constrain all but vertical movement of the tension head 51 and ensure that load cell 62 will sense only vertically directed force. Slide 63 is mechanically coupled to a vertically disposed, rotatable ball screw 67 by ball nuts 68, and can be vertically raised or lowered by rotation of the ball screw 67. A clutch 70 couples and decouples a constant speed reversible motor 71 to ball screw 67 when vertical motion of slide 63 is desired. A brake 72 holds the slide 63 in position when vertical motion of slide 63 is not desired. Clutch 70 and brake 72 are controlled by a clutch/brake controller 74. Preferably a motor 71 of about 0.25 hp runs continuously at a speed of about 300 revolutions per minute. Coupled at a one to one gear ratio to the ball screw 67, rotation of the motor 71 rotates ball screw 67 at about 300 revolutions per minute. This raises slide 63 at a substantially constant rate of speed of about 1" per second with about 170 pounds of upwardly directed lifting force. After the compression controller 45 has been signalled by controller 31 that the open time period has lapsed, and by sensor 43 that substrate 13 has been detected at the compression station 42, the compression controller 45 actuates the compression cylinder 49 to raise substrate 13 into contact with substrate 40. A position indicator 77 adjacent the compressing station 42 signals the controller 31 to initiate running of the preselected compression time upon sensing contact between the substrate, or upon detecting a top portion 81 of the cylinder 49 at about the time that the substrates begin compressing the adhesive 12. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, position indicator 77 has a U-shape, with a transmitter 78 mounted at one leg to transmit a signal horizontally, just below substrate 40, toward a receiver 79 located at the other leg. A flag 83 mounted to top portion 81 raises with the cylinder 49 to interrupt the horizontally directed signal at about the time that the substrates begin compressing the adhesive 12. Depending upon the thickness of substrate 40, the vertical position of sensor 77 may require adjustment. Preferably, the control panel 32 also provides rotatable controls 36 and 38 that enable an operator to select the desired length of compression time and the compression force, respectively. The selected piston pressure is displayed on dial 37 and can be varied by rotating dial 38, while the actual measured compression force from the load cell 62 is displayed on meter 85. Dials 37 and 38 are operatively connected to compression controller 45 via controller 31. The compression time period commences when compressive force is initially applied to the adhesive 12 by substrates 13 and 40, as sensed by indicator 77. The selected compression time may range from about 0.2 seconds up to 99 seconds, during which time the preselected compressive force is applied in a substantially constant manner to the substrates to form an adhesive bond therebetween. A typical value of compression force for a bond tester of this type would be between 0.5 pounds to 10 pounds. During a latter portion of the compression time period, controller 74 actuates clutch 70 to couple motor 71 to ball screw 67. Rotational movement of ball screw 67 raises slide 63 via a ball nut 68 to raise tension head 51 at a substantially constant rate of speed. The adhesively bonded substrates 13 and 40 are raised upwardly together through a transition distance 80 as compression cylinder 49 continues to apply compression, thus minimizing the effects on the bond of initial upward acceleration of slide 63 as 71 is coupled. For a tension head moving upwardly at about 1" per second, a transition distance or zone of about 0.040" has proved suitable. To determine when the clutch/brake controller 74 should be actuated to couple motor 71 to ball screw 67, the controller 31 subtracts the known time required for travel through the transition distance 80 from the preselected compression time to obtain an initial, stationary, compression time, which is stored in a stationary compression timer in the controller 31. The initial compression time commences upon sensed contact between the substrates by sensor 77. After lapsing of the stationary compression time, the controller 31 signals the clutch brake controller 74 to couple motor 71 to ball screw 67. As shown in FIG. 3, stop plates 82 are situated above the transition distance 80 to engage substrate 13 on opposite sides of the adhesive 12 and prevent further upward movement. For this reason, bottom substrate 13 must be of sufficient width to engage both plates 82. After engagement of substrate 13, tension head 51 and substrate 40 continue upward travel at a substantially constant rate of speed to break the adhesive bond. The load cell 62 measures the maximum pull force required to break the adhesive bond. Because the ball bushing guide 66 ensures that tension head 51 transmits only vertical forces to the load cell 62, a pure tensile strength of the bond will be measured as the top substrate 40 is pulled directly away from bottom substrate 13. Although any one of a variety of load cells 62 could be utilized with this invention, a Sensotech Model 31 which measures a range of .+-.25 pounds of load force coupled to a Sensotech Model 450D Amplifier and Display Unit has proved suitable. An internal electronic peak hold circuit in the amplifier captures the peak pull force required to break the bond. A BCD output option, which is available for the Sensotech Model 450D load cell amplifier unit, provides a digital signal of maximum measured pull force which can be input to controller 31 and displayed on the digital display 85 and can be printed out by printer 98. The load cell amplifier also provides a real time analog output signal for the pull force of the bond during tension. By inputting this signal to an oscilloscope or a data acquisition system, a graphical representation of pull force versus time can be obtained, the area under the curve from initial tension to breaking of the bond providing an indication of the total energy expended in breaking the bond. By substituting the known constant velocity of the tension head and substituting a function having characteristics similar to the graphical representation of measured pull force, the measured pull force times the constant velocity can be integrated for the period of time during which the bond was under tension to provide a value for the total work expended in breaking the bond. This structure provides an immediate transition between substantially constant compression on the bond and tension on the bond, with tension provided at a substantially constant rate of speed to enable accurate and repeatable bond strength data to be obtained for a given adhesive. By testing a variety of adhesives with this bond tester, comparison of bond strengths and other properties can be assessed with respect to many variables such as adhesive bead size, open time, compression time, compression force, maximum measured pull force and work expended in breaking the bond. A sequence of operations for this bond testing apparatus can be understood with reference to the timing diagram of FIG. 5. Initially, substrate 40 is loaded into tension head 51. Sample substrate 13 is placed on conveyor 16. The adhesive 12 to be tested is placed in the adhesive reservoir 30. The operator uses dials 34, 35, 36 and 38 on control panel 32 to select gun on time, an open time, a compression time, and a compression force, which are input to and stored by the controller 31. The controller 31 computes the stationary compression time for a known motor speed and transition distance 80. An indicator 86 adjacent to ball screw 67 provides an enabling signal to indicate that slide 63 has positioned tension head 51 and substrate 40 at the compressing station 42. Another indicator 87 provides an enabling signal to indicate that compression cylinder 49 is in the fully retracted position and is ready to be raised. Depressing a start pushbutton 89 at the control panel 32 activates controller 31 to turn on conveyor controller 20 and conveyor 16 to carry sample 13 toward dispensing station 17. Sensed presence of the substrate 13 provides a signal to the gun 27 to dispense adhesive 12. The adhesive is dispensed for a preselected time. Once dispensing is completed, the controller 31 initiates running of the preselected open time period, within which time period the adhesive laden substrate 13 is transported by the conveyor 16 to the compressing station 42. When substrate 13 arrives at the compressing station 42 and the open time has elapsed, compression cylinder 49 raises substrate 13. After raising the compression cylinder 49 to a vertical level such that flag 83 is detected by indicator 77, i.e., about the time that substrate 13 contacts substrate 40 with adhesive 12 therebetween, the controller 31 initiates running of the compression time period. Upon contact, a substantially constant compressive force is applied to the substrates to form an adhesive bond therebetween. During the initial stage of the compression time period designated 90 in FIG. 5, the upwardly directed force against the tension head 51 will be sensed by the load cell 62 as a negative force of the preselected magnitude, as shown at 91 in FIG. 5. The sensed compression force will be displayed at 85. After the initial compression time has elapsed, controller 31 signals controller 74 to actuate clutch 70. This couples motor 71 to ball screw 67 and vertically raises tension head 51 together with the substrates at a rate of about 1" per second. Movement of the substrates will result in a short transient change of force being sensed by the load cell 62, as shown at 92 in FIG. 5. However, the applied compression force during the compression time will remain substantially constant at the selected value. Raising of the substrates in bonded relationship continues unobstructed through a transition distance 80 for a time period designated as 94 in FIG. 5, until substrate 13 contacts the bottoms of plates 82 to prevent further upward movement. Immediately after engagement of substrate 13 as shown at 95, force sensed by the load cell 62 will become downwardly directed, or positive, as raising of slide 63 places upward vertical tension on the bond. Tension head 51 continues to vertically withdraw substrate 40 from substrate 13 at a substantially constant rate of speed to break the bond, typically within about 100 milliseconds. A peak pull force of the bond, shown at 96 in FIG. 5, is measured by the load cell 62 for display on screen 85 at control panel 32. During tension on the bond, the maximum sensed tension is increasing at such a high rate that the corresponding display of maximum measured tension 85 cannot keep up with it. However, after the bond has broken, screen 85 will hold and display the maximum measured downwardly directed force. A typical value of force required to pull apart an adhesive bond formed from a single bead having a width of about an 1/8" to 3/16" would be about 12-13 pounds. Preferably, gun on time, open time, compression time, compression force and maximum bond force are recorded by the controller 31 and input to a line printer 98, mounted on panel 32. While the above description of a method and apparatus for testing bond strength constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereby and that in light of the present disclosure of the invention, various other alternative embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as particularly set out and claimed.

6G

01

N

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention. The present invention relates to an improved soft and absorbent paper product comprising a hydrophobically modified polyaminamide. It has been discovered that adding hydrophobically modified polyaminamides (HMCP) or, preferably a stable complex of HMCP with a nonionic surfactant and a wet strength resin achieves a softer and more absorbent wet strengthened paper product which has wet strength generally comparable to, or possibly even superior to, similar products made with wet strength resin alone. The absorbent paper product of the present invention can be manufactured on any type papermaking machine. Traditionally, the production of absorbent paper toweling occurs by one of three basic technologies: (i) conventional wet press technology with wet creping and embossing, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,589 to Cook et al. which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; (ii) conventional wet press technology with dry creping and embossing, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,589 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and most recently (iii) through-air-drying (TAD) with or without creping. Conventional TAD processes are generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,301,746 to Sanford et al. and 3,905,863 to Ayers, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Paper is generally manufactured by suspending cellulosic fiber of appropriate geometric dimensions in an aqueous medium and then removing most of the liquid. The paper derives some if its structural integrity from the mechanical arrangement of the cellulosic fibers in the web, but most, by far, of the paper's strength is derived from hydrogen bonding which links the cellulosic fibers to one another. The degree of strength imparted by this inter-fiber bonding, while necessary to the utility of the product, can result in a lack of perceived softness that is inimical to consumer acceptance. One common method of increasing the perceived softness of a paper product is to crepe the paper. Creping is generally effected by fixing the cellulosic web to a Yankee drum thermal drying means with an adhesive/release agent combination and then scraping the web off the Yankee by means of creping blade. Creping, by breaking a significant number of inter-fiber bonds, adds to and increases the perceived softness of the resulting absorbent paper product. Another method of increasing a web's softness is through the addition of chemical softening and debonding agents. Compounds such as quaternary amines that function as debonding agents are often incorporated into the paper web. These cationic quaternary amines can be added to the initial fibrous slurry from which the paper web is subsequently made. Alternatively, the chemical debonding agent may be sprayed onto the cellulosic web after it is formed but before it is dried, however as mentioned, the degree of reduction in ultimate tensile strength is generally somewhat less by spraying than that attained with wet end addition. Papermaking fibers used to form the soft absorbent products of the present invention include cellulosic fibers commonly referred to as wood pulp fibers, liberated in the pulping process from softwood (gymnosperms or coniferous trees) and hardwoods (angiosperms or deciduous trees). The particular tree and pulping process used to liberate the tracheid are not critical to the success of the present invention. Cellulosic fibers from diverse material origins may be used to form the web of the present invention, including non-woody fibers liberated from sabai grass, rice straw, banana leaves, paper mulberry (i.e. bast fiber), abaca leaves, pineapple leaves, esparto grass leaves, and fibers from the genus hesperalae in the family agavaceae. Also recycled fibers which may contain any of the above fibers sources in different percentages can be used in the present invention. Papermaking fibers can be liberated from their source material by any one of the number of chemical pulping processes familiar to the skilled artisan including sulfate, sulfite, polysulfite, soda pulping, etc. The pulp can be bleached if desired by chemical means including the use of chlorine, chlorine dioxide, oxygen, etc. Furthermore, papermaking fibers can be liberated from source material by any one of a number of mechanical/chemical pulping processes familiar to anyone experienced in the art including mechanical pulping, thermomechanical pulping, and chemithermomechanical pulping. These mechanical pulps can be bleached, if one wishes, by a number of familiar bleaching schemes including alkaline peroxide and ozone bleaching. The suspension of the fibers or furnish may contain chemical additives to alter the physical properties of the paper produced. These chemistries are well understood by the skilled artisan and may be used in any known combination. The hydrophobically modified polyaminamides of the present invention are compatible with conventional permanent wet strength agents. The hydrophobically modified polyaminamides form a stable complex with nonionic surfactant such as mono-fatty esters and ethers of polyethylene glycol. This complex carries the usually non-substantive nonionic surfactant into the sheet of paper. As used herein, the term “polyaminamide” represents a polymer of an amine moiety with an amide substituent or a polymer of an amide moiety with an amine substituent. That is, it is a polymer having both amine and amide groups along the backbone. The hydrophobically modified polyaminamide may be produced by any known means to those known in the arts. For example HMCP maybe produced by reacting a polyaminamide with (i) an epoxide of a long hydrocarbon, or (ii) an ester of a fatty acid, or (iii) an acylchloride of a fatty acid, or (iv) a fatty acid. As used herein, the term “epoxide” represents a three-membered cyclic ether which can be optionally substituted with any functionality known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, the term “fatty acid” represents long-chains of aliphatic acids. The molecular weight of the HMCP is adjusted by any means known to those skilled in the art, a preferred example is by cross-linking the HMCP, at 12% solids, with epichlorohydrin. Low solids are required for the cross-linking reactions because of the tendency of the HMCP's to associate are higher solids. The preferred solids content is typically below about 20% by weight depending on the molecular weight with lower solids contents being preferred for higher molecular weight formulations to safeguard against gelation. Any suitable wet strength agents, typically used to impart wet strength to toweling, can be selected by those of ordinary skilled in the art, a non-limiting example is polyaminamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE). Gloxylated polyacrylamides are also usable. The level of hydrophobic groups in the polyaminamide required to achieve the desired paper performance effects of the present invention is preferably between 5 and 10 mol % of the active amine sited on the polymer backbone. Stable complexes of the HMCP's and mono-fatty esters of polyethylene glycols are easily formed by mixing the two components and heating to the cloud point temperature of the PEG ester. The resultant clear solutions can be stored at any temperature that does not alter the desired chemical or physical nature of the composition. The solution is preferably stored at room temperature but is stable over the range of temperatures typically encountered in mills and warehouse facilities. We prefer to effect the complexing at neutral pH but, depending on the nature of the nonionic surfactant, the complexing can be accomplished at other pH values if the nonionic surfactant is stable at that pH. For a whole host of practical reasons, the most preferred solvent for effecting the complexing is water but other polar solvents can be used if the other components are soluble therein and do not react therewith. The amount of HMCP necessary depends upon the molecular weight of the HMCP as can be determined by those skilled in the art. The amount of nonionic surfactant complexed with the HMCP can range from 0 to 1 equivalent of the hydrophobe content of the HMCP. In use, the HMCP is complexed with a mono-fatty ester of polyethylene glycol. Preferably the latter has an elevated hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB), in water. Because this complex is stable, it can be easily used and stored over a wide range of commonly encountered ambient temperatures and transported then mixed if desired with a wet strength agent for the paper prior to its incorporation in the wet end of the paper machine. Alternatively, it can be added to the paper making process alone or in a line separate from any wet strength agent. Further, since the cationic nature of the HMCP makes it highly substantive to cellulosic fibers, the complex with the mono-fatty esters or ethers of polyethylene glycols carries these mono-fatty esters or ethers of polyethylene glycols into the sheet and retains them there. This is a very significant advantage as the polyethylene glycol is not normally substantive to the sheet which severely limits the ease with which it may be incorporated into the sheet. The complexes of HMCP's and PEG esters or ethers provide similar increases in wet/dry tensile ratio as the non-complexed HMCP's while carrying the non-substantive PEG ester or ether into the substrate. The PEG ester or ether once in the sheet enhances the wettability of the substrate; thus, improving both absorbency rate and drape of the paper product. The amount of HMCP retained in the sheet may be between about 0.5 and about 2 pounds per ton of dry fiber. EXAMPLE 1 The following table (Table 1) illustrates the properties of a paper towel made with the composition of the present invention as compared to the paper towels in the market. The table measures the wet breaking length, water absorbency rate (WAR), and a wet over dry tensile ratio. The HMCP was prepared by treating a non-cross-linked polyaminamide with 1,2-epoxyoctadecane. The amount of HMCP was 1.5 pounds per ton. Then HMCP was complexed with 1 equivalent PEG-400-mono-oleate (based on level of C-18 in HMCP, which was 9.1 mol % of amino groups on the polyaminamide), the wet strength resin used was Amres LA 12JR added at 1% to the pulp. TABLE 1Without HMCPWith HMCPComplexComplexWet Breaking Length (km)0.610.69Water Absorbency Rate (seconds)16.4 sec9.5 secWet Over Dry Tensile Ratio (%)23%32% Table 2 represents a summary of polymeric surfactant studies for increasing percent wet/dry tensile ratio. The complexes of HMCP's and PEG esters provide similar increases in wet/dry tensile ratio as the non-complexed HMCP's while carrying the non-substantive PEG ester into the substrate. The PEG ester once in the sheet enhances the wettability of the substrate. This wettability improves both absorbency rate and drape of the absorbent paper product. TABLE 2HMAPAHMAPBOtherWetLA12LRCMCmol %HMAPmol %MzHMCPOtherAdditiveBreaking% w/d#/T#/TC18#/TC18dalton#/TAdditive#/TLength (km)%/w/dS.D.200.6 +/− 0.128+/−3203.00.6231+/−570.54 +/− 0.0826+/−3206.5C2.00.6334+/−278.759K1.00.6231+/−177.5E1.00.6030+/−277.5E7K0.30.7030+/−778.77K1.50.6129+/−178.7118K0.50.6129+/−178.7118K0.5LumulseG0.5329+/−340-OF207.034.80.4928+/−175.20.50.6328+/−178.7118K1.50.5728+/−278.77K0.50.5928+/−278.77K1.00.5728+/−278.759K0.50.5127+/−177.5E0.50.5827+/−278.7118K1.00.6027+/−278.77K1.5LumulseG0.5427+/−240-OF205.006.30.6026+/−178.759K1.50.4526+/−275.21.50.5626+/−2206.73D3.00.632575.21.00.5424+/−2AHydrophobically modified anionic polymer: polyethylene-co-maleic anhydride treated with octadecylamine unless otherwise statedBHydrophobically modified cationic polymer: A polyaminamide, based on diethylenetriamine, derivatized with 1,2-epoxyoxtadecane unless otherwise statedCA polyaminamide treated with methyloleateDPolyethylene-co-maleic anhydride treated with N-methyloctdecylamineEA polyaminamide based on di-(3-aminopropyl)methylamineFPEG-400-mono-oleateGFormulated with HMCP by heating 1 eq. (based on mol C18 units) Lumulse with HMCP to cloud point of Lumulse (i.e., 70° C.) to obtain stable clear product Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

2C

08

G

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for separating components from a mixture containing a combination of organic and inorganic materials. More particularly the present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for separating two or more components from a mixture containing a combination of organic and inorganic materials, which process and apparatus involves the use of an induction heated screw mechanism. The reference herein to a “component” or “components” includes both organic and inorganic chemical components, including components that are mixed, reacted, or combined together in any manner. The reference herein to a “mixture” or “mixtures” is not limited to any particular type or combination of physical phases. Accordingly liquid-liquid mixtures, liquid-solid mixtures and solid-solid mixtures, including suspensions, solutions, colloids, heterogeneous mixtures, homogeneous mixtures, etc. can be processed according to the present invention. Moreover components of the mixture can include inert components or compounds, volatile components or compounds, reactive components or compounds, etc. According to the present invention the organic portion or components of the material mixtures can be driven out of the material mixture by heating and gasifying to form gases that can be released and drawn away from the inorganic portion or components of the material mixtures in a gasifier system. The gasifier system used according to the present invention comprises an induction heated screw conveyor. After processing and removing the organic portion or components, the remaining inorganic portion or components of the material mixture can be reused. The present invention provides a process and apparatus for the heating of waste materials containing organic and inorganic materials to a temperature at which a controlled amount of air (or oxygen) can be added to gasify the organic compounds in the material. By controlling the oxygen level in the processing unit, the organics can be gasified or partially combusted into CO (carbon monoxide), H2(hydrogen) and CH4(methane) while maintaining a reducing atmosphere in the reaction zone. Gasification thus involves partial combustion of the organic materials to form gaseous products that can be drawn away from the inorganic portion or components of the material mixtures. After the organic compounds are removed, the remaining inorganic portion of the material can be recovered for reuse. According to the present invention the use of an induction heated screw conveyor provides an extremely efficient thermal manner of processing materials that cannot be processed by equipment such as incinerators, boilers, cement kilns and other combustion devices. The induction heated screw conveyor of the present invention functions to both heat and transfer materials through the mechanism. According to one embodiment, the present invention provides for the removal of organics from wastes that are a mixture of organic and inorganic materials by gasification. The organic portion of the materials are gasified and removed as gases from the unit, while the inorganic portion is removed from the unit as a solid that can be reused. The use of the induction heated screw conveyor allows indirect heat to be applied to the material by heating the auger in the center of the screw conveyor. The auger in the screw conveyor transfers the heat into the material being heated. In another embodiment of the present invention the wall(s) of the screw conveyor could also be heated inductively together with or separately from the auger by selecting appropriate materials of construction that either do not become inductively heated or do become inductively heated. The heating allows the temperature of the material to increase to the point where gasification will occur in the unit. If a controlled amount of oxygen is added to the unit (to maintain a reducing atmosphere), the hydrocarbons will be gasified to produce a low BTU gas that contains CO (carbon monoxide) along with other gasified elements or components. This low BTU gas allows the unit to operate as a gasified that can provide fuel for other processes, such as boilers, burners or generators. If more oxygen is added to the unit, the CO will be oxidized to CO2and the gases leaving the unit will contain no fuel value. In either case, the inorganic portion of the material can be recovered for reuse. The induction heated thermal screw of the present invention can be built on a variety of scales allowing it to be used directly at locations where waste materials are being produced. Providing appropriately sized processing units on site, particularly for relatively small applications will minimize the transportation of materials being processed and associated costs. The induction heated thermal screw conveyor of the present invention also has a small number of parts and support equipment that reduce its initial capital cost and reduces the maintenance complexity compared to other waste processing equipment. The processing of waste materials at a location where the waste materials are produced may also present additional opportunities for the reuse of the recovered inorganic materials back into the processes that produced the waste materials. Also, the location producing the waste materials may have a need for the low BTU gas than can be used as a fuel or supplemental fuel in boilers, heaters or other devices. The use of the induction heated screw conveyor according to the present invention allows indirect heat to be applied to the material by heating the auger in the center of the screw conveyor. The auger in the screw conveyor transfers the heat into the material being heated. This heating can crack larger organic components, volatilize the resulting and other smaller hydrocarbon components and other organic materials to remove them from the material being treated. Inorganic components that remain after the organic components are removed can be collected. The operating temperature of this invention is limited only by the temperature that can be attained by the materials of construction for the auger in the induction heated screw conveyor. FIG. 1is a schematic view of an induction heated thermal screw conveyor according to one embodiment of the present invention. As depicted inFIG. 1the invention consists of a fairly conventional induction heated screw conveyor1that is wrapped with one or more induction heating coils2. The induction heating coils2are wrapped around the trough section3of the screw conveyor1. An insulator material (not shown) is positioned between the induction heating coils2and the trough3to both insulate the unit and to prevent the induction heating coils2from short circuiting. The induction heating coils2are primarily provided to heat the auger4, including the metal flights5of the auger4in the screw conveyor1, while only providing a limited amount of energy to heat the screw conveyor trough3. This targeted or selective heating of the auger4is accomplished by fabricating the auger4from materials that are more susceptible to induction heating, such as ferrous materials, including iron and alloys of iron, and fabricating the trough section3from materials that are less susceptible to induction heating, such as stainless steel. As the auger4in the screw conveyor1is heated, heat is transferred from the auger4to the material being transported in/by the conveyor system. The material in the screw conveyor1is transported by the rotation of the auger4which causes the flights5to push material through the screw conveyor1. The high surface area of the screw conveyor system, including the flights5, and the movement of the material being treated through the system provide an extremely efficient transfer of heat. In particular the material is predominately heated at or from the center of the screw conveyor where the auger is located rather than at or from the sides of the trough. This manner of heating greatly limits heat loses from the trough to the ambient environment. The operating temperature of the system is limited only by the materials of construction. As long as the components of the screw conveyor can withstand the operating temperature without malfunctioning, the system can operate. InFIG. 1a feed material mixture is fed into the screw conveyor1through inlet6, as the material mixture moves through the screw conveyor and is heated, organic components are gasified as discussed herein. The oxidized organic components are drawn off and out of the screw conveyor through outlet7. The remaining portion of the material mixture, i.e. the inorganic portion, is removed through outlet8. According to the present invention the induction heated screw conveyor is sealed off from the ambient environment so that the atmosphere within the induction heated screw conveyor can be controlled in respect to the amount of oxygen that is fed into or allowed to enter into the screw conveyor. As noted above, the amount of oxygen fed into or allowed to enter into the screw conveyor should be sufficient to gasify hydrocarbons in the organic components into CO (and/or CO2) and H2. According to one embodiment the amount of oxygen can be controlled to convert carbon into CO rather than CO2so as to retain some heat value in the gases drawn out so that the gases can be used as a fuel or supplemental fuel. FIG. 1illustrates the trough of the screw conveyor as being horizontal. In other embodiments of the present invention, the trough of the screw conveyor can be inclined with the vapor recovery outlet at an upper end or point in the screw conveyor system. It is also within the present invention to either uniformly heat the screw conveyor along the length thereof or to heat different sections of the screw conveyor to different temperatures. In an operation that separates higher boiling hydrocarbons and/or other volatile materials or components from a feed material mixture, as the higher boiling hydrocarbons and/or other volatile materials or components are drive off or out of the mixture in the induction heated screw system, they move into the space above the screw flights. The vapors in the space above the screw flight can be drawn off by for collection and subsequent treatment, recovery or destruction as desired. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention and various changes and modifications can be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described above and set forth in the attached claims.

2C

01

B

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1, there is shown an optical heterodyne detection apparatus of 10 channel frequency division multiplexed frequency shift keying in the first embodiment according to the invention. The optical heterodyne detection apparatus comprises an optical coupler 3 for combining signal light 1 and local oscillation light 2, a front end 4 of a PIN-FET optical detector, an equalizer 5, an IF filter 6, and a demodulation circuit 7. The local oscillation light 2 is supplied through a polarization controller 22 from a local oscillation light source 21. The local oscillation light source 21 is controlled by a first control system including a voltage sweep circuit 14 connected to a controller 12, a switch 9 to which output of a frequency discriminator 8 is applied, a first adder 15 to which the voltage sweep circuit 14 and the switch 9 are connected, and a current source 18. The voltage sweep circuit 14 holds output voltage at a very moment when a sweep signal 23 supplied from the controller 12 is "0". The polarization controller 22 is controlled by a second control system including a maximum value control circuit 16 to which output of an envelope detection circuit 11 is supplied, an oscillator 17, a second adder 19 to which the maximum value control circuit 16 and the oscillator 17 are connected, a first driver 20 to which the second adder 19 is connected, and a second driver 25 to which the maximum value control circuit 16 is connected. The controller 12 is supplied with outputs of a channel discrimination circuit 10, the envelope detection circuit 11, and an input terminal 13, so that the sweep signal 23 and a change-over signal 24 are produced in the controller 12. In operation, when the frequency division multiplexed signal light 1 of 10 channels are supplied through a single mode optical fiber from an optical transmitter (not shown), the signal light is combined in the optical coupler 3 with the local oscillation light 2. The combined light is supplied to the front end 4 and converted therein to electric signals. Intermediate frequency signal which is output of the front end 4 is beat signal of a channel selected from the 10 channels, and is equalized in the equalizer 5. The intermediate frequency signal thus equalized is divided into three signals supplied to the IF filter 6, the frequency discriminator 8, and the envelope detection circuit 11 respectively. One of the three signals is passed through the IF filter 6 in which noise is removed from the signal, and base band signal is obtained in the demodulator 7 in accordance with the demodulation thereof. In the envelope detection circuit 11 which is a power detection circuit utilizing a scare characteristic of a double-balanced mixer, the presence and non-presence of intermediate frequency signal is detected, and the power of the intermediate frequency signal is detected in case of the presence thereof. Output of the envelope detection circuit 11 is supplied to the controller 12 and the maximum value control circuit 16. On the other hand, the frequency fluctuation of the intermediate frequency signal is detected in the frequency discriminator 8 which is composed of delayed lines and a mixer. In the frequency discriminator 8, a stabilizing control signal for suppressing the frequency fluctuation is produced to be supplied through the switch 9 to the first adder 15. In the channel discrimination circuit 10 connected to the demodulator 7, channel discrimination signal is picked out of the demodulated signal, and is supplied to the controller 12, together with signal supplied from the input terminal 13 for selecting one of the 10 channels and signal supplied from the envelope detection circuit 11 for the information of the presence and non-presence of the intermediate frequency signal. The controller 12 produces the sweep signal 23 and the change-over signal 24 dependent on the supplied signals. The sweep signal 23 is a trigger signal for driving the voltage sweep circuit 14 by which the frequency sweep of the local oscillation light source 21 composed of a wavelength variable semiconductor laser is performed, while the change-over signal 24 is a signal for turning the switch 9 on and off in the first control system by which the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal is stabilized, and is a signal for performing the polarization scrambling in the second control system. The sweep signal 23 is supplied from the controller 12 to the voltage sweep circuit 14, output of which is added in the first adder 15 to the control signal for stabilizing the intermediate frequency. Output of the first adder 15 is converted in the current source 18 to a current signal which is then added to a bias current of the local oscillation light source 21. The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal is controlled to be changed dependent on the output of the first adder 15 because frequency of the local oscillation light source 21 is changed dependent on the bias current. In the embodiment, it takes one second to sweep the frequency of the local oscillation light source 21 in the whole frequency band of the 10 channel signal light 1. On the other hand, the change-over signal 24 is supplied to the switch 9 and the oscillator 17, so that the switch 9 is turned on, and output of the oscillator 17 is ceased to be supplied therefrom when the change-over signal is "1", while the switch 9 is turned off, and the output of the oscillator 17 is supplied to the second adder 19 when the change-over signal is "0". The output of the oscillator 17 is added in the second adder 19 to a first output of the maximum value control circuit 16. The first output is a signal for controlling a polarization angle of the local oscillation light 2. Therefore, a signal which is a sinusoidal wave for vibrating the polarization angle of the local oscillation light 2 is supplied from the second adder 19 to the driver 20 when the oscillator 17 is turned on to produce the oscillation signal of, for instance, 10 KHz. Voltage of the polarization controller 22, which is of an electric field rotation type of an optical LiNbO.sub.3 waveguide structure, is increased in its output amplitude up to more than 6 V. On the other hand, a second output of the maximum value control circuit 16, which is a signal for controlling an elliptic function of the local oscillation light 2, is supplied to the second driver 25 by which voltage of the polarization controller 22 is increased. The polarization controller 22 comprises first and second regions in which the first region acts as a .lambda./2 plate, and the second region acts as a .lambda./4 plate, where .lambda. is a wavelength of light. In each region, electrodes are provided along a waveguide, so that electric field is applied thereto by 360 degrees In the polarization controller 22, the output of the first driver 20 is applied to the electrode of the first region for the .lambda./2 plate, and the output of the second driver 25 is applied to the electrode of the second region for the .lambda./4 plate. In accordance with the operation described above, the local oscillation light 2 of the local oscillation light source 21 is controlled to have a predetermined polarization, and the polarization scrambling is conducted in the frequency of 10 KHz (as described in the reports published by the Institute of Electronics Informations and Communications Engineers" 85/2, vol. J68-CNo. 2). In selecting a predetermined channel from the 10 channels, a signal of the predetermined channel (hereinafter called "input channel") is supplied from the input terminal 13 to the controller 12. It is determined in the controller 12 how far and on which side of high or low frequency the input channel is in regard to the presently selected channel, a signal of which is supplied to the controller 12 from the channel discrimination circuit 10. In accordance with the determination of the controller 12, the sweep signal 23 which is "+1"v in a case where the input channel is on the side of high frequency, and is "-1"v in a case where the input channel is on the side of low frequency is supplied to the voltage sweep circuit 14 together with the change-over signal 24 of "0" As a result, the polarization of the local oscillation light 2 is scrambled, and the frequency thereof is swept in the direction of a predetermined frequency. During the frequency sweep, the output of the envelope detection circuit 11 is monitored by the controller 12 to count the number of channel sweeps. At this time, the local oscillation light 2 is under the polarization scrambling as described above, so that the number of the channels is precisely counted because the intermediate frequencies can be detected in all of the 10 channels. When the intermediate frequency of the input channel is detected in the controller 12, the sweep signal 23 becomes "0"v, and the change-over signal 24 becomes "1". As a result, the voltage sweep circuit 14 holds the presently output voltage so that the frequency sweep of the intermediate frequency signal is no longer performed. Simultaneously, the polarization scrambling of the local oscillation light 2 is stopped, and the frequency stabilization of the intermediate frequency signal begins to operate. A level of the intermediate frequency signal is maximized in accordance with the polarization control signal of the local oscillation light 2 supplied from the maximum value control circuit 16. Consequently, signals of the input channel are obtained from the demodulator 7. As described above, the polarization scrambling is continued until the intermediate frequency becomes a predetermined frequency in accordance with the frequency sweep control of the local oscillation light. When the intermediate frequency becomes a desired value, the polarization scrambling is controlled to stop, and polarizations of the signal light and the local oscillation light are coincided with each other. In the above polarization scrambling, the polarization of the local oscillation light is scrambled in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the polarization of the signal light may be scrambled. In FIG. 2, there is shown an optical heterodyne detection apparatus in the second embodiment according to the invention. In the optical heterodyne detection apparatus which is applied to an optical frequency shift keying heterodyne detection communication system using a burst signal, like parts are indicated by like reference numerals in FIG. 2. In operation, when signal light 1 having a bit rate of 400 Mb/s and a modulation index of 2 is transmitted as a burst signal, the signal light is combined in the optical coupler 3 with local oscillation light 2, and the combined light is received in the front end 4. In a case where the signal light 1 is not transmitted, sweep signal 23 is supplied from the controller 12 to the first adder 15. The sweep signal 23 is a frequency of 100 Hz, and is to sweep frequency of the local oscillation light 2 in a predetermined range of 5 GHz repeatedly. Change-over signal 24 which is supplied from the controller 12 is the same as the change-over signal 24 in the first embodiment. Except for the above, the optical heterodyne detection apparatus as shown in FIG. 2 operates in the same manner as in that of FIG. 1. For instance, the polarization controller 22 is positioned on a light path for the local oscillation light 2 supplied from the local oscillation light source 21. For this structure, when the signal light 1 is not transmitted, the frequency of the local oscillation light 2 is swept in a range of 5 GHz, and the polarization scrambling thereof is performed. When intermediate frequency signal is detected in the envelope detection circuit 11, the frequency sweep and the polarization scrambling of the local oscillation light 2 are stopped, and the frequency stabilization of the intermediate frequency signal and the polarization control begin to be performed. The polarization control is also the same as in the first embodiment. Consequently, frequency of the intermediate frequency signal is pulled into an intermediate frequency band to demodulate base band signals without depending on polarization state of the local oscillation light 2. The invention may be modified in the following structure. For instance, although the polarization controller is of a waveguide type, it may be of an optical fiber type, a combination type of a .lambda./2 plate and a .lambda./4 plate, and so on. Furthermore, although the polarization control and the polarization scrambling are performed in the common polarization controller, a polarization controller and a polarization scrambler may be provided separately. However, the arrangement in the first and second embodiments are most advantageous in regard to the minimization of loss. In a case where a power of the local oscillation light is low, the polarization controller may be positioned on a light path of the signal light. As described in the first and second embodiments, even if polarizations of the signal light and the local oscillation light are orthogonal to each other, the intermediate frequency is stabilized at a predetermined frequency for the reason why one of the polarizations is scrambled so that beat signal can be detected. Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiment for complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modification and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.

7H

04

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The dual meter, indicated as 2, is used to display both the grid current and the plate current of the vacuum tube type amplifier. The meter includes a grid current needle 4 associated with the grid current scale 6 and a plate current needle 8 associated with the plate current scale 10. The needles 4 and 8 have a crossover point 12 which varies in position in accordance with the respective values of plate current and grid current. Associated with the crossover point 12 is a tuned region, in this case, a vertical bar type region indicated as 14. This tuned region represents all the various pairs of plate current and grid current where the amplifier is tuned. The crossover points of these pairs of grid current and plate current actually is a slightly curved line which is generally vertical, however, the tuned region 14 gives some variance about the actual plate and grid currents and is acceptable for tuning of the amplifier. Typically, with a vacuum tube type amplifier, the tube manufacturer specifies values of the plate current and grid current where the amplifier is tuned. In this specific case, the specified points are 400 mA with respect to the plate current and 120 mA with respect to the grid current. At these values of the plate current and grid current, the crossover point 12 of the needles is generally centered on the letter "T" of the word "Tuned" within the tuned region 14. As indicated in FIG. 1, optimum loading has been achieved as the crossover point 12 of the needles is located within the tuned region 14. In FIG. 2, the plate current is at 400 mA, however, the grid current is only at about 75 mA and thus, the crossover point 12 is to the right of the tuned region 14. Control adjustment indicator 22, also located to the right of the tuned region and fixed on the meter face, provides a visual indication of the direction of load adjustment of the amplifier to adjust both the plate and grid current to achieve a tuned amplifier. Thus, if the load control is adjusted by rotation in a counterclockwise direction, as indicated by 22, the crossover point 12 will move towards the tuned region. By properly adjusting the amount of variance of the load in this direction, one can achieve the placement of the crossover point 12 within the tuned region 14. In FIG. 2, not enough drive is provided to the amplifier and in fact, the loading of the amplifier has been overcompensated. In FIG. 3, the amplifier is underloaded, as the crossover point 12 is now to the left of the tuned region 14. Adjustment of the load control of the amplifier in a clockwise direction, as indicated by control adjustment indicator 20, also located to the left of the tuned region, will adjust the plate current and grid current such that the crossover point 12 of the needles moves towards the tuned region 14. Thus, the control adjustment indication 20 provided on the face of the meter 2 allows the operator a simple means for adjusting the load of the amplifier to achieve proper tuning. The present invention saves time and improves the accuracy of the tune-up procedure for vacuum tube type RF power amplification devices. This simplification is a result of the cross-needle metering and the display of plate current and grid current on one meter. Both plate and grid current values are plotted as the amplifier is driven by an external source to the point where maximum power is reached. These plotted points form a slightly curved vertical line matching all the points where the plate current needle and the grid current needles cross. These points have been used to define the vertical rectangular tuned bar region 14 which appears on the face of the meter. As the amplifier is loaded therefore after the plate current is "dipped" (corresponding to the resonant point), and thereafter the loading control is simply adjusted so that the needles cross inside the tuned bar region 14 on the meter face. If the needles cross either on the left or the right side of the tuned bar region 14 indicated on the meter face, the operator need only rotate the loading control on the amplifier as indicated to move the cross-needles into the calibrated zone of the tuned region 14. This tuning system functions in both steady state or dynamic condition applications of the RF power amplifier. By properly tuning the vacuum tube type RF power amplifier as discussed above, the life of the amplifier will increase as well as the ability for the user to properly operate his equipment in its intended manner and within the predetermined operating range. The coordination of the plate and grid current has been simplified and the end user merely has to locate the crossover point 12 within the indicated tuned bar region 14. Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

6G

01

R

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a schematic of the present invention when used to protect personal computer equipment. The optical security system involves the use of an optical fiber cable 1 that is made of a flexible material such as plastic that can be cut to any length. The fiber cable is of a relatively thin nature and allows light to pass therethrough. The optical fiber cable is connected to a network of computer components 2: the computer itself, a monitor, a printer or any other computer peripheral or appliance. The connection of the optical fiber cable 1 to the computer components 2 is achieved by nodes attachment devices 3 which use the inner and outer cones to secure the fiber cable therebetween. The ends of the fiber cable are remotely connected to a control box 4. The control box includes a light source to shine light through fiber cable 1, a sensing device to detect if the light circuit is broken through the bending or breaking of the fiber cable, and an alarm device for sounding an alert in response to the sensing device. The system may include many other conventional security features such as password control of the alarm and remote camera/television control; it may also be connected to a master alarm system within the office or building where it is installed. FIG. 2 shows a detailed perspective view of the attachment device portion of the system which is meant to attach the optical fiber cable 1 to the computer component 2. The device includes an outer cone 5 that slips over an inner cone 6. In one method of mounting, the inner cone is attached to a computer 2 by a screw 7. Installation costs and effort can be minimized by using a screw already provided on the housing of the appliance. This method of installation can also secure the internal components of, for example, a computer. Since the head of the screw becomes hidden by the outer cone 5 when assembled, the computer housing cannot be opened without first removing the outer cone, resulting in bending of the fiber and thus an activation of the alarm. Thus, valuable interior parts of a computer component such as microchips, disk drives, etc. may be protected by using this security system. The outer cone 5 is of a hollow configuration designed to fit over the relatively solid cone 6. To assemble the device with the fiber cable, the alarm control box 4 is initially turned off. A portion of the optical fiber cable 1 is bent into a U-shape as shown in FIG. 2 and inserted through a diametric slot 8 extending across outer cone 5. Care should be taken to ensure that enough slack is formed within the fiber cable extending out of the hollowed portion of cone 5. The loop of fiber cable 1 is subsequently hooked into a radial slot or groove 9 extending into the inner cone 6. Once the loop is inserted into the end of radial groove 9, the outer cone 5 is pushed down along the fiber cable 1 and onto the inner cone 6. As the outer cone nears the outer peripheral surface 10 of cone 6, the fiber cable 1 becomes pinched until the lowest portions of slot 8 come into alignment with radial groove 9. Upon alignment of the slots, the flexible nature of the fiber cable allows the fiber cable to rebound to its original shape which allows the normal, full amount of light to shine therethrough. The fiber cable 1 is also able to freely slide through the inner and outer cones once assembled. As can be seen, the fiber cable 1 itself not only is captured by the assembly of the inner and outer cones, but itself also holds and locks the outer cone onto the inner cone. No other fastener between the inner and outer cones is required, and the outer cone cannot be removed without either first unthreading the optical fiber to remove it from between the cones or physically prying the outer cone off of the inner cone. Once the optical fiber cable is assembled between the cones, the alarm is ready to be activated and used. It should be noted that the device may be disassembled in the exact reverse steps of the assembly process. However, if a potential thief were to attempt such a disassembly of the cones while the alarm is activated, he/she could not avoid a pinching or bending of the fiber cable when removing the outer cone from the inner cone. The sensing device of the control box 4 detects an attenuated light circuit upon the breaking or pinching of the fiber cable 1, and sends out an alarm signal. FIGS. 3-5 show details of the outer cone 5. The primary parts of the cone include a slot 8 within the outer peripheral surface through which the optical fiber cable extends and a hollow cavity 11 on the interior side of the outer cone which covers the outside of the inner cone. The outer cone comprises an outer peripheral surface that is divided into three subsurfaces. The first is a circular and flat top surface 12. A flat surface prevents the snagging of clothes or injury to a person using the appliance over a pointed or peaked cone. The second outer peripheral surface is the outer conical surface 13. This surface gives the cone its overall shape which covers both the inner cone and a portion of the optical fiber cable. The final surface is an outer cylindrical surface 14 which abuts a surface of the computer component or appliance. This surface protects the edge of the inner cone from attack by a potential thief. Any action to get at the inner cone from the edge of the cylindrical surface 14 will cause the outer cone to slide up on the inner cone thereby sounding the alarm when the optical fiber cable gets pinched between the cones. The inner peripheral surface 15 is conical in its entirety with the exception of a pair of kidney shaped cutouts 16 which extend upon two sides of the surface 15. The cutouts include a cylindrical surface 17 which allows for the head of a mounting screw that fastens the inner cone to a surface of the protected appliance. Two cutouts are used so that the part is symmetrical, obviating the need for an installer to take precautions in orienting the outer cone with respect to the inner cone and any protruding screw head holding down the inner cone. Other than the provision for space for the screw, the entire inner peripheral surface 15 matches and totally covers the outer surface of the inner cone. The slot 8 extends across the entire width or diameter of the outer cone. Although the slot extends across the entire diameter of the outer cone, FIG. 3 shows that the opening of the slot to the hollow cavity is somewhat shorter than the diameter because of side ramps 18 that define the bottom of the slot 8. The purpose of the side ramps is to provide a free but slightly bent path through which the optical fiber cable extends. Introducing a slight bend in the fiber as it travels through the device causes the light in the fiber to attenuate more rapidly with small displacements of the outer cone. When the outer cone is in secured position over the inner cone, the optical fiber cable slides with only slight friction across the ramps 18, allowing the appliance to be moved along a desktop or countertop without triggering the alarm. FIGS. 6-8 show details of the first embodiment of the inner cone 6. The inner cone is a relatively solid piece and includes an outer peripheral surface 10 that is conical in shape. The cone also includes a base surface 19 that is mounted against a surface of an appliance by a screw. In another mounting option, the inner cone is mounted on the surface of an appliance in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except that instead of a screw 7 an adhesive such as a cyanoacrylate or epoxy is applied between the base 19 and the appliance surface. This method of mounting is most useful when the appliance does not have a convenient mounting screw on which to attach the device. The inner cone includes a pair of cutouts on two opposite sides of the cone as best seen in FIG. 6. The first cutout 20 is formed as a slot through which a threaded shaft of a screw may extend. A flange 21 surrounds the slot to accommodate the head of screw which is used to tightly secure the inner cone 6 to an appliance. As can be seen, cutout 20 is open to obviate the need to completely remove a screw from a housing prior to affixing the device. The slot could also be closed on its open end to create an internal cutout; such a modification would make it more difficult to detach the device from the appliance by simply hammering on it in such a manner as to cause the device to slip out from under the screw head. However, outer cone 5 also acts to shield the screw head laterally and will tend to block such a forced removal of the device. The second cutout 22 is disposed opposite cutout 20. Many appliances have housings that are fastened together with screws disposed within recessed portions of the housings. While such screws are not generally useful in mounting the device onto the appliance, it is important to allow the device to be mounted over such recessed screws to prevent unauthorized opening of the appliance. Cutout 22 is designed to allow the device to be positioned over such a recessed housing screw while maintaining access to such a screw when the outer cone is removed from the inner cone. In such cases the device is typically mounted on the appliance with an adhesive and is not conveniently removable; with this feature the inner cone need not be removed at all in order to gain normal and legitimate internal appliance access. The radial groove 9 of the inner cone 6 is comprised of a longitudinal portion 23 which extends toward the center of the cone and a transverse section 24 which extends toward the peak of the cone. The transverse section of the slot is where the optical fiber cable resides when the outer cone is pushed onto the inner cone. The lower surface of the optical fiber running through the transverse section of the slot at 24 is at a height even with the inner parts of the ramps 18 of the outer cone as shown in FIG. 5, to allow the optical fiber cable to freely slide through both the inner and outer cones when assembled. When the outer cone is assembled with the optical fiber onto the inner cone, the ramps 18 of the outer cone prevent the fiber from being lowered and manipulated out via the longitudinal slot 23. The vertical walls of the slot at 24 also act to capture the fiber so as to prevent its being worked or slipped out. The final feature of the inner cone is a semi-circular recess 25 as seen in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. This recess surrounds the opening of the transverse section 24 of groove 9, and effectively provides the optical fiber a small gap of free space between the inner and outer cones so that it can bend and not simply shear off or become damaged when the outer cone is inserted or removed from the inner cone. It also permits the optical fiber to bend between the inner and outer cones when the outer cone is merely rotated rather than pulled off, for the same reasons. If a thief attempts to rotate the outer cone to remove it from the appliance, the optical fiber will thus bend a sufficient amount to set off the alarm. A second embodiment of the inner cone is shown in FIG. 9 and is substantially similar to the first embodiment. Only the differences of the second embodiment from the first embodiment will be addressed herein. The inner cone 26 has a radial slot 27 that extends at a diagonal to the base of the cone toward the peak of the cone. The end of the diagonal slot houses the optical fiber cable in assembled form. The slope of the slot provides a positive capture mechanism similar but not equal to that provided by a transverse slot such as 24. The diagonal slot can be more easily manufactured in some constructions of the device than the two part slot of inner cone 6. The construction of the device can be made of any of a variety of materials from aluminum or steel to injection molded plastic. The inner and outer cones 5 and 6 can be constructed from single molds. A teflon or non-stick coating may be applied to the outer peripheral surface 10 of the inner cone 6 and/or the inner peripheral surface 15 of the outer cone 5. Such a coating provides an additional means for the outer cone 5 to slip upwardly upon the inner cone 6 and trip the alarm in an attack on the edge of the node. The shape and features of the conical sections of the node are critical in providing a secure system for protecting a network of computers or appliances. In the field of security devices, it has generally been found that potential thieves prefer to attack a device quickly through some type of physical force rather than the long process of picking a lock or solving a combination. The present invention provides an optical security system that is free from physical attack. Any attack of the optical fiber cable or the attachment devices at the nodes will result in the sounding of the alarm and will ward off any potential thief. As can also be appreciated, other enhancements may be made to the overall system to improve functionality. For example, the system may employ an opto-electronic sensing device in control box 4 such as an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR), to permit the localization of any particular node along the fiber under attack. In such a system the optical fiber need not be in the form of a closed circuit, but may rather have only one end attached to the control box. OTDR's have the capability of detecting the location of disturbances in the optical fiber by means of a return signal from the disturbance, or by means of measuring changes in Rayleigh scattering along the length of a fiber. OTDR's do not require that the farthest end of the fiber be returned to the sensor. Various conventional sensor technologies may be employed in control box 4 as well. The most common of these is a pulsed or otherwise modulated light source such as an LED as the emitting light source, and a phototransistor or photodiode with processing circuitry sensitive only to the emitted pulses of light. Such sensor technologies are common in the photoelectric sensing industry and are not novel. Additional enhancements may include a manual sensitivity adjustment that permits the control box to be made extremely sensitive to bending, or so insensitive that only very sharp bends or breaks are detected. FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the control circuitry used to control the fiber optic security system of FIG. 1. An emitter emits a repetitive pulse of light through the optical fiber loop which is subsequently received by a detector. In response to receiving a light pulse, the detector sends a signal to the microprocessor and control system via a sampler and A/D converter means. If the intensity of the received light pulses is attenuated due to the optical fiber being cut or bent, the microprocessor interprets the change and sounds an alarm. For enhanced dynamic range and sensitivity, an optical sensor of a type such as those described in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,736,097 or 4,879,461 may be employed. It should be apparent that many modifications could be made to the optical security system which would still be encompassed within the spirit of the present invention. It is intended that all such modifications may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

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The figures depict an embodiment of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT While the specification concludes with claims defining features of the embodiments described herein that are regarded as novel, it is believed that these embodiments will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed arrangements of the present embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed arrangements are merely exemplary of the embodiments, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present embodiments in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the present arrangements. BACKGROUND Here a background on tweets and their attributes and content is presented. A tweet is a 140-character message posted by a user on Twitter. It contains a lot of additional information when downloaded from Twitter. It is rich in information and diverse in the sense that it may contain 100+ attributes, and new attributes may appear over time. Each tweet is assigned a unique ID; each user account is also assigned a unique ID. In subsequent discussions, the terms “a user” and “a user account” will be used interchangeably to mean the same thing. There are attributes whose values embed the actual text of a tweet, the URLs contained in a tweet, hashtags used in a tweet, and so on. There are attributes that provide counts about the number of friends of a user, the number of followers of a user, the number of tweets liked/favorited by a user (i.e., favorites count), and the number of posts of a user (i.e., statuses count). Note that a tweet does not contain the list of friends or followers of a user. Nor does it contain information about hashtags that are trending. These pieces of information, however, can be obtained using Twitter REST APIs. System Components Here the system components and the overall method embodied by the present invention are depicted inFIG. 1. Tweets101are collected from Twitter. External data sources102(e.g., URLBlacklist.com, VirusTotal) are used to flag malicious and benign URLs and domains. The invention can run in a cluster of commodity servers103or a single machine [3]. The invention can use existing scalable implementations for MLNs104(e.g., Tuffy [2], ProbKB [1]). It contains a KB with first-order predicates and formulas105. A grounding of a formula (or predicate) is obtained by replacing all its variables by constants. The obtained formula (or predicate) is called a ground formula (or ground predicate). Based on the predicates in the KB, tweets, and external data sources, ground predicates are generated106. A set of queries is specified107. Given this set of queries, a subset of ground predicates is used for learning the weights of the formulas108. Next, the entire set of ground predicates is used to perform probabilistic inference (e.g., maximum a posteriori (MAP) inference, marginal inference) for the queries using the KB109. The outputs from the MAP and marginal inference are combined in a unique way110to output suspicious users and malicious content111. Predicates and Formulas in the Knowledge Base Here the KB, a core component of the invention, is discussed. The KB contains two parts: first-order predicates and first-order formulas. Due to the richness of information in tweets and complex relationships between entities in them, the invention defines a set of different types of predicates in the KB. A predicate can make a closed-world assumption (CWA) or an open-world assumption (OWA). CWA assumes that what is not known to be true must be false. On the other hand, OWA assumes that what is not known may be or may not be true. FIG. 2shows the first set of predicates with non-temporal attributes in the KB. The predicate tweeted(userID,tweetID)201states whether a user posted a particular tweet or not; containsLink(tweetID,link)202states whether a tweet contains a particular URL or not; mentions(tweetID,userID)203states whether a particular user is mentioned in a tweet (using the @ symbol) or not; retweeted(userID,tweetID)204states whether a user retweeted a particular tweet or not; containsHashtag(tweetID,hashtag)205states whether a tweet contains a particular hashtag or not; finally, verified(userID)206states whether a user has been verified or not. Twitter independently verifies user accounts that are of public interest in domains such as government, fashion, music, politics, sports, etc. The predicate malicious(link)207states whether a URL is malicious or notfriend(userID1, userID2)208states whether a user denoted by userID1has a friend denoted by userID2or not. Twitter defines a friend as someone who a user is following. The predicate trending(hashtag)209indicates if a hashtag is trending or not; attacker(userID)210indicates whether a user is a suspicious user or not; isFollowedBy(userID1, userID2)211indicates whether a user denoted by userID1is followed by another user denoted by userID2or not; and finally, isPossiblySensitive(tweetID)212indicates whether a tweet is possibly sensitive or not. Twitter flags a tweet as possibly sensitive based on users' feedback. To model the count information in a tweet, we define a set of predicates as shown inFIG. 2. These predicates are based on a CWA. The predicate friendsCount(userID, count)213indicates whether a user has a particular number of friends or not; followersCount(userID, count)214indicates whether a user has a particular number of followers or not; statusesCount(userID, count)215indicates whether a user has posted a particular number of tweets or not; retweetCount(tweetID, count)216indicates whether a tweet has been retweeted a particular number of times or not; and finally, favoritesCount(userID, count)217indicates whether a user has “liked” a particular number of tweets or not. The predicates described thus far do not contain temporal information. One compelling aspect of using a MLN to model tweets is that we can define predicates with temporal variables. These predicates are shown inFIG. 3. The predicate tweetedT(userID, tweetID,Δ)301indicates around a particular time A whether a user posted a particular tweet or not; trendingT(hashtag,Δ)302indicates around a particular time whether a hashtag is trending or not; followersCountT(userID,count,Δ)303indicates around a particular time whether a user has a particular number of followers or not; friendsCount(userID,count,Δ)304indicates around a particular time whether a user has a particular number of friends or not; favoritesCount(userID,count,Δ)305indicates around a particular time whether a user has liked a particular number of tweets or not; statusesCount(userID,count,Δ)306indicates around a particular time whether a user has tweeted a particular number of tweets or not; and finally, retweetCount(tweetID,count,Δ)307indicates around a particular time whether a tweet has been retweeted a particular number of times or not. These predicates specify temporal constraints on users' behavior on social media. At the core of the invention is a set of constraints/first-order formulas defined on the predicates. These formulas were constructed based on the findings in published literature, observing our personal account activities on Twitter, and through intuitive reasoning. These formulas can contradict each other. Each formula will be assigned a weight, which can be learned over a training dataset. A world that violates a formula is less probable but not impossible. A formula with a +ve weight is more likely to be true in the set of possible worlds; a formula with a −ve weight is less likely to be true. A world that violates a hard constraint (assigned the weight ∞) has zero probability. The first-order formulas are presented inFIG. 4. The existential quantifier ∃ on each variable in a formula is implied. Formula f1401states that if a user mentions another user in his/her tweet, then this implies that the mentioned user is a friend of the user. Formula f2402states that if a user retweets a tweet of another user, then the friend relationship between the two users is implied. Formula f3403states that if a user posted a hashtag and is an attacker/suspicious user, then this implies that the hashtag is trending as adversaries are more likely to target trending hashtags. Formula f4404states that if a user is followed by a verified user, then this implies that the user is also verified/trustworthy. The next set of formulas infers whether a user is an attacker/suspicious user or not. Formula f5405states that if a user is verified, then he/she is not an attacker; formula f6406states that a friend of a verified user is not an attacker; formula f7407states that a user who posted a tweet containing a malicious link is an attacker; formula f8408states that a friend of an attacker is also an attacker; formula f9409states that if a user, who is not an attacker, mentions another user in his/her tweet, then the other user is not an attacker; and finally, formula f10410states that if a user's tweet is known to be possibly sensitive, then he/she is an attacker. The next set of formulas infers whether a link is malicious or not and whether a tweet is possibly sensitive or not. Formula f11411states that a URL containing a certain prefix is not malicious. The prefix can be https://t.co, which indicates the use of Twitter's URL shortening service, or other trusted domains such as https://twitter.com, https: //www.instagram, http://pinterest.com, etc. We define this formula as a hard constraint. Formula f12412states that a URL contained in a possibly sensitive tweet is malicious; formula f13413states that a URL in a tweet posted by an attacker is malicious; formula f14414states that a tweet containing a malicious URL is possibly sensitive; and finally, formula f15415states that a tweet of an attacker is possibly sensitive. The next set of formulas shown inFIG. 5infers attackers based on the counts of certain attributes in the tweets. Formula f16501states that if a non-verified user has a very large number of users he/she is following compared to the number of users following him/her, then the user is an attacker. Formula f17502states that if a non-verified user is not active on Twitter (based on the number of posts) but has a large number of friends, then the user is an attacker. Formula f18503states that if a non-verified user is not active on Twitter (based on the number of posts) but has a large number of followers, then the user is an attacker. Formula f19504states that if a non-verified user is not active on Twitter (based on the number of posts) but has liked a large number of tweets, then the user is an attacker. Note that when a user's tweet is liked by someone, then a notification is sent to the user. Thus, a suspicious user can draw the attention of other users to himself/herself by randomly liking their tweets. Similarly, a user can mention any other user in his/her tweet to seek attention. The last set of formulas is defined over predicates with temporal variables. These formulas are powerful to model a sequence of activities, which can be exploited by adversaries to launch cyberattacks. Formula f20505states that if the friends count of a user (i.e., the number of users being followed by the user) increases substantially during an interval of time (e.g., in a day), then the user is a suspicious user as he/she is trying to increase their social influence. Formula f21506states that if a hashtag is trending at a point in time, and an attacker posts a tweet containing that hashtag a later time, and if the tweet contains a URL, then it is implied to be malicious. This constraint enables us to capture the actions of an attacker who is tracking trending hashtags to post malicious URLs to maximize the scope of an attack. Formulas f22507and f23508state that if a hashtag is trending at a point in time, and a user posts a tweet containing that hashtag at a later time, and mentions another user who he/she is not following or is not friends with, then the user is an attacker. This constraint allows us to model attackers who can mention other users in their posts randomly just to have malicious content sent to those innocent users. Discovering Suspicious Users and Malicious Content To use a MLN for probabilistic inference, three steps are typically followed [2]. The first step is to generate/create an evidence dataset. This dataset contains ground predicates in the KB of the MLN that are known to be satisfied. The second step is to learn the weights of the formulas in the KB given a set of queries, which is of interest during inference. Finally, the third step is to perform probabilistic inference on the set of queries using the learned MLN. If MAP inference is performed, the output will list the ground predicates for the queries that are satisfied for the most likely world. If marginal inference is performed, the output will list the ground predicates for the queries and their probabilities of being satisfied. FIG. 6shows how the present invention constructs its evidence dataset from tweets and external data sources. For each tweet, the invention first constructs the non-temporal ground predicates601followed by the construction of temporal ground predicates602. Next, the detailed steps to generate the evidence dataset for the invention are presented. The steps to generate some of the ground predicates with non-temporal attributes are shown inFIG. 7. For a tweet, let t denote the ID of the tweet and u denote the ID of the user who posted it. Output tweeted(u,t)701. Check if the user u is a verified user702. If true, output verified(u)703. Otherwise, output !verified(u)704. For each URL l contained in the tweet's text, output containsLink(t,l)705. The steps to generate the next set of ground predicates are shown inFIG. 8. For each hashtag h in the tweet's text, output containsHashtag(t,h)801. For each user w mentioned in the tweet's text using the @ symbol, output mentions(t,w)802. Then check if the tweet has been retweeted803. If true, for each user v who retweeted the tweet, output retweeted(v,t)804. FIG. 9shows the steps to produce additional ground predicates. For each URL l contained in the tweet's text, output malicious(l) if l is known to be malicious based on external data sources901. If l is known to be benign, then output !malicious(l)902. Next, for each known friend v of the user u, outputfriend(u,v)903. For each known follower w of u, output isFollowedBy(u,w)904. For each hashtag h contained in the tweet's text, output trending(h) if h is reported to be a trending hashtag by Twitter905. Check if u is known to be attacker (e.g., his/her account has been suspended by Twitter)906. If true, then output attacker(u)907. Check if t is marked as possibly sensitive908. If true, then output isPossiblySensitive(t)909. Next, the ground predicates for counts are discussed inFIG. 10. If c1denotes the number of friends of u, output friendsCount(u,c1)1001. If c2denotes the number of followers of u, outputfollowersCount(u,c2)1002. If c3denotes the number of tweets posted by u (a.k.a. statuses count), output statusesCount(u,c3)1003. If c4denotes the number of tweets liked/favorited by u, output favoritesCount(u,c4)1004. If c5denotes the number of times t has been retweeted, output retweetCount(t,c5)1005. FIG. 11shows the steps to generate ground predicates for predicates with temporal attributes. Suppose Δ is the timestamp of the tweet. Then output tweetedT(u,t,Δ)1101. For each hashtag h contained in the tweet's text, output trendingT(h,Δ) if h is reported to be trending by Twitter around time Δ1102. Then output friendsCountT(u,c1,Δ)1103; output follow ersCountT(u,c2,Δ)1104; output statusesCountT(u,c3,Δ)1105; output favorilesCountT(u,c4,Δ)1106; and lastly, output retweetCountT(t,c5, Δ)1107. Once the evidence dataset is constructed, the invention accepts a set of query predicates provided by the user for weight learning and probabilistic inference. For example, attacker (u), malicious(l), and isPossiblySensitive(t) denotes a possible set of queries to discover suspicious users and malicious content. Weight learning and probabilistic inference can be done using scalable MLN implementations [2, 1]. The invention combines the outputs of the MAP and marginal inference tasks as shown inFIG. 12to provide higher quality information to the user. The outputs of the MAP and marginal inference tasks constitute the input1201. The invention ranks the ground predicates output by MAP inference using the probabilities provided by marginal inference1202. It outputs those ground predicates whose probabilities are higher than the user specified threshold1203. It ranks the ground predicates output by marginal inference that are not present in the output of MAP inference using their probabilities1204. It outputs those ground predicates whose probabilities are higher than the user specified threshold1205. The two sets of ground predicates is reviewed by the user for further decision-making. The present invention can be implemented on a single server or a cluster of commodity servers containing general-purpose processors, memory, and storage (e.g., hard disk, SSD). The authors of SocialKB [3] demonstrated an implementation of the method on a single server machine.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 a - 11 depict the preferred and alternative embodiments of the prefabricated plaster arches and mold of the instant invention, which are generally characterized by reference numerals 10 and 50 respectively. Referring to FIGS. 1 a - 1 c , the instant invention comprises a prefabricated plaster arch 10 that fits in the corner of an opening or passageway 1 and may also be classified as a quarter arch. With reference to FIGS. 1 a - 4 , the prefabricated plaster arch 10 comprises a first leg portion 12 , a second leg portion 14 , a concave arcuate surface 16 and securing tabs 18 . The prefabricated arch 10 is preferably made from a plaster fill 30 or plaster-like material, paste, concrete, stucco, liquid plastic, joint compound or other suitable filler. The first and second leg portions 12 , 14 meet at a common end in a substantially perpendicular orientation. The concave arcuate surface 18 joins the two free ends of the leg portions 12 , 14 . The width of the arch 10 corresponds to the width of the corresponding wall, which typically vary between 2.5 inches and 5.0 inches. The length of the leg portions 12 , 14 can also vary to accommodate the desired look of the archway. For instance, the top leg portions 12 can comprise half the width of an opening 1 such that the securement of a prefabricated arch 10 in opposing corners creates a full archway, as shown in FIG. 1 c . Conversely, the top leg portions 12 may comprise a length that is less than half the width of an opening 1 , so as to form only two opposing quarter arches, as shown in FIG. 1 c . A securing tab 18 projects outward from each leg portion 12 , 14 and is adaptable for receiving fastening hardware, such as screws, nails, anchors and/or other known fasteners, to secure the arch 10 to a wall and/or ceiling surface, as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b . The securing tabs 18 may define securing apertures 19 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . With reference to FIGS. 5-7 , the securing tab 18 is preferably defined by a securing clamp 17 , which resides in the body of the prefabricated arch. The securing clamp 17 comprises a securing tab 18 , fastening apertures 19 , at least one plaster retaining projection 20 , at least one locking tab 22 and locking tab apertures 26 . Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the plaster retainer projection 20 projects upward from a base section and comprises an arcuate top edge having a radius of curvature corresponding to the arcuate surface 18 of the arcuate molding surface 56 and hence the prefabricated arch. The locking tab 22 preferably comprises at least one upward projecting plate having a plurality of apertures for reinforcing the plaster or plaster-like fill making up the arch 10 . n an alternative embodiment, the securing clamp 17 may comprise at least two plaster retaining projections 20 and at least two locking tabs 22 extending upward from the base section along and proximal to opposing edges, as shown in FIG. 7 . The alternative retaining projections also define top arcuate edges having radii of curvature corresponding to the arcuate molding surface 56 and the arcuate surface defined by the arch 10 . The securing clamps 17 , 17 provide reinforcement for the plaster 30 or plaster-like fill to strengthen the structural integrity of the arches 10 , prevent removal of the clamps 17 , 17 and tabs 18 , 18 from the arches 10 and provide a surface for securing the arches 10 to a wall and/or ceiling. The securing tabs 18 , 18 may include fastening apertures 19 , 19 for passing hardware requiring an aperture. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the invention also comprises a mold 50 , kit and method for making pre-fabricated doorway arches. Referring to FIG. 9 , the mold 50 generally comprises a main mold body formed by a box-like structure having a bottom panel 52 , at least two substantially perpendicular and removable side panels 54 and at least one concave and arcuate panel 56 bridging the side panels 54 . The side panels 54 , bottom panel 52 and arcuate panel 56 define a chamber 59 therebetween and therein for filling with plaster 30 or plaster-like material for making at least one arch 10 . The base 52 defines at least one track or channel 53 for slidably receiving each side panel 54 . The mold 50 may also provide at least one securing clamp 17 or securing tab 18 . The arcuate molding surface may be defined by an arch forming boss 55 projecting upward from the bottom panel 52 . The arch forming boss 55 comprises one arcuate molding surface 56 for making one arch 10 and two arcuate molding surfaces 56 for making two arches 10 . The arcuate molding surface 56 may include a molding stile or plate 60 for separating and providing for convenient separation of the molded arch 10 from the mold 50 . A comer bead 28 may be placed in the bottom of the chamber 59 along the arcuate molding surface 56 before pouring in the fill. Thereafter, a corner bead 28 may be placed at the top of the chamber 59 along the arcuate molding. The corner beads 28 provide structural integrity along the edges of the arches 10 . Prior to filling the chamber with the required fill, as disclosed herein, the securing clamp(s) 17 or 17 should be positioned in the chamber 59 adjacent the side panels 54 . With reference to FIG. 8 , the mold 50 may comprise structure for forming and making at least two arches 10 in another embodiment. In this embodiment, the mold generally includes two sets of substantially perpendicular and removable side panels 54 and two arcuate molding panels or surfaces 56 . Two sets of comer beads 28 and securing clamps 17 and/or tabs 18 may also be provided with the mold and/or kit. The bottom panel 52 defines and/or provides a track or channel 53 for each side panel 54 . The two sets of side panels 54 comprise four slidably removable panels, wherein the first and second sets are in opposing positions. The two concave and arcuate panels/surfaces 56 are preferably defined along opposite surfaces of the boss 55 and engage the first and second sets of side panels 54 . The two sets of side panels 54 , arcuate panels 56 and bottom panel 52 define two independent chambers 59 therebetween and therein for filling with plaster 30 or a plaster-like material to make at least two arches 10 . A cover or top may be provided to conceal the fill while it sets and cures. The side panels 54 may each include a notch 17 for slidably receiving the end of a side panel 54 to effectuate a substantially modular fit that stabilizes the side panels 54 during the filling, setting and curing steps. The side panels 54 may be further stabilized with a removable and adjustable strap that may be tightened and loosened. The process of making arches 10 in accordance with the invention generally comprises securely setting the side panels 54 on the bottom panel 52 , installing or inserting a securing clamp 17 or securing panel 18 in each chamber 59 , filling each chamber with a predetermined filler, such as plaster, concrete or other filler provided for herein, leveling and floating the poured fill, allowing the fill to set, removing the side panels after the fill has fully cured, and/or removing the arch or arches 10 . The method of the invention may also include placing a comer bead 28 in each chamber adjacent the arcuate molding surface 56 , tightly securing a strap around the outer peripheral surfaces of the mold 50 and/or leveling the fill with a trowel or other instrument to remove excess fill spilling over or rising above the side panels' 54 top edges and the top surface of the arch forming boss 55 . The side panels 54 are slidable set or placed within the tracks 53 defined by the bottom panel 52 . A securing clamp 17 or tab 18 is placed in each chamber 59 so that the plaster retaining projection(s) 20 and locking tab(s) 22 are substantially parallel with the bottom panel and the securing tabs 18 project outward from the chamber(s) 59 . The chambers 59 are preferably filled with a plaster 30 , but may also be filled with a paste, concrete, stucco, liquid plastic, joint compound or other suitable filler. Once the fill 30 is completely set and cured, the strap is removed (if one was used), the side panels 54 are removed from the main body and the arches 10 removed. The side panels may slide within tracks formed in the bottom panel. The mold body also makes it convenient to uniformly and evenly remove excess filler from the chamber(s) with a trowel blade and to set an arcuate corner bead 28 in the fill. The kit of the invention includes the mold 50 with at least one chamber 59 , at least one securing clamp 17 , 17 and/or tab 18 , 18 and a filler mix 30 for filling the chamber(s). The kit may further include at least one pair of corner beads 28 having slits cut therein for facilitating easy shaping and a retaining strap. The method of the invention may further include installation of at least one arch 10 or two arches 10 , which comprises the steps of aligning the plaster arch 10 in the desired comer of the desired opening, passing or forcing at least one fastener through each securing tab 18 , 18 into the corresponding wall surface behind the securing tab 18 , 18 , filling or concealing the seams between the arch and wall/ceiling surface with a joint compound, sanding or texturing the surface smooth and painting the arch. The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

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