Basic (meth)acrylates IV are prepared by transesterification of alkyl (meth)acrylates I in the presence of a catalyst and working-up of the reaction mixture by distillation, by a process in which a gas or gas mixture which is inert under the reaction conditions is passed through the reaction zone and/or heat exchanger.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention describes a process for the preparation of basic (meth)acrylates (IV) in high purity and with a high yield by transesterification of an industrial lower alkyl (meth)acrylate I with basic alcohols (R2OH).
2. Description of the Background
High purity is understood as meaning a purity of at least 99.8%, the total content of saturated impurities (without water) being not more than 1000 ppm and the content of N,N′-dimethylpiperazine, ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate and vinyloxyethyl (meth)acrylate being not more than 100 ppm in each case.
(Meth)acrylates are useful starting compounds for the preparation of polymers and copolymers which are used, for example, as finishes, dispersions or adhesives.
Saturated impurities, i.e. those which have no carbon-carbon multiple bonds, e.g. alcohols, ethers and acetic and propionic acid derivatives, are disadvantageous in that they withstand the polymerization unchanged, i.e. are not incorporated into the polymer, and may lead to the product having an annoying odor. In order to separate off the residual volatile components, for example from dispersions, expensive treatments (deodorizations) are additionally required.
As a rule, a treatment referred to as physical deodorization is carried out and comprises stripping the dispersion with steam, air or nitrogen in a stirred container (German Published Application DAS 12 48 943) or in a counter current column. The treatment is carried out in one or more stages, depending on the amount and the boiling points of the components to be separated off. The removal of these impurities is accordingly an expensive procedure, which moreover cannot be carried out in the case of heat-sensitive dispersions owing to the thermal stress.
The content of ether (dibutyl ether is entrained, for example, with butyl acrylate as lower (meth)acrylate I, see below) also has an adverse effect if the procedure is carried out in the presence of oxygen-containing gases, such as air, for example for stabilization. It is known that, in the presence of oxygen, ethers very readily form peroxides and it is known that these may then initiate a polymerization of (meth)acrylate compounds, which may even take place explosively.
The ether content is accordingly not only a quality problem but also a safety problem.
Ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate and vinyloxyethyl (meth)acrylate, which occur as secondary components in the preparation of alkylaminoethyl (meth)acrylates, contain two unsaturated groups and therefore act as crosslinking agents in the polymerization. This is extremely disadvantageous since consequently the polymerization and the quality of the polymers are adversely affected, for example by gel formation. In addition, they influence the shelf-life.
The preparation of basic (meth)acrylates IV by transesterification of lower (meth)acrylates I with basic alcohols R2OH is generally known.
It is furthermore generally known that the transesterification is an equilibrium reaction. In order to achieve economical conversions, the resulting lower alkanol R1OH, being the component with the lowest boiling point, is therefore generally removed continuously from the equilibrium by distillation, a very pure alkanol fraction being desirable for economic reasons in order to be able to use it again, for example in the preparation of the lower (meth)acrylate I by esterification. Owing to the position of the boiling points and formation of azeotropic mixtures, however, this distillate generally does not consist of pure lower alkanol R1OH but is contaminated with the lower (meth)acrylate I and possibly with basic alcohol R2OH.
Since, for economic reasons, it is expedient to utilize the distillate, impurities have an adverse effect, particularly when they are basic impurities, i.e. compounds having an amino group.
The particularly economical recycling to the synthesis of the lower ester is especially influenced thereby, cf. for example EP-A2 906 902, page 3, lines 4-16.
EP-A2 906 902 describes a process for the preparation of alkylamino (meth)acrylates by transesterification of alkyl (meth)acrylates with alkylaminoalcohols in the presence of a catalyst, e.g. dibutyltin oxide, in which the alcohol-containing distillate (azeotropic mixture) is passed, either directly or after a further distillation, over an acidic ion exchange resin. The basic nitrogen-containing impurities from the distillate are bound by the acidic groups and thus separated from the alkanol/(meth)acrylate mixture, which can then be used again in the synthesis of the lower (meth)acrylate. The working-up of the transesterification mixture is carried out in a plurality of distillation stages, the additional formation of the Michael adducts during the catalyst removal being reduced as far as possible.
Michael adducts are defined as the compounds formed by addition of alcohols at the double bond of the (meth)acrylates.
It is generally known that this addition (cf. equation I) takes place in particular in the presence of alkaline catalysts (Organikum, 17th Edition, page 506, VEB Deutscher Verlag der Wissenschaften, Berlin 1988).

By means of a two-stage catalyst removal (EP-A2 906 902, page 4, lines 51-57), the additional formation (ratio of increase) of the Michael adducts is kept below 2%. According to examples III-1, III-2 and III-3, the distillation temperatures and the residence times play a decisive role. On increasing the temperature in stage 2 or the residence time in both stages, the ratio of increase of the Michael adducts does in fact increase substantially (from 0.48 to 0.96 and 2.2%, respectively).
The actual, absolute content of the Michael adducts in the reaction mixture, which is decisive for the yield and the cost-efficiency of the process, is mentioned nowhere in EP-A 906 902.
The process has the following disadvantages:    1. Necessity of purification using an ion exchanger.    2. The regeneration and disposal of the exchange resin laden with the basic impurities is expensive and environmentally polluting.    3. It requires from 5 to 7 distillation steps and is thus technically complicated.    4. The yield is low (about 33%, example III-1).    5. The amino alcohol must be metered in continuously over a long period (4 hours, cf. example III-1) in order to reduce the formation of the Michael products.    6. Long reaction times are required (7-8 hours) which reduces the cost-efficiency.
Our own investigations have shown that in particular the reaction time (i.e. the residence time in the reactors) has a decisive effect on the formation of the Michael adducts (cf. example 3). On the other hand, the temperature and the residence time in the catalyst removal surprisingly are of no importance for the formation of the Michael adducts in the novel process (cf. comparative examples 1 and 2).
As a rule, methyl and ethyl (meth)acrylate are used as starting materials in the transesterification (EP-A 960 877, FR 2 617 840), whereas butyl (meth)acrylate is regarded as being disadvantageous owing to its high boiling point (U.S. Pat. No. 2,832,800, column 2, lines 60-70).
Since the literature on the transesterification of alkyl (meth)acrylates provides no detailed information about the accompanying substances and impurities in the starting esters used, it must be assumed that the purity of the (meth)acrylates used is very high and no troublesome components are present.
However, the use of esters of high purity is disadvantageous since they have to be purified in a technically complicated manner by distillation after their preparation. In view of the generally known high tendency of (meth)acrylate compounds to polymerize under thermal stress, this is particularly disadvantageous.
In particular, titanium alcoholates whose alkyl groups are C1- to C4-alkyl radicals, e.g. tetramethyl, tetraethyl, tetraisopropyl, tetrapropyl, tetraisobutyl and tetrabutyl titanates, are proposed as catalysts for the preparation of (meth)acrylates by transesterification (cf. for example EP-B1 298 867, EP-A2 960 877). Inter alia, titanium phenolates (German Laid-Open Application DOS 200 86 18), metal chelate compounds of, for example, hafnium, titanium, zirconium or calcium, alkali metal and magnesium alcoholates, organic tin compounds or calcium and lithium compounds, for example oxides, hydroxides, carbonates or halides thereof, are furthermore proposed as catalysts.
For economic and ecological reasons, in particular alkyl titanates are used, although they are, for example, sensitive to even traces of water and some titanium alcoholates are unstable at relatively high temperatures. The result is fouling (see below) of the apparatus walls.
Furthermore, it is generally known that alkyl titanates promote the polymerization of (meth)acrylates and may therefore give rise to the formation of polymer during the transesterification and the working-up of the transesterification mixture (German Laid-Open Application DOS 20 08 618, page 3, German patent 1,067,806, column 1, lines 39-41).
Another disadvantage is that, because their activity is relatively low in some cases, titanium alcoholates necessitate high transesterification temperatures in order to achieve economical conversions or reaction times (EP-A 160 427, page 2, lines 23-32). This in turn can lead to increased polymer formation and fouling.
Another problem is the loss of activity suffered by titanium alcoholates in the course of time (German Laid-Open Application DOS 28 05 702, page 5, lines 12-21). In order to achieve economical conversions, the amount of catalyst must be increased and/or the reaction time lengthened. In view of the instability of the titanates and the byproduct and polymer formation, this is known to be disadvantageous.
Added to this is the fact that (meth)acrylic acid compounds have a considerable tendency to polymerization, very particularly if heat acts on them. Especially on the preparation and the distillative purification, they are exposed to temperatures which can easily initiate an undesired polymerization. The use of polymerization inhibitors, as is generally recommended, also cannot completely prevent the polymer formation.
Soiling of the apparatuses, blockage of pipes and pumps and fouling of column trays and heat exchanger surfaces are as a rule the result of polymer formation. The cleaning of the plants is a complicated, expensive and environmentally polluting process, and the yield and the availability of the plants (run time) are also greatly reduced as a result.
JP-A 3-112 949 describes a process for the preparation of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate by transesterification of n-butyl acrylate with dimethylaminoethanol using tetra-n-butyl titanate, in which the purification of the reaction mixture is effected in the absence of oxygen.
However, the yields of less than 90% are a disadvantage of this process.

Method for producing (meth)acrylic acid esters


An Internet-based, secure, distributed task-brokering and parallel-processing method/system/article-of-manufacture advantageously leverages under-utilized network-based computing resources for bandwidth-intensive and/or computationally-intensive problems, and provides significant cost advantages over traditional coarse-grained parallel computing techniques.

The present invention relates generally to the fields of distributed computing and Internet-based applications and services. More particularly, the invention relates to methods, apparatus and articles-of-manufactures relating to the collection, organization, maintenance, management and commercial exploitation of network-connected, distributed computing resources.
Distributed (or parallel) computing is a well-established field. Over the past few decades, thousands of distributed computing architectures have been proposed, and hundreds gave been constructed and evaluated.
Distributed computing architectures are typically characterized as being either xe2x80x9ccoarse-grainedxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cfine-grained,xe2x80x9d depending upon the size or complexity of the individual processing elements (or xe2x80x9cnodesxe2x80x9d) that perform the computational work. In a typical coarse-grained, distributed computing architecture, the individual processing elements are generally fully functional computing elements, such as single-chip microprocessors, capable of individually performing a variety of useful tasks. The fine-grained approach, by contrast, typically relies on a large number of processing elements, each of which has very limited computational capabilities.
Perhaps the best known fine-grained parallel architecture is The Connection Machine, manufactured by the now-defunct Thinking Machines Corporation. In The Connection Machine, thousands of very-simple processing elements were connected by a highly-efficient message-routing network. Even though individual processing elements lacked the ability to perform much useful on their own, the efficiency of the message-routing network made it possible to cooperatively deploy large numbers of processing elements, on certain problems.
Unlike The Connection Machine, coarse-grained parallel computing systems seldom have the luxury of communication networks that operate with latencies at, or near, the clock speed of individual processing elements. The more sophisticated processing elements used in a coarse-grained distributed processing systems typically cannot be packed into a small volume, like a single chip, board or chassis. As a result, communications must travel across chip-to-chip, board-to-board, or even chassis-to-chassis boundaries, as well as greater physical distances, all of which causes inherent and unavoidable increases in latency. Because of these inherent communication limitations, coarse-grained parallel architectures have, for many years, been viewed by persons skilled in the art as useful only for xe2x80x9ccomputationally intensivexe2x80x9dxe2x80x94as opposed to xe2x80x9ccommunication intensivexe2x80x9dxe2x80x94tasks. A typical computationally intensive task is prime factorization of large integers.
Recently, there have been several efforts to exploit the resources of the world""s largest coarse-grained distributed computing systemxe2x80x94the Internet. The thrust of these efforts has been to apply traditional coarse-grained distributed processing approaches to utilize idle processing resources connected to the World-Wide Web (xe2x80x9cwwwxe2x80x9d). The first reported application of these www-based methods was signal analysis, as part of a search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (xe2x80x9cSETIxe2x80x9d). Several years later, a group at the University of California, Santa Barbara, described the use of web-based distributed parallelism for prime factorization, and other computationally intensive problems. Both of these reported prior-art efforts clearly embrace and exemplify traditional, coarse-grained parallelism thinking, namely, that such parallelism is only useful for computationally intensive, as opposed to communication intensive, problems. See G. Moritz, SETI and Distributed Computing, www.people.fas.harvard.edu/{tilde over ( )}gmoritz/papers/s7.html (1998) (xe2x80x9cDistributed computing is well suited to the search for extraterrestrial civilizations for several reasons. First, the problem itself consists of small blocks of data which each require a large amount of processing. Since CPU time, not bandwidth, is the major requirement of the SERENDIP data analysis, distributed computing via the Internet will be very feasiblexe2x80x9d); A. D. Alexandrov, SuperWeb: Towards a Global Web-Based Parallel Computing Infrastructure, citeseer.nj.nec.com/cachedpage/80115 (1997), at 1 (xe2x80x9cWe expect this approach to work well for non-communication intensive applications, such as prime number factorization, Monte-Carlo and coarse-grained simulations, and othersxe2x80x9d).
The explosive growth of the Web over the past few years has created a huge demand for high-performance, web-centric computing services. Today, such services are typically rendered using mainframe computers (or other high-performance servers), connected to the Web via a T1 line (operating at 1.544 Mb/s). Unfortunately, T1 connectivity is very costly.
At the same time, consumers are increasingly migrating toward high-bandwidth, always-on Web connections, such as those offered by DSL and cable-modem providers. The inventors herein have observed that, as consumer connections to the Internet get faster and cheaper, the ratio of bandwidth-to-cost is far more favorable in the consumer (e.g., DSL and cable-modem) market than in the high-performance corporate (e.g., T1) market. In other words, even at the present time, individuals with high-speed Internet connections are paying far less per unit of bandwidth than high-demand corporate users of T1 lines. Moreover, economies of scale are likely to further drive-down the cost of mass-marketed, high-speed Internet connections, thus making the existing cost disparity even greater.
Accordingly, it would be highly desirable if users of high-performance, web-centric computing services could take advantage of the increasingly cheaper, high-speed, mass-marketed Internet connection services. It would also be highly desirable if such users could take advantage of the millions of often-idle computing resources (e.g., PCs, workstations and other devices) linked to the Internet through such always-on, high-speed, mass-marketed connections. Finally, it would be highly-desirable if owners of such often-idle computing resources could be compensated for use of their resource"" always-on, high-speed Internet connections during otherwise idle periods of time. The invention, as described below, satisfies these and other needs.
In light of the above, one object of the present invention relates to software infrastructure designed to capture a generalized problem-solving capability, handle data throughputs in excess of 100xc3x97 the productivity of the SETI effort, require no access to a worker""s local disk drive (to assuage security concerns) and motivate retail Internet users to participate by paying them in cash or higher-value non-monetary compensation (frequent flyer miles, lottery, discounted products/services, etc.).
Another object of the invention relates to a distributed networking software system that enables thousands, potentially scaled to millions, of consumer PCs on the Internet to be networked together to function as a Virtual Super Computer (xe2x80x9cVSCxe2x80x9d).
Another object of the invention relates to a distributed networking software system that enables a xe2x80x9cCPU/bandwidthxe2x80x9d website exchange to be operated, which web site anonymously and securely brokers demand from web-centric applications seeking integrated (i) data processing and/or (ii) high-bandwidth access to the Internet with retail supply of such resources. Such xe2x80x9cbrokeringxe2x80x9d platform aggregates CPU capability at a commercially-significant unit cost advantage versus the equivalent CPU horsepower of a high-end supercomputer, and aggregates Internet bandwidth access at a commercially-significant cost advantage versus T1, T3, or OC3 high-speed connectivity.
Another object of the invention relates to a distributed networking software system that enables on-demand computing power, with functionality similar to an electric utility, where corporate users can xe2x80x9cplug inxe2x80x9d to the network""s website exchange for powering a wide range of web applications, thereby capitalizing on a distributed problem-solving approach.
Another object of the invention relates to a distributed networking software system that enables flexibility in client deployment, where clients who have unique security concerns or applications which do not require Web integration can licence the software platform for deployment on an intranet or extranet basis only.
In accordance with the invention, the enabling platform is preferably a lightweight overlay that is intended to integrate into virtually any corporate network configuration. Similarly, each retail PC downloads a lightweight installation which invisibly runs in the background and automatically visits a broker website seeking work, whenever the PC""s screensaver is activated.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a multi-tiered server/meta-server architecture configured to support various system management, load balancing, disaster recovery, and security features of the invention.
Another aspect of the invention relates to security. Security is preferably thoroughly integrated into the framework of the invention using a conservative xe2x80x9crestrictedxe2x80x9d approach. Unlike the SETI effort, the invention contemplates use by a variety of parties with potentially conflicting commercial interests; thus, the invention cannot rely on a network of friendly volunteers, and must assume that any one of its retail participants could potentially be hostile in intent.
The invention preferably makes heavy use of security. features available in the Java 2 Platform. The Java Secure Socket Extension (JSSE) and Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS), as well as other Internet-standard cryptography and security APIs provide a rich set of tools to use in connection with the invention. The customer is given flexibility in selecting among different levels of security protection. Preferably, the customer"" code will be xe2x80x9ccloakedxe2x80x9d to protect it from decompilation attacks, and signed using private key and predetermined certificate authority (xe2x80x9cCAxe2x80x9d). In addition, lightweight messages between the customer and servers/brokers will be encrypted. These messages may contain the disguised locations of Java instruction code and data inputs. In turn, these heavyweight items are then also authenticated. Result data is preferably signed by the client program, and server/broker acts as the CA for the worker and customer relationships, and the server/broker preferably only accepts completed work from registered workers who have their private keys registered with the system.
Accordingly, generally speaking, and without intending to be limiting, one aspect of the invention relates to a method for performing distributed, bandwidth-intensive computational tasks, comprising: providing Internet access to at least one broker processor, the at least one broker processor configured to receive jobs from Internet-connected customers; receiving a job from a customer via the Internet; in response to receipt of the job from the customer, directing a plurality of Internet-connected worker-processors to perform a plurality of worker tasks related to the received job; awaiting execution of the worker tasks, the execution characterized by a predominance of worker processor-Internet communication activity; and, upon completion of the execution, confirming the completion of the execution via the Internet. During execution, the plurality of worker processors are preferably collectively utilizing, on average, at least 25% of their total available communication bandwidth, and possibly as much as 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or more. At least part of a worker""s execution may include: (i) searching the Internet in accordance with a search query supplied by the customer; (ii) creating an index; (iii) creating a database; (iv) updating a database; (v) creating a report; (vi) creating a backup or archival file; (vii) performing software maintenance operations; comparing objects downloaded from the Internet; (viii) processing signals or images downloaded from the Internet; (ix) broadcasting audio and/or video to a plurality of destinations on the Internet; and/or sending e-mail to a plurality of destinations on the Internet.
Again, generally speaking, and without intending to be limiting, another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing the cost of performing a bandwidth-intensive job on the Internet, the method comprising: (i) transmitting a job execution request to a broker processor over the Internet; (ii) selecting, in response to the job execution request, a plurality of Internet-connected worker processors to be used in executing the job, the selection of worker processors being performed, at least in part, based on one or more bandwidth-related consideration(s); and (iii) using the selected worker processors to execute, at least in part, the job. The worker processor selection is preferably based, at least in part, on one or more bandwidth-related consideration selected from the list of: (i) the types of Internet connections-installed on candidate worker processors; (ii) the locations of candidate worker processors; (iii) the time of day; and (iv) historical performance statistics of candidate worker processors.
Again, generally speaking, and withoutt intending to be limiting, another aspect of the invention relates to a method for exploiting unused computational resources on the Internet, comprising: (i) recruiting prospective worker processors over the Internet, the recruiting including: (a) providing Internet-accessible instructions; (b) providing Internet-downloadable worker processor software; (c) providing an Internet-accessible worker processor operating agreement; and (d) storing a plurality of work processor preferences; (ii) maintaining a registry of worker processors, the maintaining including: (a) storing a plurality of URLs used to address the worker processors; (b) storing a plurality of worker processor profiles, the profiles including information related to hardware and software configurations of the worker processors; and (c) storing a plurality of worker processor past performance metrics; (iii) selecting a plurality of worker processors to collectively execute a job, the selecting being based, at least in part, on worker processor past performance metrics maintained by the worker processor registry; and (iv) using the selected plurality of worker processors to execute the job. At least some of the prospective worker processors may be connected to the Internet via a satellite connection, a fixed wireless connection, and/or a mobile wireless connection. Recruiting prospective worker processors may further include specifying the type and amount of compensation to be provided in exchange for use of worker processor resources, and/or providing an on-line means of accepting the worker processor operating agreement. Maintaining a registry of worker processors may further include determining the performance of worker processors listed in the registry by executing one or more benchmark programs on the worker processors, and optionally updating the worker processor past performance metrics in accordance with measured benchmark program performance statistics. Selecting may be further based, at least in part, on one or more bandwidth-related consideration(s) selected from the list of: (i) the types of Internet connections installed on the worker processors; (ii) the locations of the worker processors; (iii) the time of day; and (iv) one or more of the stored preferences.
Again, generally speaking, and without intending to be limiting, another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reselling Internet bandwidth associated with individual DSL-connected Internet workstations, the method comprising: (i) entering on-line-completed operating agreements with a plurality of DSL-connected Internet users, the agreements providing for use of a plurality of DSL-connected Internet workstations controlled by the users; (ii) executing a customers""s distributed task, using a plurality of the DSL-connected Internet workstations; (iii) storing, for each of the DSL-connected Internet workstations used in the distributed task execution, a bandwidth utilization metric; (iv) compensating the DSL-connected Internet users whose workstations where used in the distributed task execution, the compensation being determined, at least in part, based upon the bandwidth utilization metrics associated with the workstations used in the distributed task execution; and (v) charging the customer whose distributed task was executed using the DSL-connected Internet workstations. The customer is preferably charged, at least in part, based upon the bandwidth utilization metrics associated with the workstations used in executing the customer""s distributed task. Executing a customer""s distributed task may include: (i) receiving an execution request message from the customer over the Internet; (ii) processing the execution request using an Internet-connected broker processor; and (iii) initiating distributed execution of the task by sending messages, over the Internet, to a plurality of the DSL-connected Internet workstations. The compensation is preferably determined, at least in part, by one or more metric(s) selected from the list consisting of: (i) the amount of real time used by the DSL-connected Internet workstations in executing the distributed task; (ii) the amount of processor time used by the DSL-connected Internet workstations in the executing the distributed task; (iii) the amount of primary storage used by the DSL-connected Internet workstation in the executing the distributed task; (iv) the amount of secondary storage used by the DSL-connected Internet workstation in executing the distributed task; (v) the time of day during which the execution occurred; and (vi) the geographic location(s) of the DSL-connected Internet workstations. The plurality of DSL-connected Internet workstations may operate in accordance with any one of the following protocols: ADSL, HDSL, IDSL, MSDSL, RADSL, SDSL, and VDSL (or other similar, or future, protocols).
Again, generally speaking, and without intending to be limiting, another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reselling Internet bandwidth associated with individual cable modem-connected Internet workstations, the method comprising: (i) enrolling a plurality of cable modem-connected Internet users by installing worker processor software on a plurality of cable modem-connected Internet workstations controlled by the users; (ii) using the installed worker processor software to execute a distributed task on a plurality of the cable modem-connected Internet workstations; (iii) using the installed worker processor software to compute, for each workstation used in the distributed task execution, a billing metric determined, at least in part, by the amount of data communication involved in executing the distributed task; (iv) compensating the cable modem-connected Internet-users whose workstations where used in the distributed task execution; (v) charging a customer who requested execution of the distributed task; and (vi) wherein the compensating and charging are performed, at least in part, using one or more of the computed billing metric(s), and wherein, for each distributed task executed, the amount charged to the customer exceeds the sum of all amounts paid to the cable modem-connected Internet users.
Again, generally speaking, and without intending to be limiting, another aspect of the invention relates to a method for executing jobs, comprised of a plurality of tasks, in a networked computing environment, the method comprising: (i) providing networked access to at least one broker processor, the broker processor configured to receive a job from a user, unpack the job into a plurality of executable tasks, and direct a plurality of worker processors to initiate execution of the tasks; (ii) maintaining performance metrics for worker processors; (iii) monitoring completion of tasks by the worker processors and, upon completion, updating the performance metrics; (iv) using the performance metrics to select, at least in part, worker processors to initiate execution of additional tasks; and (v) using the performance metrics to determine, at least in part, the charges to be billed to the user for execution of the job. The method may further include (a) using said performance metrics to detect aberrant performance of worker processors executing tasks; and (b) terminating execution of tasks on worker processors that display aberrant performance.
Further aspects of the invention relate to detection of aberrant worker processor performance, and to use of such detected aberrant performance in maintaining system security and integrity in a distributed processing environment. Worker processor performance metrics may be used to detect aberrant performance by processors executing tasks. In other words, if a processor is expected to complete a task in 1 minute, and the task is not competed in 2 minutes, one may conclude that the processor is (or may be) exhibiting aberrant performance. Another way to detect aberrant performance is to compare the performance of multiple worker processors executing similar tasks. In other words, when similar processors spend significantly different amounts of time (either real time or CPU time) executing similar jobs, it may be concluded that those significantly slower processors are exhibiting some sort of aberrant performance. Because aberrant performance may suggest a security breach on the aberrant-performing worker processor(s), such processor(s) may be selectively disabled and precluded from receiving further task allocations.
Additional aspects of the invention relate to systems, structures and articles-of-manufacture used, or useful, in connection with all, or part, of the above-described methods.
Still further aspects of the invention relate to different combinations or subcombinations of the above-described elements and features in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention.

Method, apparatus and articles-of-manufacture for network-based distributed computing


A method of manufacturing the semiconductor light emitting element comprises a semiconductor layer forming step of forming the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer on the first wafer having a transparent property; a bonding step of bonding the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer to the first wafer; a groove forming step of forming the groove extending from the lower surface of the first wafer to the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer; a light applying step of applying a first light to the lower surface of the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer through the first wafer to reduce a bonding force between the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer and the first wafer; a separating step of separating the first wafer from the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer; and a cutting step of cutting the second wafer along the groove to divide into a plurality of the semiconductor light emitting element.

Conventionally, the semiconductor light emitting element having a property of emitting the light having a emitting area from green to ultraviolet is researched. Such the semiconductor light emitting element is exemplified by a light emitting diode (LED) and a laser diode (LD). Such the light emitting diode and the laser diode are made of nitride semiconductor material of GaN type as follows.
AlxInyGazBuN
0≦x≦1
0≦y≦1
0≦z≦1
0≦u≦1
x+y+z+u=1
The semiconductor light emitting element such as blue light emitting diode and the ultraviolet light emitting diode are used in combination with the phosphor. The blue light emitting diode and the ultraviolet light emitting diode are configured to emit the blue light and the ultraviolet light, respectively. The blue light and the ultraviolet light are converted into the white light by the phosphor. In addition, the lighting device comprising the blue light emitting diode and the ultraviolet light emitting diode which is used in combination with the phosphor is also researched.
In a case where the semiconductor light emitting element which is made of the nitride semiconductor material of GaN type is manufactured, the substrate for crystalline growth is used. The substrate for crystalline growth is required to have a heat resistance property. In addition, the substrate for crystalline growth is required to have a coefficient of thermal expansion which is close to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the nitride semiconductor material. In light of this requirement, the sapphire wafer is used as the substrate for the crystalline growth. However, the sapphire wafer generally has a low electrical conductivity and a low heat conductivity. In addition to the above property, the sapphire wafer is hard. In addition, the sapphire wafer has low cleavage property. Therefore, the device having a semiconductor light emitting element comprising the sapphire wafer is limited its shape. In addition to the above limitation, the device having the semiconductor light emitting element comprising the sapphire substrate is required to be designed such that the device efficiently radiates the heat. That is to say, in order to emit a large amount of the light from one semiconductor light emitting element, there is a requirement to supply a large amount of the electrical current to the semiconductor light emitting element. When the semiconductor light emitting element receives a large amount of the electrical current, the semiconductor light emitting element generates a large amount of heat. Therefore, the device is required to have a design for effective heat radiation. In view of this requirement, conventionally, the sapphire wafer is polished to be thinned. In addition, conventionally, the sapphire wafer is removed from the nitride semiconductor. Specifically, first, the buffer layer is prepared on the upper surface of the sapphire wafer. The buffer layer is, for example, GaN which is grown under a condition of low temperature. Subsequently, the crystalline growth of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer is made on the upper surface of the buffer layer. Subsequently, the crystalline growth of the p-type nitride semiconductor layer is made on the upper surface of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer. Subsequently, the upper surface of the p-type nitride semiconductor layer is bonded with the supporting wafer. Subsequently, the laser beam such as the ultraviolet light is applied to the buffer layer through the sapphire wafer. Consequently, the sapphire wafer is separated from the n-type nitride semiconductor layer. Such the method of manufacturing the semiconductor light emitting element is researched.
However, the sapphire wafer has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is different from the coefficient of the thermal expansion of the nitride semiconductor layer. Therefore, in a case where the sapphire wafer is polished to be thinned, the nitride semiconductor layer receives the stress which is caused by the difference between the coefficient of the thermal expansion of the sapphire wafer and the coefficient of the thermal expansion of the nitride semiconductor layer. The stress causes the warpage of the sapphire wafer and the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer. The warpage causes the crack of the sapphire wafer and the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer.
In addition to the above, when the sapphire wafer is separated from the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer, the laser beam is applied to the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer through the sapphire wafer. That is, the buffer layer of the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer receives the laser light. When the buffer layer receives the laser light, GaN is dissolved into Ga and N. When GaN is dissolved, N2 is evolved. N2 gas is evolved between the multilayered nitride semiconductor and the sapphire wafer. N2 gas applies the gas pressure to the multilayered semiconductor layer. Therefore, the gas pressure of N2 gas causes the crack of micrometer order to the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer. The crack causes the leakage of the electrical current. Therefore, the semiconductor light emitting element which is manufactured by the above has low yield ratio.
Japanese patent application publication No. 3518455B (hereinafter referred as to Patent literature 1) and No. 3795765B (hereinafter referred as to Patent literature 2) disclose the technical solution for solving the above problem. The patent literature 1 and the patent literature 2 disclose the step of preparing the space, in advance, to the boundary of the transparent crystal wafer and the nitride semiconductor layer. The space absorbs the gas pressure which is caused by N2 which is evolved in a position between the transparent crystal wafer and the nitride semiconductor layer. Patent literature 1 and Patent literature 2 disclose the following steps. First, the foundation layer including the buffer layer which is a part of the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer is prepared by MOVPE method, whereby the buffer layer is made by the crystalline growth. The buffer layer is made of GaN. Subsequently, by the photolithograph and etching, patterning is made on the upper surface of the foundation layer and the sapphire wafer. Subsequently, the n-type nitride semiconductor layer and p-type nitride semiconductor layer is prepared on the upper surface of the buffer layer and the sapphire layer. The n-type nitride semiconductor layer and p-type nitride semiconductor layer are prepared by the crystalline growth of the epitaxial lateral overgrowth. Consequently, the space is formed in the boundary between the sapphire wafer and the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer. Subsequently, the laser beam is applied to the buffer layer through the sapphire wafer, whereby the sapphire wafer is removed. In addition, Japanese patent application publication No. 3525061 B (Patent literature 3) discloses the step of forming the irregularity to the upper surface of the photolithograph and the etching. In Patent literature 3, first, the irregularity is formed to the upper surface of the sapphire wafer. Subsequently, the nitride semiconductor layer is formed. Subsequently, the step of applying the laser beam to the nitride semiconductor layer through the sapphire wafer is performed. Consequently, the sapphire wafer is removed from the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer.
However, the method disclosed in Patent literature 1 and Patent literature 2 includes two steps of the crystalline growth. Therefore, in a case where the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer is manufactured according to the method disclosed in Patent literature 1 and Patent literature 2, there is a need to take a long manufacturing time. In addition to this need, this method required much cost. In addition, after the foundation layer is formed, the sapphire wafer is taken out from the chamber having a vacuum state. Subsequently, the first forming step of applying the treatment of the foundation layer. Subsequently, the second forming step of forming the semiconductor layer on the upper surface of the foundation layer in the chamber having the vacuum state, again. It should be noted that the sapphire wafer is taken out from the chamber having the vacuum state in the interval period between the first forming step and the second forming step. When the sapphire wafer is taken out to the outside, there is a possibility of that the impurity is adhered to the surface. As a result, there is a possibility of mixing the needless impurity with the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer. That is, when the sapphire wafer is taken out to the outside, there is a possibility of quality loss of the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer.
In addition, in Patent literature 3, the sapphire wafer is provided at its upper surface with an irregularity. In addition, the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer which includes the buffer layer is formed on the upper surface of the sapphire wafer. The multilayered nitride semiconductor layer is formed by the crystalline growth which is different from the epitaxial lateral overgrowth. That is, the irregularity of the sapphire wafer exerts the influence of the crystalline of the multilayered nitride semiconductor in the early step of the crystalline growth.
In view of the above problem, Japanese patent application publication No. 2007-299935A (hereinafter referred to as Patent literature 4) discloses another method of manufacturing the semiconductor light emitting element. Patent literature 4 discloses the step of forming a multilayered nitride semiconductor layer by the crystalline growth on the upper surface of the sapphire wafer. Subsequently, the groove forming step of forming the groove extending from the upper surface of the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer to the upper surface of the sapphire wafer is performed. Subsequently, the laser light is applied to the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer through the sapphire wafer. In this manner, the sapphire wafer is removed from the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer.
According to the manufacturing method disclosed in Patent literature 4, the crystalline of the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer is kept at high level. In addition, it is possible to prevent the generation of the crack of micrometer order due to N2 gas which is evolved when the sapphire wafer is removed.
However, when the semiconductor light emitting element is manufactured by the method disclosed in Patent literature 4, the minute irregularity is formed adjacent to the groove when the groove is formed. The minute irregularity decreases the bonding force between the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer and the supporting wafer. Therefore, when the semiconductor light emitting elements are produced by the cutting, there is a possibility of degradation of the reliability of the bonding between the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer and the supporting wafer which is a part of the supporting substrate.

Method of manufacturing semiconductor light emitting element


The invention relates to a remote interactive point access banking and information system. Particularly, the invention discloses an integrated set of platforms presenting various service and transaction options to a customer. The invention enables a customer to access personal account information, apply for a loan, make commercial deposits and videoconference, in real-time, with a bank representative at the main office. A software implemented in preferably a mainframe computer provides direct access to the bank's database to which a customer is able to connect to execute transactions. One of the many aspects of the invention includes a plurality of platforms integrated to provide the customer with a full banking service such that the customer is enabled to access and execute all major transactions including internet and fax communications. The invention further provides the customer with information regarding banking services, other investment and finance related intelligence. The invention is modular and expandable to be compatible to emerging technologies such as the internet/intranet, cellular systems and high bandwidth digital communications so that both individual and institutional customers may be able to access full banking services from remote locations. Further, the invention is expandable to enable customers to access their account and execute transactions via the internet worldwide.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for a remote interactive point access financial and information system implemented to provide an integrated platform of services including videoconferencing, a customized automated teller machine (ATM) and commercial depository. The system provides a full service virtual bank to a customer and enables transactional engagement, remotely, on a demand basis at high levels of availability, preferably, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Specifically, the videoconferencing unit is integrally implemented to provide real-time, face-to-face sessions with a bank representative based on audio-visual communications and interface remotely initiable by the customer. More specifically, the system enables the customer to access and execute all major transactions on a demand basis including withdrawals, deposits, loans and investment information and further serves as a medium for information from multiple sources.
2. Description of Related Art
The use of a remotely installed access banking center (ABC), such as an ATM, is well known in the prior art. Particularly in the last decade, ATMs have evolved as a preferred center for consumers to remotely withdraw monies and execute specialized deposits. While each ATM is tailored to comply with certain marketing and service objectives of the proprietary institution the structural organization including the technology of ATMs remain generally familiar and unchanged.
It is well known that commercial banks operate in a highly competitive environment. The popularity of ATMs has prompted a proliferation of remote services including small staff offices located in strategic consumer-frequented forums such as supermarkets, theaters, shopping malls, airports and similar locations. These small offices operate as extensions of the main office and serve customers on site to execute various transactions which are not normally handled by an ATM. Accordingly, the competitive imperatives and consumer preferences impose an increasing demand to access the full service of a personal bank, on a year round 24-hour basis, at a remote location. In this regard, the small extension offices are not only limited in number, availability and the type of services they could provide but are also labor intensive and not conducive to a broad network and universal distribution of remote ABCs.
There is a paradigm shift in remote banking services. This is primarily driven by technology and customers' preference to execute personal banking and financial transactions at a place close, for example, to their residence, work place, shopping, entertainment and or travel location. High speed digital communications including advances in data, image transfer/exchange and the internet have empowered customers to have virtual access and command of their bank and investment accounts. A more likely future development is to enable customers to have remote access to a full banking service via the internet. Yet another likely future development may include the use of a digital cellular phone which incorporates a modem and a PC function to remotely access full banking services and may be a feasible medium for remote video teleconferencing.
While some of these developing technologies are set to change the nature of personal banking services, current methods remain for the most part limited to ATMs and low level technology-based peripheral services. For example the only current method for a user/customer to access account information or to make a transaction, is to call the bank via a phone or to use Infobank.SM..
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a remote banking station with comprehensive features to enable timely and efficient access for customers to banking services including provision of information on investment and related products.

Interactive point access financial and information system


An optical glass which is a SiO.sub.2 -Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 -R'.sub.2 O (where R' is an alkali metal element)-F system of a specific composition range exhibits optical constants of a refractive index (Nd) of about 1.52-1.67 and an Abbe number (.upsilon. d) of about 32-50, is free of PbO and has an improved light transmissivity.

This invention relates to a high dispersion optical glass of a SiO.sub.2 -Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 -R'.sub.2 O (where R' is an alkali metal element)-F system having optical constants of a refractive index (Nd) of about 1.52-1.67 and an Abbe number (.upsilon. d) of about 32-50 which is excellent in light transmissivity and contains a relatively large content of Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 ingredient.
Known in the art as optical glasses having the above described optical constants are glasses of a SiO.sub.2 -PbO-R'.sub.2 O system, a SiO.sub.2 -TiO.sub.2 -R'.sub.2 O system and a SiO.sub.2 -TiO.sub.2 -R'.sub.2 O-F system disclosed in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 2,481,701. The first mentioned prior art optical glass, however, contains toxic PbO and the latter two optical glasses are disadvantageous in that they have not excellent light transmissivity.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 52-25812 discloses a glass of a SiO.sub.2 -TiO.sub.2 -Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 -R'.sub.2 O system and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 52-45612 discloses a glass of a SiO.sub.2 -Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 -R".sub.2 O (where R" is a divalent metal element)-R'.sub.2 O system. These glasses, however, do not sufficiently satisfy both a high dispersion optical characteristic and an excellent optical transmissivity which are the target of the present invention.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art optical glasses comprehensively by providing a novel optical glass which is free from the toxic PbO ingredient, has optical constants of a refractive index (Nd) of about 1.52-1.67 and an Abbe number (.upsilon. d) of about 32-50, and has an excellent light transmissivity.


A scanning laser microscope capable of detecting a fine structure producing low contrast and easily measuring the length, the volume, and so forth of an object. A laser beam is focused onto the object. The beam is scanned at regular intervals, or in a digital fashion, in two dimensions. Light scattered from the object is detected by a detector to observe an image of the object. The output signal from the detector is digitized into a given number of gray levels in synchronism with the digital scans. The object image can be stored in a memory and processed while correlating the scanned position with the intensity of the scattered light at this position.

A scanning laser microscope is a kind of photoelectric microscope which focuses a light beam emanating from a laser onto a point on an object of interest, receives the light scattered from the point by a photoelectric converter, and obtains a signal indicating the condition of the point. Some scanning laser microscopes can collect information regarding the surface of an object by varying the distance between the object and the focused laser beam. Scanning laser microscopes are expected to find wider application.
The features of a scanning laser microscope are now described briefly. The optical path in the prior art microscope is schematically shown in FIG. 1. In this microscope, the illuminating light emitted from a light source 30 such as a tungsten lamp passes through a condenser lens 32 and illuminates the whole field of view of a sample 34. An image of the illuminated sample is focused onto an image plane 38 by an objective lens 36. It is assumed that the sample does not transmit light and that the sample is provided with an infinitely small hole on the optical axis. Light going out of this hole is focused onto the image plane by the objective lens. If no diffraction occurs, an infinitely small light spot should be produced. In practice, however, the light spot has some size because the light behaves as waves. This is graphically shown in FIG. 2, which represents the distribution of intensities of Fraunhofer diffraction light due to a circular opening. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the center (x=0) of the diffraction image relative to the geometrical image is brightest. Completely no light exists at the position x=3.832 (the unit is normalized with the radius of the opening, the wavelength, or other factor). From this position on, dark portions and bright portions alternate with each other but the intensities are quite small. Therefore, these portions present almost no problem. Let us now consider a disk having a radius x=3.832. This is defined as the size of the diffracted image created by the stigmatic optical system. This is called an Airy disk and determines the limit of resolution. Light corresponding to 16.2% of the whole light intensity exists outside the Airy disk. This is called halo. Normally, the halo poses no problems. However, when a dark image located beside a bright spot is observed, the halo cannot be neglected.
A method contemplated to remove the halo is illustrated in FIG. 3, where a pinhole 40 is located on the side of the diffracted image. This method permits one to improve the resolution without suffering from a deterioration in the contrast.
However, the adoption of this method means giving up a two-dimensional image. Therefore, "scan" is needed to obtain a two-dimensional image. Hence, a scanning microscope is necessary. Three types of scanning microscopes exist, and they are termed the type 1a, the type 1b, and the type 2, respectively, after Doctor Sheppard of Oxford University who is a forerunner of this research. The optical paths of these three types are schematically shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Of these three types, the types 1a and 1b scan 44 the light source or the detector 42. These two types have a single condenser lens and so the diffraction function on the sample surface is the same as the diffraction function of FIG. 2.
On the other hand, a scanning microscope of the type 2 scans both light source and detector This type has two condenser lenses. In this microscope, light is detected, based on a function (or convolution) that is a square of the diffraction function shown in FIG. 2. The halo is removed by a pinhole. Therefore, this kind of microscope is called a confocal scanning microscope. The aforementioned convolution function takes the form indicted by the solid line in FIG. 7 whereas a normal optical microscope takes the form indicated by the dotted line. As can be seen from the graph of FIG. 7, the confocal scanning microscope has a smaller Airy disk and a higher resolution.
The most important factor of the confocal scanning microscope is the pinhole installed to remove the halo. This pinhole is helpful in improving the resolution. The pinhole plays another great role. This is now described by referring to FIG. 8. Light rays coming from surfaces located off the focus cannot pass through the pinhole. Consequently, the pinhole acts to remove unwanted scattering light, or flare, produced by the objective lens and to make the depth of focus shallower. A shallower depth of focus improves the contrast and permits observation of a three-dimensional image. For these reasons, this microscope enables one to observe an image which cannot be seen by a normal optical microscope.
In this way, the scanning laser microscope has a higher resolution, higher contrast, and shallower depth of focus than the prior art optical microscope. For example, when an object such as a semiconductor device is observed, its fine structures have low contrast. Therefore, if the output signal from the detector is processed directly as an analog signal and visualized as in the prior art techniques, then it is impossible to make full use of the high resolution. Also, if the laser beam is scanned continuously, or in an analog fashion, then it is difficult to locate the illuminated position. Another problem is that it is difficult to correlate the illuminated position with information obtained from this position.


This invention relates to an optical audio microphone arrangement comprising at least a sensor arranged to be movable in response to sound waves and a Michelson type interferometer for measuring the displacement of the sensor, which comprises a reflecting surface. The interferometer comprises at least a light source, a reference mirror, a beam splitter and at least two detectors. This invention relates further to a method for measuring sound waves.

Microphones have been widely used e.g. in sound recording, in applications of speech and music recording, in sound level measurements, and in environmental noise level measurements.
In sound wave measurements, e.g. sound recording, it is important to measure the sound waves with high sensitivity and in great detail i.e. with a large dynamic range and linear response. Also, it is important that the response of the microphone does not change in temperature and humidity variations.
A typical microphone is a transducer, which converts acoustic energy to electrical energy. Typically the fluctuating acoustic energy vibrates a diaphragm and the displacement of the diaphragm is converted to an electrical signal proportional to the acoustic energy. Various types of microphones are known, which vary in the accuracy and sensitivity of detecting the original acoustic energy.
Typically high quality audio microphones use a capacitive measurement principle. The drawback of the capacitive measurement principle is that high sensitivity is gained only by bringing the back plate (electrode) close to the diaphragm (electrode). This creates damping of the system and lowers the Q-value of the diaphragm increasing the self noise, which is created by the Brownian motion. In addition the existence of the back plate creates extra non-linearity.
Furthermore, a typical drawback of capacitive microphones is that the dynamic range is related to the sensitivity. For example capacitive microphones with a wide dynamic range have poor sensitivity and microphones with better sensitivity usually have a narrow dynamic range.
In order to achieve a microphone with high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range simultaneously the displacement of the sensor should be measured optically without disturbing the sensor movement and directly in a digital form.
Patent publication GB 1267632 discloses a digital optical microphone, particularly for a telephone handset, that includes an interferometer consisting of a two-prism block and a mirror attached to the microphone diaphragm. Infrared radiation from a diode is reflected off the moving mirror and the back face of the block, interferes and is detected by photodiodes. The two photoelectric signals are in phase quadrature due to the different thicknesses of reflecting coating on the mirror, which reflect light to the photodiodes respectively. The two signals may be delta-modulated by a logic circuit, which may additionally include a winding, providing a biasing force on the diaphragm, which receives an integrated value of the two photoelectric signals.
With the microphone according to GB 1267632 diaphragm displacements no smaller than λ/4, where λ is the wave length of the light source in the interferometer, can be measured, which is not a good accuracy. The focuses of the light beams are in infinity in relation to the mirrors and therefore the stability of the system is easily disturbed by inclination of the diaphragm and the mirror attached to it and the reference mirror.

Optical audio microphone arrangement including a Michelson type interferometer for providing a phase difference between different parts of light beams


Each arterial bifurcation lesion has a fingerprint-like pattern related to varying amounts of plaque and degree of obstruction in the main vessel proximal to, within the bifurcation itself, and the distal limbs of the main branch and side branch(es) and related to the angle of the bifurcation. A new device and with it a new technique is described to optimize treatment of bifurcation (and trifurcation) lesions. The invention and related method use a catheter capable of delivering two or more guide wires exiting at the distal end of the catheter allowing treatment of lesions more safely and efficaciously. Safety is increased by allowing both guide wires to remain in place throughout the entire procedure. Efficacy is increased, particularly in the long-term, by providing a result that maximizes vessel coverage and normal flow dynamics in the entire bifurcation area. Contemplated is the use not only of multiple guide wires but also modified balloon with a tapered design to optimize flow dynamics at the bifurcation in the final result.

The bifurcation lesion, particularly in the coronary arteries, is a challenging lesion to treat percutaneously. Each bifurcation lesion has a fingerprint-like uniqueness.
Treatment of bifurcation lesions is currently a topic of much investigation. Unlike most other lesion subsets utilizing bare-metal (BMS) and drug-eluting (DES) coronary stenting, the long-term results, particularly the incidence of restenosis, in either the main or subsidiary (side) branch vessel, after stenting the entire bifurcation are not necessarily better than stenting only the main branch and treating the subsidiary branch with balloon angioplasty. As such, provisional stenting, i.e., main branch stenting and stenting the side branch only when necessary, has been proposed as the preferred technique. Stenting of the side branch may be required in 30-50% of cases. There have been multiple methods proposed to treat bifurcation lesions. None have been shown to be more effective than single stenting alone, although several of these methods have not undergone extensive testing in controlled trials.
In the present specification, we propose a new device, and with it, new techniques to optimize treatment of bifurcation or trifurcation lesions. With this device and method, lesions will be treated more safely and more effectively, both in terms of immediate and long-term results, particularly in regard to the incidence of restenosis.
Conventional wire stents for treatment of blood vessel obstruction are used in conjunction with a catheter having an expandable member, or balloon, and a narrowed distal tip with a single guide wire emanating from the distal tip. In order to position the wire stent, the physician directs a guide wire into the diseased vessel and thereafter guides the catheter to the region of a diseased vessel; after proper positioning of the catheter and wire stent assembly, the physician expands the balloon to a predetermined diameter and thus implants the wire stent within the lumen of the blood vessel apposing it to the vessel wall. The physician may leave the guide wire in place throughout the procedure and thread additional catheters, wire stents, or balloon catheters over the guide wire, and the guide wire allows the physician to return to the same location without additional exploration of the vasculature. The catheter and guide wire are removed following treatment, and the vessel remains patent due to the reinforcement by the expanded wire stent. The wire stent should, in order to properly address the disease that led to the necessity of the treatment, overlay the circumference of the diseased portion and extend to a length beyond the margins of the diseased portion of the blood vessel.
When a catheter with wire stent assembly is used in the treatment of vascular disease in vessels for which there are no bifurcation branches involved in the vessel pathology, a single wire stent can be used with an expected low incidence of complications and with a high rate of confidence that closure will not occur immediately thereafter. However, in situations where the vessel disease occupies not only the main branch but also extends into a side branch, the use of conventional wire stents requires creative stent placement and balloon inflation of the side branch or a combination of more than one stent. In order to address circumstances involving bifurcation vessel disease, many researchers have proposed and designed very specialized and intricate wire stent and balloon assemblies that are designed to fit the bifurcation using angled wire stents or having special designs to allow for use in bifurcation lesions.
One prominent risk when treating bifurcation lesions is the potential for covering or occluding a side branch vessel when placing a wire stent into the main branch. Further, expanding the balloon in the main branch may force the plaque material into and seal the side branch through plaque shifting. Traditionally, when stents are required in both the main and side branches, the guide wire in one of the two branches must be removed and then reinserted through a cell in the previously implanted stent in the other branch. The lack of wire in one branch exposes that branch to closure and inability to rewire the branch or to further vessel trauma from attempts at reentry into the side branch. There is also evidence that implanting a wire stent in a vessel bifurcation can lead to blood flow turbulence which may stimulate growth of atherosclerotic plaque. It is thus an object of the present invention to avoid these complications and to avoid the problems associated with a physician's inability to locate or relocate a side branch or main branch during the procedure.
In order to address the above problems, physicians and researchers have described many methods to treat the bifurcation lesion and have provided a name for each method. Each is designed to use a number of conventional expandable wire stents to repair a bifurcation lesion. Mainly, the procedures are divided into various strategies in deciding which of the two branches to stent first, the main branch or the side branch. Furthermore, the type of balloons to be used varies by preference. Techniques such as the "Skirt," the "Crush," the "Culotte," the "Reverse Crush," the "Exaggerated Y," the "Minicrush," and the "Modified T" reveal the different ways that physicians have attempted to overcome the challenges of treating the bifurcation lesion using creative stent placement and balloon use.
There are four general categories of strategies used in current stenting technology for placing wire stents to treat bifurcation lesions. First is the insertion of a first stent in the main vessel close to the carina, in close proximity to the proximal main vessel. The initial step may also be followed by the opening of the stent towards both branches using the "Skirt" technique, followed by subsequent successive or simultaneous stent placement in one or both distal branches. A second strategy is to stent the proximal main vessel by positioning the stent across the side branch, thereafter reinserting a wire into the side branch and selectively enlarging a cell of the stent at the origin of the side branch vessel by inflating the balloon. Thereafter a stent may be implanted at the origin of the side branch if the origin of the side branch is sufficiently narrowed. The use of "kissing balloons" to fully expand both the main branch and side branch is useful in this second strategy. In order to perform this technique, the guide wire in the side branch must be removed with stenting of the main branch and then reinserted after main branch stenting. Thus, during this period, side branch access has been lost and must be regained, which is usually—but not always—possible. A third strategy is to stent the distal aspects of both branches using either a simultaneous stent placement at the ostium of both distal branches using a "simultaneous kissing stent," or a repetitive placement of a first stent in the distal main and a second stent in the distal side branch with final "kissing balloons." Another variant on this strategy is to use a "trouser legs and seat" approach whereby a first stent is placed in the main vessel distal to the carina, a second in the distal side branch, and a last stent in the main vessel proximal to the carina. In this "trouser legs and seat" approach, there is a lack of complete stent coverage of the area immediately surrounding the carina, and this lack of stent coverage may fail to repair the bifurcation to the fullest extent necessary. That is, the conventional wire stent may be placed proximal to, but not entirely occupy, the entire portion of the bifurcation area. This creates opportunity for additional vascular disease or higher blood flow turbulence in the region stimulating further atherosclerotic plaque growth. A fourth strategy is a variant of the previous three and begins by stenting a side branch first. This stent extends into the main branch which is crushed against one wall of the main vessel and a second stent is then implanted in the main vessel across the side branch vessel. Again, the use of final "kissing balloons" after placing a wire back into the side branch is recommended as part of this technique.
There are four common problems associated with the foregoing stent strategies. First is the situation where there is inadequate stent coverage of the diseased area. As discussed above, the "trouser legs and seat" approach is most susceptible to inadequate stent coverage, although each of the strategies may been demonstrated to be susceptible to inadequate coverage even when technique is considered to be optimized.
A second drawback to the foregoing strategies is that there is "too much" metal in certain areas of the bifurcation stenting involved with some stenting approaches. That is, in order to respond to the risks associated with the inadequate stent coverage of some techniques, other techniques by necessity have substantial amounts of metallic stent in certain areas of the bifurcation and in so doing, may change the flow dynamics of the blood in that area. That is, the laminar flow characteristics of a normal bifurcation are altered to increase the amount and area of turbulent flow and may lead to additional vascular disease or accumulation of obstructive plaque in the area and may predispose to acute or subacute stent thrombosis. As it is very desirable to retain laminar flow characteristics to the original vessel structure of the bifurcation, it is important not to oversaturate the bifurcation with too much metal at any particular point within the bifurcation. Furthermore, the use of stents that are designed for "one-shape fits all" may alter the natural bifurcation angle between the main branch and the side branch and increase the severity and area of turbulence in the bifurcation.
A third drawback for each of these procedures is the physician's inability to predictably identify the precise location of the side branch when working with the main branch, or vice versa. Most physicians rely upon visual inspection using contrast or radiological visual imagery to identify the origin of the side branch by tracing possible blood flow. As conventional catheters and wire stent delivery systems have only one distal tip through which only one guide wire extends, the physician must move and reposition the catheter approximating the best place to implant the stent during the process for treating bifurcation lesions. The use of a guide wire in the side branch allows for an approximation of the location of the carina between side and branches.
A fourth drawback, perhaps the most crucial in terms of safety of the procedure, is the need to reposition the guide wire into a side branch after already having placed an expandable steel stent in the main vessel. This maneuver exposes the side branch to lack of guide wire access for part of the procedure. It may be difficult in many lesions because it requires crossing a cell of the wire stent. Further certain angles of the side branch may increase the level of difficulty in crossing and this difficulty may be amplified if the side branch opening (ostium) is severely narrowed or totally occluded. Crossing into the side branch, in fact, may not always be possible, particularly if the side branch becomes occluded during implantation of the main branch stent or if the ostium of the side branch is highly blocked or if the angle between main branch and side branch is highly unfavorable. In situations where the side branch becomes occluded during the procedure, the patient is at risk of additional heart muscle injury to the tissues distal to the occlusion. It is therefore an object of the present invention to reduce the risk of complications by permitting a physician to utilize a single catheter yet manage two guide wires when identification of the main branch and side branch are most efficient, most visual.
The prior art has attempted to address the problems associated with proper placement of wire stents in or around bifurcation lesions. In order to assist the physician in locating the side branch when working on the main branch, there are several prior art efforts to modify stents and devices relative to treatment of bifurcation lesions beyond a mere strategy in the placement of conventional stents in or around bifurcation lesions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,836 discloses an apparatus and method for stenting bifurcated vessels that is configured for implanting a wire stent in a side-branch vessel using an angled stent with an angulated portion that corresponds to the angle formed by the side-branch vessel at the main vessel. The apparatus disclosed in the '836 Patent also contemplates the use of a relatively traditional single wire system wherein the catheter has a distal tip from which a single guide wire extends. In addition to this single guide wire emanating from the catheter tip, a second control wire is designed into the apparatus to be used to torque and position the location of the main branch wire stent, such wire stent having an angled portion proximal to the distal tip of the catheter. The stated purpose of the second control wire is to identify the side branch vessel, target the side branch vessel, and use such second wire to torque and position the wire stent, as specifically designed for the main branch vessel prior to expanding the stent within the lumen of the main branch vessel. One clear limitation to the '836 Patent is the requirement that the second control wire emanate from the catheter immediately proximal to the location of the angle design of the main branch vessel stent. That is, the use of a second control wire is coupled with the function of rotating the wire stent into position, and the rotational properties of this design depend upon the second control wire exiting the catheter proximal to the balloon and angled stent surface. The '836 Patent has an alternative embodiment that provides the use of a second control wire that facilitates the positioning of the wire stent having an orifice in the midline region of the main branch wire stent, but this design requires the second control wire to have an exact location relative to a specific wire stent design in order to properly torque or rotate the wire stent into place in the main branch relative to the side branch vessel. Again, the stated purpose of this second control wire is to cooperate with a very specific and tailored wire stent design which allows it to be placed in the main branch of the vessel at the same time the second control wire allows the physician to locate the side branch vessel and rotate the specifically designed main branch vessel wire stent into proper position. In another embodiment of the '836 Patent, the inventor discloses the use of a "Y-shaped" wire stent that is configured around a dual Y-shaped balloon, or expandable member, as described by the inventor. The use of two guide wires as disclosed in the '836 Patent allows a physician to manipulate the very specialized dual balloon Y-shaped wire stent design into position at the bifurcation location. In the embodiments presented in the '836 Patent, all have a single distal tip through which a single wire is threaded, and the essence of the invention is to use guide wires to position highly specialized wire stent designs for use in a main branch vessel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,688 similarly discloses the use of a two guide wire system whereby the single balloon catheter has a first distal tip having one guide wire and a second tip with a second guide wire that projects from the body of the catheter at a position slightly proximal to the balloon or expandable member. This second tip and second guide wire may assist the physician in positioning a stent associated with the first distal tip. In one preferred embodiment of the '688 Patent, this second tip with second guide wire encircled by another balloon may be releasably attached to the first distal tip using a locking ring. The stated alternative embodiment depicts a dual balloon Y-shaped catheter assembly to cooperatively stent a bifurcation. The catheter assembly disclosed in this alternative embodiment of the '688 Patent includes first and second expandable members that are configured to reside side by side (Y-shaped) and which are intended to spring apart for implanting two stents simultaneously. A locking ring is designed to assist in holding the two expandable members together until such time as the physician decides to separate the two for use in differing branches of the vasculature. This locking ring configuration confers a benefit of inserting only one catheter at the commencement of the procedure yet allows the physician to have two guide wires and two wire stents available to the physician to treat the bifurcation lesion. The embodiment disclosed in the '688 Patent has several disadvantages, however, as it has two balloons that are actuated using the single catheter lumen. That is, the physician must necessarily inflate two separate balloons at once, so the physician must be absolutely sure that both wire stents are in the proper place within two different vessels before inflating the balloon. This leaves no room for error, and instead increases the risk of error, as the improper placement of only one of the two stents at once could lead to catastrophic results. The '688 Patent is silent on whether there may be independent inflation means for each of the two tips such that if the physician does not wish to inflate both balloons simultaneously one could do so. The additional components needed to permit independent inflation of either tip would logically increase the diameter of the overall catheter to the same degree as having inserted two separate catheters in succession.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,090 B1 discloses a stent delivery catheter assembly designed for use with a torquing member, a tracking guide wire, and a positioning guide wire. The disclosure is for the use of a guide wire and a control wire to allow for rotation of a main branch stent mounted upon such catheter and expandable member into accurate position near the vessel bifurcation. One embodiment disclosed by the '090 Patent reveals a single guide wire at the distal tip of the device and a second control wire that is confined within a complex torquing member apparatus such that the second control wire exits the apparatus at a substantially 90 degree angle from the direction of the catheter and assists the physician in locating a side branch.
The prior art reveals widespread use of a single guide wire catheter system known as the "over-the-wire" and another system known as the "rapid exchange" system. The present apparatus and disclosure is useful in either catheter designs, or a combination thereof. The present invention contemplates the ability of a physician to adapt this system with the most flexibility rather than using a one-size-fits-all main branch wire stent design and a specialized device to help torque or rotate the main branch wire stent into place relative to the side branch. It is further an object of the present invention to allow a physician to remain flexible on which area of the lesion the physician deems is best to stent given the particular characteristics of the bifurcation lesion. That is, the present apparatus is not limited to the requirement that a side branch stent be positioned first. The invention is also not limited to one embodiment or use with only one commercially available catheter system but can instead be used with either existing over-the-wire or rapid-exchange catheter designs.

Apparatus and method for treatment of bifurcation lesions


The present invention is a garage door shade assembly to be used in conjunction with an overhead, garage door that moves on tracks from open to closed position. The shade is frameless and it upper edge is affixed to the lowest edge of the garage door. When the shade is retracted, the lower edge of the shade is removable secured to an upper boundary of the lowest garage door panel. When the shade is extended, that lower edge is released from its association with the upper boundary of the lowest garage door panel, and the door is raised the desired level. Finally, the lower edge of the shade can be secured in its vertical position by associating it with the tracks of the door.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to overhead garage doors and, more specifically, to a shade to partially cover a garage door opening and provide a pet exit deterrent.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Screens and shades used in conjunction with garage door openings are not new in the art. Some shades include a device that extends outward from the garage and is supported by legs wherein a portion of the driveway is shaded as well as the interior of the garage. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,497,998; 4,301,851; 5,996,666. Others employ a full screen door used to cover the entire garage door opening. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,044,540; 3,126,944. Into some garage doors are incorporated screen panels. And, finally, some employ screened sections reflective of the panel size of the garage door and which use track and ball mechanics to effect slidably raising and lowering the screen panel relative to the garage door. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,653,566; 5,611,382; 6,557,614 (B1).
Related art screens are often specifically sized to the garage door sections so they lack flexibility and provide only one dimension of screened or shaded area. Often the purpose of related art is to provide screens but not shade, however, in addition to improving air circulation there is often a need to block the majority of sunlight. Finally, the association of the screen or shade with the door and the garage floor in related art is often more complex than necessary and not sufficient to deter a child's or a pet's exit and, therefore, cannot be used when a child or a pet is present in the garage.
It is a first object of the present invention to provide a shade that may be of any or of a variety of lengths;
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a shade that is secured in a manner such that children and most kinds of pets are secured in the garage;
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a shade that is flexible and light;
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a shade that is simple to retract and extend and simple to mount;
It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a shade that minimizes visibility into the garage from the outside; and
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a versatile shade for a door-to-floor shade or a partial shade near the top of the open door.


An expansion fastener for hardware elements for furniture comprises an externally ribbed anchor (11) in which an insert (13) is fitted, which insert has a cam surface (14) sliding on a corresponding cam surface (15) in the anchor body for causing a radial expansion of the anchor when the insert is moved by pulling means (16). The insert (13) comprises a fitting end (17) extending radially in a region free from the anchor body and is secured to the pulling means to be susceptible of inclination in the extension direction of said end (17). On axial movement towards the expansion position, the insert slides on the cam surface to receive a thrust for inclination and move said end outwardly of the anchor and towards the pulling direction.

The present invention relates to mounting devices involving an externally ribbed or toothed anchor, adapted for mounting of hardware for furniture, in particular hinges.
In the hardware field for furniture, the problem of providing quick, safe and sometimes removable fastening to the different hardware elements is known. Hinges formed of a base to be fastened to the piece of furniture and a bowl to be fastened to the door are a typical example thereof. Use of such anchors has been proposed. However, the proposed solutions are generally complicated, expensive, of slow use and sometimes poor security.
It is a general object of the present invention to eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing anchor fasteners that are quick, unexpensive and safe.

Mounting devices with an externally ribbed anchor, in particular for furniture hinges


Disclosed are methods of identifying, predicting and treating subjects at risk for exacerbation or the presence of a respiratory disease, by detecting expression levels of one or more proteins associated with the respiratory disease, wherein said one or more proteins is selected from the group of CCL24, IL2RA, APOA4, GC, IgA, LPA, KLK3 F, FAS, NRCAM, TNFRSFIOC, IL12B, IL23A, RAGE, CCL20, ICAM1, SERPINA7, CDH13 and CDH1, and wherein said respiratory disease may be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of outpatient medical care, hospital admission days and mortality (Vestbo, J., et al. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, GOLD Executive Summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med (2012)). Acute episodes of worsening COPD are characterized by cough, sputum production, shortness of breath and wheezing (often referred to as acute exacerbations of COPD or AECOPD) and are treated with antibiotics and/or prednisone. Although the major risk factor for COPD is a history of smoking, most current and former smokers do not have COPD. Furthermore, smokers without COPD have acute episodes of airway disease clinically identical to exacerbations of COPD (often referred to as acute bronchitis).
Recent work suggests that there are subsets of current and former smokers who are more susceptible to frequent episodes of chronic bronchitis or acute exacerbations of COPD (Hurst, J. R., et al. Susceptibility to exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 363, 1128-1138 (2010)). Clinical predictors for these episodes include: previous episodes of bronchitis or exacerbations of COPD, airflow obstruction on spirometry, low respiratory health scores, and gastroesophageal reflux (Hurst, J. R., et al. Susceptibility to exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 363, 1128-1138 (2010)). These susceptible patients are also postulated to be more prone to systemic inflammation. Evidence for systemic inflammation from previous large studies includes: elevated white blood cell count and fibrinogen (Thomsen, M., et al. Inflammatory biomarkers and exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Jama 309, 2353-2361 (2013)), and C reactive Protein (CRP). These studies did not include at risk current and former smokers and were limited to the study of a small number of biomarkers. Other studies have suggested biomarkers such as surfactant protein D (Ozyurek, B A., et al. Multidisciplinary respiratory medicine, 2013; 8:36), fetuin A (Minas, M., et al., COPD 2013, 10:28-34, adiponectin and CRP (Kirdar, S., et al. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, 2009; 69: 219-224) might be predictive of AECOPDs. These studies have been limited by small sample size and limited clinical phenotyping with incomplete adjustment for covariates predictive of exacerbations.
The presence of emphysema has been associated with increased mortality and increased risk of lung cancer in COPD. Similarly, the distribution of emphysema is important for determining patients eligible for lung volume reduction procedures. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scans are useful in characterizing the distribution of emphysema and providing quantitative measurements, however they are expensive, may require a separate patient visit and raise concerns about radiation exposure.
At present, there exists a need for development of reliable and sensitive molecular markers which can be used to predict subjects who are susceptible to exacerbation of COPD as well as the presence or absence of emphysema.

Methods for detection of respiratory diseases