A multiaxial transducer interconnection apparatus. The apparatus comprises first, second and third substrate modules each having a plurality of electrical tracks thereon. A portion of the electrical tracks is structured and arranged to interconnect the substrate modules in an orthogonal relationship to each other. The plurality of tracks on each substrate module is further arranged to form a pattern identical to the plurality of tracks on the other substrate modules. The substrate modules each include a mounting region whereon transducer die elements are mounted. One alternate embodiment of the invention would include a base upon which the modules would mount. Another alternate invention of the invention employs a chip carrier to support the multiaxial transducer of the invention.

I. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed generally to a multiaxial interconnection apparatus for transducers and, more particularly, to a multiaxial transducer interconnection apparatus for use in advanced rate adaptive cardiac pacemaker systems, defibrillators, cardioverters, heart monitors, metabolic need indicators and similar medical electronic devices.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
Heart and respiration activity generates mechanical energy. This energy propagates through the body and can be detected by appropriate transducers and may provide information useful for the control of organ functions such as heart rate pacing, for example. Current transducer technology does not address certain critical aspects of such medical electronics applications.
Some prior approaches in the medical electronics art use active (piezoelectric) transducer elements which are well known such as Bruel & Kjaer Company's Type 4321 and Endevco Company's Model 2258-10/-100 devices. These devices are limited in their application, however, because they do not utilize the cost and size advantages of micromachining technology.
Passive transducers are also known in the prior art. Passive transducers require excitation energy to operate. In the case of a multiaxial transducer, the number of supply lines is proportional to the number of uniaxial transducer components assembled together. The reduction in quantity of transducer terminals or wires is critical for many applications. A number of companies offer passive (piezoresistive) transducers such as IC Sensors, 1701 McCarthy Boulevard, Mulpitas, Cal., for example. These devices are sensitive in one dimension only, but could be integrated into a multiaxial transducer. However, it is believed that the die substrates currently utilized in the industry, have no designed-in features to aid in substrate-to-substrate electrical connection.
This invention provides a multiaxial transducer, useful for medical electronics applications, comprising transducer elements mounted on electrically interconnected modular substrates. The multiaxial transducer of the invention achieves a reduction in the quantity of terminals required for many applications as compared to other known devices. A multiaxial transducer interconnection apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first, second and third substrate modules each having a plurality of electrical tracks thereon. A portion of the electrical tracks is structured and arranged to interconnect the substrate modules in an orthogonal relationship to each other. The plurality of tracks on each substrate module is further arranged to form a pattern identical to the plurality of tracks on the other substrate modules. The substrate modules each include a mounting region whereon transducer die elements are mounted. The apparatus disclosed in the invention may be used in an improved advanced rate adaptive heart pacemaker system including a multiaxial transducer as disclosed by the invention as a sensing component of such a system.
One alternate embodiment of the invention includes a base upon which the modules would mount. Another alternate embodiment of the invention employs a chip carrier to support the multiaxial transducer of the invention.

Multiaxial transducer interconnection apparatus


A method and apparatus for partially encoding an image. The image is divided into a plurality of blocks and one block is selected for processing. A boundary lying along the selected block that is associated with a discontinuity is also selected. The errors associated with the selected block are reduced unevenly by a reduction factor that increases the degree to which the errors are reduced as the distance between the errors and the boundary increases. The selected block is encoded in accordance with the reduced errors.

An important aspect of most methods for compressing sequences of digital video images is motion analysis. In typical motion analysis, a target image in a sequence of images is divided into a plurality of blocks of pixels. A target region comprising at least one pixel block is selected from the target image. The image preceding the target image is analyzed in order to locate a region of the preceding image which closely matches the target region of the target image. Block matching techniques based on mean-square-error or mean-absolute-error are typically used to locate the region of the preceding image which closely matches the target region of the target image. If no motion has occurred, the preceding and target regions will have the same coordinates within the image frame. If motion has occurred, the preceding region will be offset or translated relative to the target region by an amount which is represented by a displacement vector. This process is typically repeated for each target region in the target image, thereby yielding a displacement vector for each target region. These displacement vectors are thereafter applied to a previous reconstructed image to form a predicted image. An error image is formed from the difference (residual errors) between the target image and the predicted image. The displacement vectors and the error image are then encoded for subsequent use by a decoder in decoding the compressed digital video signal. A known motion compensation system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,478 to Golin, entitled "Method And Apparatus For Compressing And Decompressing A Digital Video Signal Using Predicted And Error Images", the contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In image compression, image quality can be improved by encoding images unequally. More particularly, the residual errors that result from the application of motion compensation can be encoded unequally from frame to frame in order to improve image quality. Such an encoding technique is employed in MPEG encoding, which encodes residual errors in every third image more accurately than in intermediate images. This can be done by varying the quantization. An alternative approach, set forth by the present application, applies heuristics to the residual errors in order to determine which ones may be ignored. A heuristic is a rule which produces a visually acceptable image when measured using subjective criteria (such as how the image looks to a viewer), as opposed to an objective measurement such as mean-square-error.
It is an object of the present invention to improve image quality by using heuristics to unequally encode residual errors, such as those that result from motion compensation.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the invention which follows.

Method and apparatus for unevenly encoding error images


A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus that includes obtaining, by a dosimetry computing device, sensor readings from at least one sensor. An event is identified, by the dosimetry computing device, based on at least one of one or more of the obtained sensor readings or one or more determinations based on the obtained sensor readings meeting one or more selection. At least one of the one or more determinations or the sensor readings which meet one or more of the selection criteria when the event is identified is stored by the dosimetry computing device.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from an explosive blast remains a significant problem for military personnel, especially those involved in counter insurgency operations. Mild to moderate TBI may be difficult to detect immediately post event, with cognitive or motor deficits manifesting weeks or months post event.
Additionally, exposure to other types of blows and other types of events is a significant problem for other individuals as well. For example, recreational and professional athletes in many sport activities are routinely exposed to blows and other types of events with unknown individual or cumulative effects. Additionally, bike and motorcycle riders may experience some type of blow or other event by way of example only.
Currently, there is no widely deployed system to dose the exposure to an explosive blast, blow or other type of event. Given the nature of TBI, the wide variability in explosions, blows and other events and as well as the physical configurations during a blast events, and the variability in human response to each blast event, a widely deployed system to all personnel in a theater is needed to build a database of sufficient size to allow real-time dosimeter data to be used for triage and to monitor and assess military and non-military personnel depending on the particular application.

Method for monitoring exposure to an event and device thereof


Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.

The following description of prior-art technique, problems of known systems as well as the object and features of the invention will therefore as non-limiting examples be aimed mainly at this field of application. However, it should be emphasized that the invention can be used in optional floorboards which are intended to be joined in different patterns by means of a mechanical joint system. The invention may thus also be applicable to homogeneous wooden floors, laminate floors with a surface of laminate and a core of e.g. fiberboard and floors with a surface of plastic and/or cork and the like.
Traditional parquet floors are usually laid in a floating manner, i.e. without glue, on an existing subfloor which does not have to be quite smooth or plane. Any irregularities are eliminated by means of underlay material in the form of e.g. cardboard, cork or foam plastic which is laid between the floorboards and the subfloor. Floating floors of this kind are usually joined by means of glued tongue-and-groove joints, (i.e. joints with a tongue on one floorboard and a tongue groove on an adjoining floorboard) on long side and short side. In laying, the boards are joined horizontally, a projecting tongue along the joint edge of one board being inserted into a tongue groove along the joint edge of an adjoining board. The same method is used on long side as well as short side, and the boards are usually laid in parallel both long side against long side and short side against short side.
In addition to such traditional floors which are joined by means of glued tongue/tongue groove joints, floorboards have been developed in recent years, which do not require the use of glue but which are instead joined mechanically by means of so-called mechanical joint systems. These systems comprise locking means which lock the boards horizontally and vertically. The mechanical joint systems can be formed by machining the core of the board. Alternatively, parts of the locking system can be made of a separate material which is integrated with the floorboard, i.e. already joined with a floorboard in connection with the manufacture thereof at the factory. The floorboards are joined, i.e. interconnected or locked together, by various combinations of angling, snapping-in and insertion along the joint edge in the locked position. By interconnection is here meant that floorboards with connecting means are mechanically interconnected in one direction, for instance horizontally or vertically. By locking-together, however, is meant that the floorboards are locked both in the horizontal and in the vertical direction.
The principal advantages of floating floors with mechanical joint systems are that they can be laid quickly and easily by different combinations of inward angling and snapping-in. They can also easily be taken up again and be reused in some other place.
All currently existing mechanical joint systems and also floors intended to be joined by gluing have vertical locking means which lock the floorboards across the surface plane of the boards. The vertical locking means consist of a tongue which enters a groove in an adjoining floorboard. The boards thus cannot be joined groove against groove or tongue against tongue. Also the horizontal locking system as a rule consists of a locking element on one side which cooperates with a locking groove on the other side. Thus the boards cannot be joined locking element against locking element or locking groove against locking groove. This means that the laying is in practice restricted to parallel rows. Using this technique, it is thus not possible to lay traditional parquet patterns where the boards are joined long side against short side in (herringbone pattern) or in different forms of diamond patterns.
Such advanced patterns have originally been laid by a large number of wood blocks of a suitable size and shape being glued to a subfloor, according to a desired pattern, possibly followed by grinding to obtain an even floor surface and finishing in the form of e.g. varnish or oil. The wood blocks according to this technique have no locking means whatever, since they are fixed by gluing to the subfloor.
Another known method of laying advanced patterns implies that the wood blocks are formed with a groove along all edges of the block. When the wood blocks are then laid, tongues are inserted into the grooves in the positions required. This results in a floor where the wood blocks are locked in the vertical direction relative to each other by the tongue engaging in tongue grooves of two adjoining wood blocks. Optionally this method is supplemented with gluing to lock the floor in the horizontal directions and to lock the floor in the vertical direction relative to the subfloor.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,787,027 (Wasleff) discloses another system for laying a herringbone parquet floor. The system comprises a plurality of wood blocks which are laid on a subfloor to form a herringbone parquet floor. Each wood block is provided with a set of tongues and tongue grooves which extend over parts of each edge of the wood block. When the wood blocks are laid in a herringbone pattern, tongues and tongue grooves will cooperate with each other so that the wood blocks are locked together mechanically in both the vertical and the horizontal direction. The tongues and tongue grooves that are shown in Wasleff, however, are of a classical type, i.e. they cannot be snapped or angled together, and the locking effect is achieved only when a plurality of wood blocks are laid together to form a floor. The system according to Wasleff consists of two types of wood blocks, which are mirror inverted relative to each other as regards the location of tongues and tongue grooves. The design of the locking system is such that a shank-end mill is necessary to form the tongue grooves shown. This is a drawback since machining using a shank-end mill is a relatively slow manufacturing operation.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,820 (Terbrack) discloses that floorboards can be joined long side against short side if the floor consists of two different floorboards which a joint system which can be laid merely by inward angling, which is not displaceable in the locked position and in which floorboards cannot be joined by snapping-in. Moreover FIGS. 11 and 23 show floorboards which are mirror inverted relative to each other. This is, however, not discussed in detail in the description. Col. 5, lines 10-13, seems to contain an indication that it is possible to join short side and long side. However, it is not shown how a complete floor can be joined using such floorboards to form a pattern. Owing to the non-existence of displaceability in the joined position and snappability, it is not possible to create, using such floorboards as disclosed by Terbrack, a floor of the type at which the present invention aims.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,341 (Kajiwara) discloses snappable floorboards which have two different long sides. One part of the long side is formed with a groove part and another part with a tongue part. Nor are such floorboards displaceable in the locked position. The manufacture is complicated, and nor can they be used to provide the desired pattern.
Boden Wand Decke (Domotex, January 1997) shows a laminate floor where floorboards with different surfaces have been joined to form a floor having a simple pattern. It is also shown that floorboards have been joined long side against short side, but only in such a manner that all the short sides which are joined with a long side extend along a straight line. Consequently, this is an application of a prior-art system.

Method of making a floorboard and method of making a floor with the floorboard


The present disclosure relates to a novel organic compound and an organic electroluminescent device comprising the same, and the organic compound of the present disclosure may be used for an organic material layer of the organic electroluminescent device, thereby improving the light emitting efficiency, driving voltage, lifetime, and the like of the organic electroluminescent device.

Since 1965, studies on an organic electroluminescent (EL) device (hereinafter, simply referred to as an 'organic EL device') leading to blue electric light emission using an anthracene single crystal had been continuously conducted, and in 1987, an organic EL device having a two-layer laminated structure including a hole layer (NPB) and a light emitting layer (Alq3) was proposed by Tang. Since then, the organic EL device has been proposed in the form of a multilayer-laminated structure which imparts each characteristic and subdivided function, such as an organic layer which is responsible for injecting and transporting holes, an organic layer which is responsible for injecting and transporting electrons, and an organic layer which induces electroluminescence to occur due to the combination of holes and electrons in the device in order to implement high efficiency and long lifetime characteristics required for commercialization.
In the organic EL device, when voltage is applied between two electrodes, holes are injected into the organic material layer at the anode, and electrons are injected into the organic material layer at the cathode. When the injected holes and electrons meet each other, an exciton is formed, and when the exciton falls down to a bottom state, light is emitted. Materials included in the organic material layer may be classified into a light emitting material, a hole injection material, a hole transporting material, an electron transporting material, an electron injection material, and the like according to the function.
In the electron spins of the excitons formed by recombining electrons and holes, the singlet exciton and the triplet exciton are produced at a ratio of 25% and 75%, respectively. In this case, the organic EL device may be classified into a fluorescent EL device in which singlet excitons contribute to light emission and a phosphorescent EL device in which triplet excitons contribute to light emission, according to the type of electron spin of the excitons formed.
In the fluorescent EL device in which light is emitted by singlet excitons, it is impossible for the internal quantum efficiency to theoretically exceed 25% according to the production ratio, and the external quantum efficiency of 5% is accepted as the limitation.
In the phosphorescent EL device in which light is emitted by triplet excitons, when a metal complex compound including a transition metal heavy atom such as Jr and Pt is used as a phosphorescent dopant, the light emitting efficiency may be improved up to 4 times compared to the fluorescent electroluminescent device.
As described above, the phosphorescent EL device exhibits theoretically higher efficiency than that of the fluorescent EL device in terms of light emitting efficiency. However, unlike green or red phosphorescent devices, in blue phosphorescent devices, the level of development for the color purity of a dark blue color, a phosphorescent dopant with high efficiency, and a host with a wide energy gap has been so little that commercialization has not even started, and instead, a blue fluorescent device has been used in products.
As the performance of the organic EL device has been improved to the level of commercialization characteristics due to the introduction of a multilayer-laminated structure, it has been attempted to expand the application range of the organic EL device from the start of a radio display product for a vehicle since 1997 to a mobile information display device and a display device for TV.
Further, according to the recent trends of an increase in size and a high resolution in a display, there is a need for developing an organic EL display having high efficiency and a long lifetime. In particular, the high resolution in a display may be implemented when more pixels are formed in the same area. Due to the high resolution, the light emitting area of the organic EL pixels has decreased, thereby resulting in reduction in the lifetime of the device. This reduction in the lifetime of the device has become the most important technical problem that the organic EL device needs to overcome.
However, since the materials for the organic EL device in the related art have a low glass transition temperature and thus are very poor in thermal stability, the materials fail to reach a level which is satisfactory in terms of a lifetime of an organic EL device, and need to be improved even in terms of light emitting characteristics.

Organic compound and organic electroluminescent device comprising the same


A device for inspecting for minute flaws upon the outer surface of journal or pin portions of a crank shaft comprises a main device 12 and a control device 14. The main device 12 brings a gauge head 56, which can freely move forwards and backwards along a Y axis direction, into contact with an inspection region 16A of the the crank shaft 16 while rotating the crank shaft 16 around a rotational axis 16C, measures the surface position of the inspection region 16A for each of rotational angles, and obtains surface portion waveform data corresponding to rotational angle. The gauge head 56 has an oscillation function, and always contacts against the inspection region 16A during rotation. The control device 14 extracts high frequency waveform components from the obtained waveform data, and detects flaws on the inspection region based on the high frequency waveform components.

With a processed manufactured product like a crank shaft or a cam shaft or the like, sometimes convex flaws such as traces of blows during processing are present at locations such as journal portions, pin portions, cam portions or the like at which high accuracy surface processing has been performed. It is necessary reliably to discover and to eliminate manufactured products upon which such flaws are present by inspecting them. Thus, in the prior art, testing by visual inspection has been performed upon all the products by hand.
Now, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Heisei 11-83413, there is disclosed a device which automatically measures the diameter, the roundness, the straightness, and the like of a journal portion or a pin portion by, in a state in which a contactor which can shift in the direction vertical to the rotational axis of a crank shaft is contacted with a constant force against the outer circumferential surface of the journal portion or the pin portion of the crank shaft, measuring the displacement of this contactor in each angular rotational position while rotating the crank shaft.

Device and method for inspecting for flaw on surface of work


A method and apparatus is described whereby invisible camera illuminators may be readily identified and located. In one embodiment the method of detecting the presence of an imaging system producing an invisible illuminator includes introducing a first optical filter capable of blocking energy from an LED infrared illuminator band source and allow energy from broadband visible light source to pass with minimal attenuation; and introducing a second optical filter that permits most of the energy from said infrared illuminator to pass and blocks a substantial portion of said broadband visible light; wherein said filtered LED infrared illuminator and said broadband visible light blink on and off.

There is a need in military and law enforcement to be able to detect and determine the location of camera illuminators. Recent developments in electronic imaging cameras permit their function even in very low levels of light. Additionally, the cost of these cameras has dramatically decreased in recent years. The increased sensitivity and reduced cost of these cameras now permit their use in venues that were previously impractical. One use for these cameras is to provide security for criminal operations. A criminal enterprise can now employ a number of "security cameras" in and around their establishment to monitor activity that might be detrimental to their business. The use of these cameras makes it difficult for law enforcement to safely approach these establishments in a covert manner. If a means could be devised to detect the presence of and identify the location of these cameras it would be of significant value to law enforcement. Further, if the means were "passive" it would allow law enforcement personnel to perform this detection process in a covert manner.

Method and apparatus for detecting and locating camera illuminators


A sump draining apparatus having a pressure transducer engaged in a receptacle that is in turn engaged in an open-ended collar of a housing. The receptacle and thus the pressure transducer is slideable in the axial direction into and out of the open-ended collar. The housing is generally cylindrical and contains a pump and motor, each of which has a generally cylindrical shape and is axially stacked in the housing. A cord having a vent and electrical leads for the pressure transducer is releasably engaged via a cord restraint at one end portion of the housing and the pressure transducer is releasably engaged in the receptacle in the open-ended collar at the other end of the housing. The receptacle and sensor may be removed, serviced, and/or replaced without the housing being opened and without the pump and motor being removed.

The present invention relates generally to a sump draining apparatus, particularly to a mount for a liquid level sensor in the sump draining apparatus, and specifically to a receptacle shaped mount for such a pressure transducer in the sump draining apparatus wherein the receptacle shaped mount and pressure transducer are slideable in the axial direction in and out of a distal end of the sump draining apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,030 (issued Feb. 12, 1991) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,534 (issued Oct. 30, 1990) relate to sump draining apparatus having a pressure transducer directly set in a distal closed end of an elongate cylindrical housing. Two problems for improvement have been identified. First, ready access to the pressure transducer is difficult. To get to the pressure transducer, the proximal end of the housing is removed, so that in turn a pump and motor can be removed, so that yet in turn the pressure transducer can be removed for being serviced or replaced. Second, the pressure transducer is directly fixed in the distal closed end with screws being tightened against the body of the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer, like many sensors, is relatively delicate and expensive.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Sump draining apparatus having easily replaceable sensor and mount therefor


A processor module generates a data write request and sends data specified thereby to each of two data buffers respectively provided in two data storage units, each having a data storage device, such as a magnetic disc device. When the data has been completely written into each of the data buffers, a write completion response is sent back to the processor module from each of the data storage units. When the processor module has received the write completion responses from the data storage units, it recognizes that the data write request has been completed.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a duplex data storage system and a data processing system using such a method. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with improvements in data transfer between a data processing device such as a processor module and a duplex data storage system composed of two external data storage units.
(2) Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows a data processing system having a duplex data storage system. The data processing system shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a processor module, and a duplex data storage system consisting of two external data storage units 200A and 200B. The processor module 100 is, for example, a computer main frame. The external data storage unit 200A is composed of a controller 210A and a storage device 220A, such as a magnetic disc device 220A, and similarly the external data storage unit 200B is composed of a controller 210B and a storage device 220B.
When a storage controller 110 of the processor module 100 receives a request issued by the execution of a program by a request source 120, the storage controller 110 reads out data from an area of the request source 120 specified by the request and respectively instructs the external data storage units 200A and 200B to write the readout data into the storage devices 220A and 220B. During this operation, a common identification number defined in common for the external data storage units 200A and 200B is specified by the request source 120. The storage controller 110 receives the common identification number from the request source 120, and recognizes that the specified device is the duplex data storage system. Then, the storage controller 110 respectively issues two identical commands to write the readout data into the duplex data storage system (that is, the storage devices 220A and 220B). The controllers 210A and 210B respectively receive the command and respectively execute the received command. Then, the controllers 210A and 210B respectively receive the same readout data, and write the received readout data into identical areas of the storage devices 220A and 220B. When the control specified by the command is completed, each of the controllers 210A and 210B sends the storage controller 110 a write completion response showing the completion of the specified control.
In the above-mentioned way, the external data storage units 200A and 200B always have the same contents. With this arrangement, it is possible to ensure the stored data even if one of the external data storage units 200A and 200B has a failure.
It should be noted that conventionally, the storage controller 110 respectively receives the control completion reports from the controllers 210A and 210B and informs the request source 120 that the request has been completely executed.
The above-mentioned procedure is illustrated in FIG. 2. The request to write data into the duplex data storage system is generated at time T0, and then the command is generated. This command is successively sent to the controllers 210A and 210B. In the sequence shown in FIG. 2, the command is sent to the controller 210A first and the controller 210B second. The controller 210A starts to execute the received command, and then the controller 210B starts to execute the received command. Writing the readout data into the storage device 220A ends at time T1, and writing the same data into the storage device 220B ends at time T2. After time T2, the controller 110 recognizes the completion of writing the readout data into the duplex data storage system, and informs the request source 120 of the completion of the request. It is impossible for the request source 120 to process another job before it is informed that the request has been completely executed. Thus, the request source 120 cannot work efficiently and the throughput of the entire processor module 100 degrades.

Method of controlling a duplex data storage system and data processing system using the same


A ring latched coupler includes a male assembly having a plurality of grooves and a female assembly having a plurality of slots. The female assembly is configured to receive the male assembly. A latching ring is rotatably carried by the female assembly. The latching ring is configured such that upon rotation of the male and female assemblies relative to the latching ring, portions of the latching ring extend through the slots in the female assembly to engage grooves in the male assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to mechanical couplers and more particularly to mechanical couplers used in combination with robots.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many end effectors and tool couplings exist but none are known which can couple a tool several inches in diameter to an arm or other machine in a length of less than one inch. For example, one known type of coupler which is used in combination with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation's remotely operable service arm requires an axial length of 2.75 inches (7 cm) and requires a hydraulic cylinder for latching. Although such couplers are ideally suited for applications on earth, space applications, where size and weight are critical, require the development of different types of couplers.
When designing a coupler for use in space, different design criteria must be taken into consideration. For example, by reducing the length required between the end of a robot arm and the tool, space can be saved, but this requires that the coupler operate without any active devices. The coupler must be as light in weight as possible consistent with strength and operational accuracy. Less mass in the coupler means more mass can be added to the load rating of a space vehicle. It is also desirable to construct a coupler which can be latched and unlatched without additional active devices; that tends to improve reliability.
Thus, the need exists for a short coupler which does not require active devices for the latching and unlatching operations.


Disclosed are various compositions and methods for use in achieving specific blood coagulation. This is exemplified by the specific in vivo coagulation of tumor vasculature, causing tumor regression, through the site-specific delivery of a coagulant using a bispecific antibody.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the fields of blood vessels and of coagulation. More particularly, it provides a variety of growth factor-based and immunological reagents, including bispecific antibodies, for use in achieving specific coagulation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Advances in the chemotherapy of neoplastic disease have been realized during the last 30 years. This includes some progress in the development of new chemotherapeutic agents and, more particularly, the development of regimens for concurrent administration of drugs. A significant understanding of the neoplastic processes at the cellular and tissue level, and the mechanism of action of basic antineoplastic agents, has also allowed advances in the chemotherapy of a number of neoplastic diseases, including choriocarcinoma, Wilm""s tumor, acute leukemia, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma, Hodgkin""s disease and Burkitt""s lymphoma. Despite the advances that have been made in a few tumors, though, many of the most prevalent forms of human cancer still resist effective chemotherapeutic intervention.
A significant underlying problem that must be addressed in any treatment regimen is the concept of xe2x80x9ctotal cell kill.xe2x80x9d This concept holds that in order to have an effective treatment regimen, whether it be a surgical or chemotherapeutic approach or both, there must be a total cell kill of all so-called xe2x80x9cclonogenicxe2x80x9d malignant cells, that is, cells that have the ability to grow uncontrolled and replace any tumor mass that might be removed. Due to the ultimate need to develop therapeutic agents and regimens that will achieve a total cell kill, certain types of tumors have been more amenable than others to therapy. For example, the soft tissue tumors (e.g., lymphomas), and tumors of the blood and blood-forming organs (e.g., leukemias) have generally been more responsive to chemotherapeutic therapy than have solid tumors such as carcinomas.
One reason for the susceptibility of soft and blood-based tumors to chemotherapy is the greater physical accessibility of lymphoma and leukemic cells to chemotherapeutic intervention. Simply put, it is much more difficult for most chemotherapeutic agents to reach all of the cells of a solid tumor mass than it is the soft tumors and blood-based tumors, and therefore much more difficult to achieve a total cell kill. Increasing the dose of chemotherapeutic agents most often results in toxic side effects, which generally limits the effectiveness of conventional anti-tumor agents.
The strategy to develop successful antitumor agents involves the design of agents that will selectively kill tumor cells, while exerting relatively little, if any, untoward effects against normal tissues. This goal has been elusive to achieve, though, in that there are few qualitative differences between neoplastic and normal tissues. Because of this, much research over the years has focused on identifying tumor-specific xe2x80x9cmarker antigensxe2x80x9d that can serve as immunological targets both for chemotherapy and diagnosis. Many tumor-specific, or quasi-tumor-specific (xe2x80x9ctumor-associatedxe2x80x9d), markers have been identified as tumor cell antigens that can be recognized by specific antibodies. Unfortunately, it is generally the case that tumor specific antibodies will not in and of themselves exert sufficient antitumor effects to make them useful in cancer therapy.
More recently, immunotoxins have been employed in an attempt to selectively target cancer cells. Immunotoxins are conjugates of a specific targeting agent, typically a tumor-directed antibody or fragment, with a cytotoxic agent, such as a toxin moiety. The targeting agent is designed to direct the toxin to cells carrying the targeted antigen and to kill such cells. xe2x80x9cSecond generationxe2x80x9d immunotoxins have now been developed, for example, those that employ deglycosylated ricin A chain to prevent entrapment of the immunotoxin by the liver and reduce hepatotoxicity (Blakey et al., 1987a;b), and those with new crosslinkers to endow the immunotoxins with higher in vivo stability (Thorpe et al., 1988).
Immunotoxins have proven effective at treating lymphomas and leukemias in mice (Thorpe et al., 1988; Ghetie et al., 1991; Griffin et al., 1988a;b) and in man (Vitetta et al., 1991). However, lymphoid neoplasias are particularly amenable to immunotoxin therapy because the tumor cells are relatively accessible to blood-borne immunotoxins. Also, it is possible to target normal lymphoid antigens because the normal lymphocytes, which are killed along with the malignant cells during therapy, are rapidly regenerated from progenitors lacking the target antigens.
In contrast with their efficacy in lymphomas, immunotoxins have proved relatively ineffective in the treatment of solid tumors (Weiner et al., 1989; Byers et al., 1989). The principal reason for this is that solid tumors are generally impermeable to antibody-sized molecules: specific uptake values of less than 0.001% of the injected dose/g of tumor are not uncommon in human studies (Sands et al., 1988; Epenetos et al., 1986). Another significant problem is that antigen-deficient mutants can escape being killed by the immunotoxin and regrow (Thorpe et al., 1988).
Furthermore, antibodies that enter the tumor mass do not distribute evenly for several reasons. Firstly, the dense packing of tumor cells and fibrous tumor stromas present a formidable physical barrier to macromolecular transport and, combined with the absence of lymphatic drainage, create an elevated interstitial pressure in the tumor core which reduces extravasation and fluid convection (Baxter et al., 1991; Jain, 1990). Secondly, the distribution of blood vessels in most tumors is disorganized and heterogeneous, so some tumor cells are separated from extravasating antibody by large diffusion distances (Jain, 1990). Thirdly, all of the antibody entering the tumor may become adsorbed in perivascular regions by the first tumor cells encountered, leaving none to reach tumor cells at more distant sites (Baxter et al., 1991; Kennel et al., 1991).
Thus, it is quite clear that a significant need exists for the development of novel strategies for the treatment of solid tumors. One approach involves the targeting of agents to the vasculature of the tumor, rather than to tumor cells. Solid tumor growth is highly dependent on the vascularization of the tumor and the growth of tumor cells can only be maintained if the supply of oxygen, nutrients and other growth factors and the efflux of metabolic products are satisfactory. Indeed, it has been observed that many existing therapies may already have, as part of their action, a vascular-mediated mechanism of action (Denekamp, 1990).
The present inventors propose that targeting the vasculature will likely deprive the tumor of life sustaining events and result in reduced tumor growth rate or tumor cell death. This approach is contemplated to offer several advantages over direct targeting of tumor cells. Firstly, the target cells are directly accessible to intravenously administered therapeutic agents, permitting rapid localization of a high percentage of the injected dose (Kennel et al., 1991). Secondly, since each capillary provides oxygen and nutrients for thousands of cells in its surrounding xe2x80x98cordxe2x80x99 of tumor, even limited damage to the tumor vasculature could produce an avalanche of tumor cell death (Denekamp, 1990; Denekamp, 1984). Finally, the outgrowth of mutant endothelial cells, lacking a target antigen, is unlikely because they are normal cells.
At the present time, it is generally accepted that for tumor vascular targeting to succeed, antibodies are required that recognize tumor endothelial cells but not those in normal tissues. Although several antibodies have been raised (Duijvestijn et al., 1987; Hagemeier et al., 1986; Bruland et al., 1986; Murray et al., 1989; Schlingemann et al., 1985), none have shown a high degree of specificity. Also, there do not appear to be reports of any particular agents, other than the aforementioned toxins, that show promise as the second agent in a vascular targeted antibody conjugate. Thus, unfortunately, while vascular targeting presents certain theoretical advantages, effective strategies incorporating these advantages have yet to be developed.
The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing novel compositions and methods for use in achieving specific coagulation, for example, coagulation in tumor vasculature, with limiting side-effects. The invention, in a general and overall sense, concerns various novel immunological and growth factor-based bispecific compositions capable of stimulating coagulation in disease-associated vasculature, and methods for their preparation and use. Provided are a series of novel approaches for the treatment and/or diagnosis (imaging) of vascularized tumors.
The invention provides binding ligands that may generally be described as xe2x80x9cbispecific binding ligandsxe2x80x9d. Such ligands comprise a xe2x80x9cfirst binding regionxe2x80x9d that typically binds to a disease-related target cell, such as a tumor cell, or to a component associated with such a cell; to some component associated with disease-related vasculature, e.g., tumor vasculature; or to a component of, or associated with, disease-associated stroma. The first binding region is operatively associated with or linked to a xe2x80x9ccoagulating agentxe2x80x9d, which may be either a coagulation factor itself or may be a second binding region that is capable of binding to a coagulation factor.
The binding ligands of the invention are described as xe2x80x9cbispecificxe2x80x9d as they are xe2x80x9cat leastxe2x80x9d bispecific, i.e., they comprise, at a minimum, two functionally distinct regions. Compositions and methods using other constructs, such as trispecific and mutlispecific binding ligands, are also included within the scope of the invention. Combined compositions, kits and methods of using the bispecific coagulating ligands described herein in conjunction with other effectors, such as other immunological- and growth-factor-based compositions, antigen-inducing agents, immunostimulants, immunosuppressants, chemotherapeutic drugs, and the like, are also contemplated.
The first binding regions, and any second binding regions, may be antibodies or fragments thereof. As used herein, the term xe2x80x9cantibodyxe2x80x9d is intended to refer broadly to any immunologic binding agent such as IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE. Generally, IgG or IgM are preferred because they are the most common antibodies in the physiological situation and because they are most easily made in a laboratory setting. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are recognized to have certain advantages, e.g., reproducibility and large-scale production, and their use is generally preferred. Engineered antibodies, such as recombinant antibodies and humanized antibodies, also fall within the scope of the invention.
Where antigen binding regions of antibodies are employed as the binding and targeting agent, a complete antibody molecule may be employed. Alternatively, a functional antigen binding region may be used, as exemplified by Fv, scFv (single chain Fv), Fabxe2x80x2, Fab, Dab or F(abxe2x80x2)2 fragment of an antibody. The techniques for preparing and using various antibody-based constructs are well known in the art and are further described herein.
The coagulation factor portion of the binding ligands is formed so that it maintains significant functional capacity, i.e., it is in a form so that, when delivered to the target region, it still retains its ability to promote blood coagulation or clotting. However, in certain embodiments, the coagulation factor portion of the binding ligands will be less active than, for example, the natural counterpart of the coagulant, and the factor will achieve the desired level of activity only upon delivery to the target area. One such example is a vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor that lacks the Gla modification, which will nonetheless achieve significant functional activity upon binding of the first binding region of the bispecific ligand to a membrane environment.
Where a second binding region is used to bind a coagulation factor, it is generally chosen so that it recognizes a site on the coagulation factor that does not significantly impair its ability to induce coagulation. Likewise, where a coagulation factor is covalently linked to a first binding agent, a site distinct from its functional coagulating site is generally used to join the molecules.
The xe2x80x9cfirst binding regionxe2x80x9d of the bispecific ligands of the invention may be any component that binds to a designated target site, i.e., a site associated with a tumor region or other disease site in which coagulation is desired. The target molecule, in the case of tumor targeting, will generally be present at a higher concentration in the tumor site than in non-tumor sites. In certain preferred embodiments, the targeted molecules, whether associated with tumor cells, tumor vascular cells, tumor-associated stroma, or other components, will be restricted to such cells or other tumor-associated entities, however, this is not a requirement of the invention.
In this regard, it should be noted that tumor vasculature is xe2x80x98prothromboticxe2x80x99 and is predisposed towards coagulation. It is thus contemplated that a targeted coagulant is likely to preferentially coagulate tumor vasculature while not coagulating normal tissue vasculature, even if other normal cells or body components, particularly, the normal endothelial cells or even stroma, express significant levels of the target molecule. This approach is therefore envisioned to be safer for use in humans, e.g., as a means of treating cancer, than that of targeting a toxin to tumor vasculature.
In certain embodiments, the first binding regions contemplated for use in this invention may be directed to a tumor cell component or to a component associated with a tumor cell. In targeting generally to a tumor cell, it is believed that the first binding ligand will cause the coagulation factor component of the bispecific binding ligand to concentrate on those perivascular tumor cells nearest to the blood vessel and thus trigger coagulation of tumor blood vessels, giving the bispecific binding ligand significant utility.
A first binding region may therefore be a component, such as an antibody or other agent, that binds to a tumor cell. Agents that xe2x80x9cbind to a tumor cellxe2x80x9d are defined herein as ligands that bind to any accessible component or components of a tumor cell, or that bind to a component that is itself bound to, or otherwise associated with, a tumor cell, as further described herein.
The majority of such tumor-binding ligands are contemplated to be agents, particularly antibodies, that bind to a cell surface tumor antigen or marker. Many such antigens are known, as are a variety of antibodies for use in antigen binding and tumor targeting. The invention thus includes first binding regions, such as antigen binding regions of antibodies, that bind to an identified tumor cell surface antigen, such as those listed in Table I, and first binding regions that preferentially or specifically bind to an intact tumor cell, such as binding to a tumor cell listed in Table II.
Currently preferred examples of tumor cell binding regions are those that comprise an antigen binding region of an antibody that binds to the cell surface tumor antigen p185HER2, milk mucin core protein, TAG-72, Lewis a or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Another group of currently preferred tumor cell binding regions are those that comprise an antigen binding region of an antibody that binds to a tumor-associated antigen that binds to the antibody 9.2.27, OV-TL3, MOv18, B3, KS1/4, 260F9 or D612.
The antibody 9.2.27 binds to high Mr melanoma antigens, OV-TL3 and MOv18 both bind to ovarian-associated antigens, B3 and KS1/4 bind to carcinoma antigens, 260F9 binds to breast carcinoma and D612 binds to colorectal carcinoma. Antigen binding moieties that bind to the same antigen as D612, B3 or KS1/4 are particularly preferred. D612 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,756, and has ATCC Accession No. HB 9796; B3 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,813, and has ATCC Accession No. HB 10573; and recombinant and chimeric KS1/4 antibodies are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,369; each incorporated herein by reference.
In tumor cell targeting, where the tumor marker is a component, such as a receptor, for which a biological ligand has been identified, the ligand itself may also be employed as the targeting agent, rather than an antibody. Active fragments or binding regions of such ligands may also be employed.
First binding regions for use in the invention may also be components that bind to a ligand that is associated with a tumor cell marker. For example, where the tumor antigen in question is a cell-surface receptor, tumor cells in vivo will have the corresponding biological ligand, e.g., hormone, cytokine or growth factor, bound to their surface and available as a target. This includes both circulating ligands and xe2x80x9cparacrine-typexe2x80x9d ligands that may be generated by the tumor cell and then bound to the cell surface.
The present invention thus further includes first binding regions, such as antibodies and fragments thereof, that bind to a ligand that binds to an identified tumor cell surface antigen, such as those listed in Table I, or that preferentially or specifically binds to one or more intact tumor cells. Additionally, the receptor itself, or preferably an engineered or otherwise soluble form of the receptor or receptor binding domain, could also be employed as the binding region of a bispecific coagulating ligand.
In further embodiments, the first binding region may be a component that binds to a target molecule that is specifically or preferentially expressed in a disease site other than a tumor site. Exemplary target molecules associated with other diseased cells include, for example, PSA associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and FGF associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It is believed that an animal or patient having one of the above diseases would benefit from the specific induction of coagulation in the disease site.
This is the meaning of xe2x80x9cdiseased cellxe2x80x9d in the present context, i.e., it is a cell that is connected with a disease or disorder, which cell expresses, or is otherwise associated with, a targetable component that is present at a higher concentration in the disease sites and cells in comparison to its levels in non-diseased sites and cells. This includes targetable components that are associated with the vasculature in the disease sites.
Exemplary first binding regions for use in targeting and delivering a coagulant to other disease sites include antibodies, such as anti-PSA (BPH), and GF82, GF67 and 3H3 that bind to FGF. Biological binding ligands, such as FGF, that bind to the relevant receptor, in this case the FGF receptor, may also be used. Antibodies against vascular targets may also be employed, as described below. The targeting of the stroma or endothelial cells provides a powerful means of treating other diseases where the xe2x80x9cdiseased cellxe2x80x9d itself may not be associated with a strong or unique marker antigen.
In further embodiments, the first binding regions of the invention will be components that are capable of binding to a component of disease-associated vasculature, i.e., a region of vasculature in which specific coagulation would be advantageous to the animal or patient. First binding regions capable of binding to a component specifically or preferentially associated with tumor vasculature are currently preferred. xe2x80x9cComponents of tumor vasculaturexe2x80x9d include both tumor vasculature endothelial cell surface molecules and any components, such as growth factors, that may be bound to these cell surface receptors or molecules. These include markers found, expressed, accessible to binding or otherwise localized on the cell surfaces of tumor-associated vascular endothelium as compared to normal vasculature.
Certain preferred binding ligands are antibodies, and fragments thereof, that bind to cell surface receptors and antibodies that bind to the corresponding biological ligands of these receptors. Exemplary antibodies are those that bind to MHC Class II proteins, VEGF/VPF receptors, FGF receptors, TGFxcex2 receptors, a TIE (tyrosine kinase-immunoglobulin-epidermal growth factor-like receptor, including TIE-1 and TIE-2), VCAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, xcex1vxcex23 integrin, pleiotropin, endosialin and endoglin.
First binding regions that comprise an antigen binding region of an antibody that binds to endoglin are one group of preferred agents. These are exemplified by antibodies and fragments that bind to the same epitope as the monoclonal antibody TEC-4 or the monoclonal antibody TEC-11, deposited Mar. 12, 1997 with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md. 20852, and given the ATCC Accession numbers ATCC HB-12312 and ATCC HB-12311, respectively. The present address of ATCC is 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209.
Antigen binding region of antibodies that bind to the VEGF receptor are another group of preferred agents. These are particularly exemplified by antibodies and fragments that bind to the same epitope as the monoclonal antibody 3E11, 3E7, 5G6, 4D8, 10B10 or TEC-110. Anti-VEGF antibodies with binding specificities substantially the same as any one of the antibodies termed 1B4, 4B7, 1B8, 2C9, 7D9, 12D2, 12D7, 12E10, 5E5, 8E5, 5E11, 7E11, 3F5, 10F3, 1F4, 2F8, 2F9, 2F10, 1G6, 1G11, 3G9, 9G11, 10G9, GV97, GV39, GV97xcex3, GV39xcex3, GV59 or GV14 may also be used. Further suitable anti-VEGF antibodies include 4.6.1., A3.13.1, A4.3.1 and B2.6.2 (Kim et. al., 1992); SBS94.1 (Oncogene Science); G143-264 and G143-856 (Pharmingen).
Further useful antibodies are those that bind to a ligand that binds to a tumor vasculature cell surface receptor. Antibodies that bind to VEGF/VPF, FGF, TGFxcex2, a ligand that binds to a TIE, a tumor-associated fibronectin isoform, scatter factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet factor 4 (PF4), PDGF (including PDGFa and PDGFb) and TIMP (a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, including TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3) are therefore useful in these embodiments, with antibodies that bind to VEGF/VPF, FGF, TGFxcex2, a ligand that binds to a TIE or a tumor-associated fibronectin isoform often being preferred.
In still further embodiments, it is contemplated that markers specific for tumor vasculature may be those that have been first induced, i.e., their expression specifically manipulated by the hand of man, allowing subsequent targeting using a binding ligand, such as an antibody.
Exemplary inducible antigens include those inducible by a cytokine, e.g., IL-1, IL-4, TNF-xcex1, TNF-xcex2 or IFN-xcex3, as may be released by monocytes, macrophages, mast cells, helper T cells, CD8-positive T-cells, NK cells or even tumor cells. Examples of the induced targets are E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, endoglin and MHC Class II antigens. When using MHC Class II induction, the suppression of MHC Class II in normal tissues is generally required, as may be achieved using a cyclosporin, such as Cyclosporin A (CsA), or a functionally equivalent agent.
Further inducible antigens include those inducible by a coagulant, such as by thrombin, Factor IX/IXa, Factor X/Xa, plasmin or a metalloproteinase (matrix metalloproteinase, MMP). Generally, antigens inducible by thrombin will be used. This group of antigens includes P-selectin, E-selectin, PDGF and ICAM-1, with the induction and targeting of P-selectin and/or E-selectin being generally preferred.
Antibodies that bind to epitopes that are present on ligand-receptor complexes, but absent from both the individual ligand and receptor may also be used. Such antibodies will recognize and bind to a ligand-receptor complex, as presented at the cell surface, but will not bind to the free ligand or uncomplexed receptor. A xe2x80x9cligand-receptor complexxe2x80x9d, as used herein, therefore refers to the resultant complex produced when a ligand, such as a growth factor, specifically binds to its receptor, such as a growth factor receptor. This is exemplified by the VEGF/VEGF receptor complex.
It is envisioned that such ligand-receptor complexes will likely be present in a significantly higher number on tumor-associated endothelial cells than on non-tumor associated endothelial cells, and may thus be targeted by anti-complex antibodies. Anti-complex antibodies include those antibodies and fragments thereof that bind to the same epitope as the monoclonal antibody 2E5, 3E5 or 4E5.
In further embodiments, the first binding regions contemplated for use in this invention will bind to a component of disease-associated stroma, such as a component of tumor-associated stroma. This includes antigen binding regions of antibodies that bind to basement membrane components, activated platelets and inducible tumor stroma components, especially those inducible by a coagulant, such as thrombin. xe2x80x9cActivated plateletsxe2x80x9d are herein defined as a component of tumor stroma, one reason for which being that they bind to the stroma when activated.
Preferred targetable elements of tumor-associated stroma are currently the tumor-associated fibronectin isoforms. Fibronectin isoforms are ligands that bind to the integrin family of receptors. Tumor-associated fibronectin isoforms are available, e.g., as recognized by the MAb BC-1. This Mab, and others of similar specificity, are therefore preferred agents for use in the present invention. Fibronectin isoforms, although stromal components, bind to endothelial cells and may thus be considered as a targetable vascular endothelial cell-bound ligand in the context of the invention.
Another group of preferred anti-stromal antibodies are those that bind to RIBS, the receptor-induced binding site, on fibrinogen. RIBS is a targetable antigen, the expression of which in stroma is dictated by activated platelets. Antibodies that bind to LIBS, the ligand-induced binding site, on activated platelets are also useful.
One further group of useful antibodies are those that bind to tenascin, a large molecular weight extracellular glycoprotein expressed in the stroma of various benign and malignant tumors. Antibodies such as those described by Shrestha et. al. (1994) and 143DB7C8, described by Tuominen and Kallioinen (1994), may thus be used as the binding portions of the coaguligands.
xe2x80x9cComponents of disease- and tumor-associated stromaxe2x80x9d include various cell types, matrix components, effectors and other molecules or components that may be considered, by some, to be outside the narrowest definition of xe2x80x9cstromaxe2x80x9d, but are nevertheless targetable entities that are preferentially associated with a disease region, such as a tumor.
Accordingly, the first binding region may be an antibody or ligand that binds to a smooth muscle cell, a pericyte, a fibroblast, a macrophage, an infiltrating lymphocyte or leucocyte. First binding regions may also bind to components of the connective tissue, and include antibodies and ligands that bind to, e.g., fibrin, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, collagens, and anionic polysaccharides such as heparin and heparin-like compounds.
In other preferred embodiments, the vasculature and stroma binding ligands of the invention will be binding regions that are themselves biological ligands, or portions thereof, rather than an antibody. xe2x80x9cBiological ligandsxe2x80x9d in this sense will be those molecules that bind to or associate with cell surface molecules, such as receptors, that are accessible in the stroma or on vascular cells; as exemplified by cytokines, hormones, growth factors, and the like. Any such growth factor or ligand may be used so long as it binds to the disease-associated stroma or vasculature, e.g., to a specific biological receptor present on the surface of a tumor vasculature endothelial cell.
Suitable growth factors for use in these aspects of the invention include, for example, VEGF/VPF (vascular endothelial cell growth factor/vascular permeability factor), FGF (the fibroblast growth factor family of proteins), TGFxcex2 (transforming growth factor B), a ligand that binds to a TIE, a tumor-associated fibronectin isoform, scatter factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet factor 4 (PF4), PDGF (platelet derived growth factor), TIMP or even IL-8, IL-6 or Factor XIIIa. VEGF/VPF and FGF will often be preferred.
Targeting an endothelial cell-bound component, e.g., a cytokine or growth factor, with a binding ligand construct based on a known receptor is also contemplated. Generally, where a receptor is used as a targeting component, a truncated or soluble form of the receptor will be employed. In such embodiments, it is particularly preferred that the targeted endothelial cell-bound component be a dimeric ligand, such as VEGF. This is preferred as one component of the dimer will already be bound to the cell surface receptor in situ, leaving the other component of the dimer available for binding the soluble receptor portion of the bispecific coagulating ligand.
The use of bispecific, or tri- or multi-specific, ligands that include at least one targeting region capable of binding to a component of disease-associated vasculature has the advantage that vascular endothelial cells, and disease-associated agents such as activated platelets, are similar in different diseases, and particularly in different tumors. This phenomenon makes it feasible to treat numerous diseases and types of cancer with one pharmaceutical, rather than having to tailor the agent to each individual disease or specific tumor type.
The compositions and methods of the present invention are thus suitable for use in treating both benign and malignant diseases that have a vascular component. Such vasculature-associated diseases include benign growths, such as BPH, diabetic retinopathy, vascular restenosis, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), meningioma, hemangioma, neovascular glaucoma and psoriasis. Also included within this group are synovitis, dermatitis, endometriosis, angiofibroma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic plaques, corneal graft neovascularization, hemophilic joints, hypertrophic scars, osler-weber syndrome, pyogenic granuloma retrolental fibroplasia, scleroderma, trachoma, and vascular adhesions. Each of the above diseases are known to have a common angio-dependent pathology, it is thus contemplated that achieving coagulation in the disease site would prove beneficial.
The bispecific binding ligand-coagulation factor conjugates of the present invention may be conjugates in which the two or more components are covalently linked. For example, by using a biochemical or chemical crosslinker and, preferably, one that has reasonable stability in blood, as exemplified by SMPT. The components may also be linked using the well-known avidin (or streptavidin) and biotin combination. Various cross-linkers, avidin:biotin compositions and combinations, and techniques for preparing conjugates, are well known in the art and are further described herein.
Alternatively, such bispecific coagulating agents may be fusion proteins prepared by molecular biological techniques, i.e., by joining a gene (or cDNA) encoding a binding ligand or region to a gene (or cDNA) encoding a coagulation factor. This is well known in the art and is further described herein. Typically, an expression vector is prepared that comprises, in the same reading frame, a DNA segment encoding the first binding region operatively linked to a DNA segment encoding the coagulation factor and expressing the vector in a recombinant host cell so that it produces the encoded fusion protein.
Coagulation factors for use in the invention may comprise one of the vitamin K-dependent coagulant factors, such as Factor II/IIa, Factor VII/VIIa, Factor IX/IXa or Factor X/Xa. Factor V/Va, VIII/VIIIa, Factor XI/XIa, Factor XII/XIIa and Factor XIII/XIIIa may also be used.
Particular aspects concern the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors that lack the Gla modification. Such factors may be prepared by expressing a vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor-encoding gene in a procaryotic host cell (which cells are unable to effect the Glu to Gla modification). The factors may also be prepared by making an engineered coagulation factor gene that encodes a vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor lacking the necessary or xe2x80x9ccorrespondingxe2x80x9d Glutamic acid residues, and then expressing the engineered gene in virtually any recombinant host cell. Equally, such a coagulation factor may be prepared by treating the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor protein to remove or alter the corresponding Glutamic acid residues.
Preferred coagulation factors for use in the binding ligands of the invention are Tissue Factor and Tissue Factor derivatives. One group of useful Tissue Factors are those mutants deficient in the ability to activate Factor VII. A Tissue Factor may be rendered deficient in the ability to activate Factor VII by altering one or more amino acids from the region generally between about position 157 and about position 167 in the amino acid sequence. Exemplary mutants are those wherein Trp at position 158 is changed to Arg; wherein Ser at position 162 is changed to Ala; wherein Gly at position 164 is changed to Ala; and the double mutant wherein Trp at position 158 is changed to Arg and Ser at position 162 is changed to Ala.
Further preferred Tissue Factor derivatives are truncated Tissue Factors, dimeric or even polymeric Tissue Factors and dimeric, or even polymeric, truncated Tissue Factors.
The present invention further provides novel Tissue Factor constructs that comprise a Tissue Factor or derivative operatively linked to at least one other Tissue Factor or derivative. Truncated Tissue Factors are preferred, with truncated Tissue Factors that have been modified to comprise a hydrophobic membrane insertion moiety being particularly preferred.
xe2x80x9cA hydrophobic membrane insertion moietyxe2x80x9d, as defined herein, is one or more units that direct the insertion or functional contact of the Tissue Factor with a membrane. The hydrophobic membrane insertion moieties of the invention are exemplified by stretches of substantially hydrophobic amino acids, such as between about 3 and about 20 hydrophobic amino acids; and also by fatty acids.
The hydrophobic amino acids may be located either at the N- or C-terminus of the truncated Tissue Factor, or appended at another point of the molecule. Where hydrophobic amino acids are used, they may be advantageously incorporated into the molecule by molecular biological techniques. Equally, hydrophobic amino acids or fatty acids may be added to the Tissue Factor using synthetic chemistry techniques.
In the Tissue Factor dimers, trimers and polymers of the present invention, each of the Tissue Factors or derivatives may be operatively linked via, e.g., a disulfide, thioether or peptide bond. In certain embodiments, the Tissue Factor units will be linked via a bond that is substantially stable in plasma, or in the physiological environment in which it is intended for use. This is based upon the inventors"" concept that the dimeric form of Tissue Factor may prove to be the most biologically active. However, there is no requirement for a stable linkage as Tissue Factor monomers are known to be active in the methods of the invention.
One or more of the Tissue Factors or truncated Tissue Factors in the dimers and multimers may also be modified to contain a terminal cysteine residue or another moiety that is suitable for linking the Tissue Factor construct to a second agent, such as a binding region.
Tissue Factor monomers, truncated Tissue Factors, and Tissue Factor dimers and multimers that contain a peptide that includes a selectively-cleavable amino acid sequence therefore form another aspect of the invention. Peptide linkers that include a cleavage site for urokinase, plasmin, Thrombin, Factor IXa, Factor Xa or a metalloproteinase, such as an interstitial collagenase, a gelatinase or a stromelysin, are particularly preferred.
The Tissue Factor monomers, truncated Tissue Factors, Tissue Factor dimers and multimers, and indeed any coagulant, may therefore be linked to a second agent, such as an antibody, an antigen binding region of an antibody, a ligand or a receptor, via a biologically-releasable bond. The preference for peptide linkers that include a cleavage site for the above listed proteinases is based on the presence of such proteinases within, e.g., a tumor environment. The delivery of a bispecific agent or ligand to the tumor site is expected to result in cleavage, resulting in the relatively specific release of the coagulation factor.
Particular constructs of the invention are those comprising an operatively linked series of units in the sequence: a cysteine residue, a selectively cleavable peptide linker, a stretch of hydrophobic amino acids, a first truncated Tissue Factor and a second truncated Tissue Factor; or in the sequence: a first cysteine residue, a selectively cleavable peptide linker, a first stretch of hydrophobic amino acids, a first truncated Tissue Factor, a second truncated Tissue Factor and a second stretch of hydrophobic amino acids; wherein each construct may or not be linked to a second agent such as an antibody, ligand or receptor.
Other suitable coagulation factors are Russell""s viper venom Factor X activator; platelet-activating compounds, such as thromboxane A2 and thromboxane A2 synthase; and inhibitors of fibrinolysis, such as xcex12-antiplasmin.
Also encompassed by the invention are binding ligands in which the coagulation factor is not covalently linked to the conjugate, but is non-covalently bound thereto by means of binding to a second binding region that is operatively linked to the targeting agent of the construct. Suitable xe2x80x9csecond binding regionsxe2x80x9d include antigen combining sites of antibodies that have binding specificity for the coagulation factor, including functional portions of antibodies, such as scFv, Fv, Fabxe2x80x2, Fab and F(abxe2x80x2)2 fragments.
Binding ligands that contain antibodies, or fragments thereof, directed against the vitamin K-dependent coagulant Factor II/IIa, Factor VII/VIIa, Factor IX/IXa or Factor X/Xa; a vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor that lacks the Gla modification; Tissue Factor, a mutant Tissue Factor, a truncated Tissue Factor, a dimeric Tissue Factor, a polymeric Tissue Factor, a dimeric truncated Tissue Factor; Prekallikein; Factor V/Va, VIII/VIIIa, Factor XI/XIa, Factor XII/XIIa, Factor XIII/XIIIa; Russell""s viper venom Factor X activator, thromboxane A2 or xcex12-antiplasmin are therefore contemplated.
The non-covalently bound coagulating agents may be bound to, or xe2x80x9cprecomplexedxe2x80x9d, with a coagulation factor, e.g., so that they may be used to deliver an exogenous coagulation factor to a disease site, e.g., the tumor vasculature, of an animal upon administration. Equally, binding ligands that comprise a second binding region that is specific for a coagulation factor may also be administered to an animal in an xe2x80x9cuncomplexedxe2x80x9d form and still function to achieve specific coagulation; in which instance, the agent would garner circulating (endogenous) coagulation factor and concentrate it within the disease or tumor site.
In terms of the xe2x80x9ccoagulation factorsxe2x80x9d or coagulating agents, these may be endogenous coagulation factors and derivatives thereof, or exogenously added version of such factors, including recombinant versions. Coagulants (in the present xe2x80x9ccoaguligandsxe2x80x9d) have the distinct advantage over toxins (in immunotoxins) as they will not produce significant adverse side effects upon targeting to a marker that proves to be less than 100% disease-restricted. Furthermore, the coagulants used will most often be of human origin, and will therefore pose less immunogenicity problems than foreign toxins, such as ricin A chain.
Although not limited to such compositions, important examples of compositions in accordance with this invention are bispecific antibodies, which antibodies comprise a first antigen binding region that binds to a disease cell or component of disease-associated vasculature marker and a second antigen binding region that binds to a coagulation factor. The invention also provides scFv, Fv, Fabxe2x80x2, Fab and F(abxe2x80x2)2 fragments of such bispecific antibodies. One currently preferred example of such a bispecific antibody is an antibody comprising one binding site directed against an MHC Class II antigen and another binding site directed against Tissue Factor.
In further embodiments, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions of, and therapeutic kits comprising, any or a combination of the above binding ligands and bispecific antibodies in pharmacologically acceptable forms. This includes pharmaceutical compositions and kits where the binding ligand has a first binding region that is covalently linked to a coagulation factor, and also binding ligands in which the first binding region is covalently linked to a second binding region that, in turn, binds to the coagulation factorxe2x80x94whether binding occurs prior to, or subsequent to, administration to an animal.
Pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic kits that include a combination of bispecific, trispecific or multispecific binding ligands in accordance with the invention are also contemplated. This includes combinations where one binding ligand is directed against a diseased cell or a tumor cell and where another is directed against a vasculature endothelial cell marker or component of disease-associated stroma. Other distinct components may also be included in the compositions and kits of the invention, such as antibodies, immunotoxins, immunoeffectors, chemotherapeutic agents, and the like.
The kits may also include an antigen suppressor, such as a cyclosporin, for use in suppressing antigen expression in endothelial cells of normal tissues; and/or an xe2x80x9cinducing agentxe2x80x9d for use in inducing disease-associated vascular endothelial cells or stroma to express a targetable antigen, such as E-selectin, P-selectin or an MHC Class II antigen. Exemplary inducing agents include T cell clones that bind disease or tumor antigens and that produce IFN-xcex3, although it is currently preferred that such clones be isolated from the animal to be treated using the kit.
Preferred inducing agents are bispecific antibodies that bind to disease or tumor cell antigens, or even stromal components, and to effector cells capable of producing cytokines, coagulants, or other factors, that induce expression of desired target antigens. Currently, one preferred group of bispecific antibodies are those that bind to a tumor antigen and to the activation antigens CD14 or CD16, to stimulate IL-1 production by monocytes, macrophages or mast cells; and those that bind to a tumor antigen and to the activation antigens CD2, CD3 or CD28, and preferably CD28, to stimulate IFN-xcex3 production by NK cells or preferably by T cells.
A second preferred group of bispecific antibodies are those that bind to a tumor antigen or to a component of tumor stroma, and to Tissue Factor, a Tissue Factor derivative, prothrombin, Factor VII/VIIa, Factor IX/IXa, Factor X/Xa, Factor XI/XIa or Russell""s viper venom Factor X activator, to stimulate thrombin production. Kits comprising such bispecific antibodies as a first xe2x80x9cinducingxe2x80x9d composition will generally include a second pharmaceutical composition that comprises a binding ligand that comprises a first binding region that binds to P-selectin or E-selectin.
The bispecific ligands of the invention, and other components as desired, may be conveniently aliquoted and packaged, using one or more suitable container means, and the separate containers dispensed in a single package. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits are further described herein.
Although the present invention has significant clinical utility in the delivery of coagulants and in disease treatment, it also has many in vitro uses. These include, for example, various assays based upon the binding ability of the particular antibody, ligand or receptor, of the bispecific compounds. The bispecific coagulating ligands of invention may thus be employed in standard binding assays and protocols, such as in immunoblots, Western blots, dot blots, RIAs, ELISAs, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS), immunoprecipitation, affinity chromatography, and the like, as further described herein.
In still further embodiments, the invention concerns methods for delivering a coagulant to disease-associated vasculature, as may be used to treat diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, vascular restenosis, AVM, hemangioma, neovascular glaucoma, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, and tumors that have a vascularized tumor component. Such methods generally comprise administering to an animal, including a human subject, with a disease that has a vascular component, a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one bispecific binding ligand in accordance with those described above.
The compositions are administered in amounts and by routes effective to promote blood coagulation, in the vasculature of the disease site, e.g., in the intratumoral vasculature of a solid tumor. Effective doses will be known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, such as the information in the Preferred Embodiments and Detailed Examples. Parenteral administration will often be suitable, as will other methods, such as, e.g., injection into a vascularized tumor site.
The methods of the invention provide for the delivery of exogenous coagulation factors, by means of both administering a binding ligand that comprises a covalently-bound coagulation factor and by means of administering a binding ligand that comprises a non-covalently bound coagulation factor that is complexed to a second binding region of the bispecific ligand or antibody.
Further methods of the invention include those that result in the delivery of an endogenous coagulation factor to disease or tumor vasculature. This is achieved by administering to the animal or patient a binding ligand that comprises a second binding region that binds to endogenous coagulation factor and concentrates the factor at the disease-associated or tumor vasculature.
In yet still further methodological embodiments, it is contemplated that markers of tumor vasculature or stroma may be specifically induced and then targeted using a binding ligand, such as an antibody. Exemplary inducible antigens include E-selectin, P-selectin, MHC Class II antigens, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, endoglin, ligands reactive with LAM-1, vascular addressins and other adhesion molecules, with E-selectin and MHC Class II antigens being currently preferred.
When inducing and subsequently targeting MHC Class II proteins, the suppression of MHC Class II in normal tissues is generally required. MHC Class II suppression may be achieved using a cyclosporin, or a functionally equivalent agent. MHC Class II molecules may then be induced in disease-associated vascular endothelial cells using cyclosporin-independent means, such as by exposing the disease-associated vasculature to an effector cell, generally a Helper T cell or NK cell, of the animal that releases the inducing cytokine IFN-xcex3.
Activated monocytes, macrophages and even mast cells are effector cells capable of producing cytokines (IL-1; TNF-xcex1; TNF-xcex2) that induce E-selectin; whereas Helper T cells, CD8-positive T cells and NK cells are capable of producing IFN-xcex3 that induces MHC Class II. Activating monocyte/macrophages in the disease site to produce IL-1, or activating disease-associated Helper T cells or NK cells to produce IFN-xcex3, may be achieved by administering to the animal an activating antibody that binds to an effector cell surface activating antigen. Exemplary activating antigens include CD14 and CD16 (FcR for IgE) for monocytes/macrophages; and CD2, CD3 and CD28 for T cells; with CD14 and CD28, respectively, being preferred for use in certain embodiments.
To achieve specific activation and induction, one currently preferred method is to use a bispecific antibody that binds to both an effector cell activating antigen, such as CD14 or CD28, and to a disease or tumor cell antigen. These bispecific antibodies will localize to the disease or tumor site and activate monocyte/macrophages and T cells, respectively. The activated effector cells in the vicinity of the targeted disease or tumor component will produce inducing cytokines, in this case, IL-1 and IFN-xcex3, respectively.
MHC Class II suppression in normal tissues may also be achieved by administering to an animal an anti-CD4 antibody; this functions to suppress IFN-xcex3 production by T cells of the animal resulting in inhibition of MHC Class II expression. MHC Class II molecules may again be specifically induced in disease-associated vascular endothelial cells by exposing only the disease site to IFN-xcex3. One means by which to achieve this is by administering to the animal an IFN-xcex3-producing T cell clone that binds to an antigen in the disease site. The IFN-xcex3-producing T cells will preferably be infiltrating leukocytes obtained from the disease site of the animal, such as tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) expanded in vitro.
Methods using bispecific antibodies to induce coagulant, such as thrombin, production, only in a local environment, such as in a tumor site, are also provided. Again, this will generally be achieved by administering to an animal a pharmaceutical composition comprising a bispecific antibody that binds to a tumor cell or a component of tumor stroma and to Tissue Factor, a Tissue Factor derivative, prothrombin, Factor VII/VIIa, Factor IX/IXa, Factor X/Xa, Factor XI/XIa or Russell""s viper venom Factor X activator. Antibodies that bind to E-selectin or P-selectin are then linked to a coagulation factor or a second binding region that binds to a coagulation factor and are introduced into the bloodstream of an animal.
More conventional combination treatment regimens are also possible where, for example, a tumor coagulating element of this invention is combined with an existing antitumor therapy, such as with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or through the use of a second immunological reagent, such as an antitumor immunotoxin. The novel treatment methods for benign diseases can also be combined with other presently used therapies.

Combined methods and compositions for coagulation and tumor treatment

Board of Regents, The University of Texas System


A new and distinct Hibiscus plant having red colored flowers on dark green colored foliage with long petioles.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct Hibiscus plant having the varietal name 'JBG 13008'. The new variety is the result of a planned breeding program with the purposes of developing Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plants that exhibit whitefly and leaf spot resistance, propagation and production efficiencies, durable and exotic flowers, and abundant flowering. 'JBG 13008' is the result of a cross conducted in Grand Saline, Tex. between Hibiscus rosa-sinensis varieties referred to as '12010' (female parent, unpatented) and 'C-4070-5' (male parent, unpatented). The new variety was selected in February of 2016 in Grand Saline, Tex. and the first asexual reproduction of the new variety was conducted by semi-hardwood cuttings in June of 2016 in Grand Saline, Tex. 'JBG 13008' has been trial and field tested and has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics and remain true to type through successive propagations. The present invention has not been evaluated under all possible environmental conditions. However, it has been found to thrive in production and adapt well to the environment in Homestead, Fla. The phenotype may vary with variations in environment without a change in the genotype of the plant.
'JBG 13008' is similar to its female parent in having three concentric flower petal color tones, dark colored eyes, and exhibiting vigorous and prolific flowering. 'JBG 13008' differs from its female parent in that the new variety exhibits slick and dark green colored leaves, whereas the leaves of its female parent are lighter and more dull in color, as well as smaller than the leaves of 'JBG 13008'. 'JBG 13008' is similar to its male parent in petal flower color and shade tones. Further, both varieties exhibit vigorous growth. However, 'JBG 13008' has larger leaves and a more continuous flowering season than its male parent.
When 'JBG 13008' is compared to Hibiscus rosa-sinensis variety having the commercial name of "Glamour Gal" (unpatented), the varieties exhibit similarly sized flowers and foliage, as well as similar foliage coloration. However, "Glamour Gal" has more pink coloration on its petals than 'JBG 13008', as well as a more mounding habit versus the strongly upright habit of 'JBG 13008'.
The following traits distinguish 'JBG 13008' as a new and distinct cultivar from other Hibiscus varieties known to the breeder:                1. Striking flower petal color pallet against dark green colored and large foliage;        2. Long petioles that make the flowers appear to be loosely grown;        3. Very vigorous with high branching;        4. Flower petals lay back when fully opened; and        5. Continuous flowering with a high number of flowers.


A container for use in a closed application system includes a valve mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with the container for controlling the discharge of material from the container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the container. The element engages and locks the valve in the receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate so that the container can only be received in and removed from the receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents in the container can be discharged only when the container is received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a direction to open the valve.

The present invention is directed to an improved container, and in particular an improved container system for use in connection with a closed application system such as those used for the handling of chemical agents, and in particular agricultural treatment agents. A closed application system avoids direct contact with agricultural agents by personnel handling the agricultural agents.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,972 issued on Jun. 9, 1992 and entitled xe2x80x9cContainer For Supplying Agricultural Treatment Agents In A Closed Application Systemxe2x80x9d discusses the desirability of a closed application system for personnel handling agricultural agents to be dispensed by agricultural equipment. During the course of an agricultural treatment procedure, it is usually necessary to refill the dispensing equipment with additional treatment material to replenish the supply that has been exhausted. Refill of material is accomplished by pouring material from a container, such as the container disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,972, into the dispensing equipment. The dispensing equipment includes apparatus which are self-powered or driven by an operator, such as the equipment disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,029,624; 5,060,701; 5,379,812; 5,224,527; and 5,125,438. Agricultural material can also be dispensed from receptacles worn by the agricultural workers, as for example, treatment material discharged from hoses coupled to backpacks containing the treatment material which are worn by agricultural workers.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,484,004; 4,356,848; and 4,105,142 generally disclose systems for transferring product from one container to another by gravity feed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,770,576; 1,970,451; 1,997,837 and 3,325,844 are exemplary of known systems having rotatable valve means for selectively rotating components relative to each other for aligning corresponding openings to permit flow of material from a container. Published Costa Rican Patent Specification No. 5171 discloses a known closed application system for transferring agricultural products by gravity feed from a storage container, through a rotatably actuated valve assembly in which valve components have been rotated to align corresponding openings, and into a pump for dispensing the product transferred from the container.
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved system for transferring agricultural treatment agents in a closed application system including a storage container, a receptacle for receiving product from the storage container, guide means for removably coupling the container to the receptacle, and rotatably actuated valve means for selectively controlling the flow of product from the container and into the receptacle. The improvement of the present invention provides means by which a product container is efficiently guided into a receptacle for refilling the receptacle, means for permitting the container to be received in or removed from the receptacle only when a discharge valve on the container is in a closed position, stop means for limiting relative rotation of the valve means, and locking means for preventing uncoupling of the container from the receptacle when the valve is in an opened position.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description thereof.
A container for storing material, and in particular liquid or granular agricultural treatment material, includes a discharge opening defined at the top thereof. A valve assembly is removably mounted over the discharge opening, and the valve is normally biased into a closed position for preventing discharge of material from the container through the discharge opening. The valve is selectively movable into an opened position when material is to be discharged from the container. The top of the container, including the discharge nozzle and the valve assembly, is adapted to be removably received within a supporting element mounted proximate to the top of a receptacle, when the container is placed in an inverted position. The valve assembly on the container and the supporting element in the receptacle include complementary guide means for removably mounting the container within the receptacle. No material is initially discharged from the inverted container into the receptacle because the valve over the discharge opening is in a closed position.
When the valve assembly of the container is received in the supporting element in the receptacle, the container is rotated relative to the receptacle to move the valve from a closed position to an opened position to permit material within the container to flow into the receptacle by gravity feed. Locking means movable with the valve engage the supporting element of the receptacle simultaneously with the rotation of the valve into its opened position to prevent removal of the container from the receptacle when the valve is in an opened position. Removal of the container is accomplished by rotating the container relative to the supporting element in the receptacle to move the valve into its closed position which simultaneously disengages the locking means from the supporting element of the receptacle. The valve is now in it closed position, and the container can be removed from the receptacle without discharging any material remaining in the container. The locking means also cooperates with the valve assembly to provide stop means for limiting the maximum relative rotation of the valve in first and second opposed directions as the valve is moved between closed and opened positions.
The container and the valve assembly mounted thereto cooperate with the receptacle and the supporting element mounted therein to permit refill of the receptacle with material from the inverted container without discharging material from the container before it is received in the receptacle or after it is removed from the receptacle. The valve assembly, which is removably mounted over the discharge outlet of the container, remains in a closed position at all times other than when the container is received within the receptacle for refilling the receptacle. Accordingly, the container with the valve mounted thereon can be safely handled and stored by agricultural workers before and after refilling procedures.
In a further aspect of the invention, the container includes at least one tab extending from the outer container surface, and the tab has an opening defined therein. The opening is adapted to receive a hook or other supporting element so that the container can be transported from one location to another by a cable or conveyor type transport system.

Valve assembly for use with containers in a closed application system