Apparatus and a method for monitoring animal exhalation, to provide an indication of the condition of an animal is disclosed. Apparatus for collection and temporary or permanent storage of animal exhalation sample is disclosed, together with apparatus for conditioning a sample prior to analysis. A method of conditioning a sample prior to analysis is also disclosed. Use may be made of the above mentioned apparatus and method in the diagnosis of the condition of an animal. Conditions of interest include metabolic conditions of animals such as dairy cattle; these can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath, emanations from the milk or both. Use may also be made of said apparatus and method in the detection of antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable.

The present invention relates to the monitoring of the exhalation of an animal in order to provide information about the animal. The information can relate to health, diet or other condition. The animal can be farm livestock such as cattle, domesticated animals such as cats, dogs and horses or poultry such as turkeys and chickens.
Animals produce exhalations some of which are odours such as those from the skin, breath, milk and solid and liquid waste products. It is important that any monitoring is based on an accurately taken sample.
GB 2272773A discloses a method for the examination of the condition of a ruminant animal including sampling odours from at least one part of the animal with an olfactory sensor thereby to identify a specific aspect of the animal condition and apparatus to examine a ruminant animal including means to collect breath or other flow containing an odour of the animal as a sample, means to purge said collecting means, sensing means to receive said sample and identify at least one specific condition of the animal and means to supply an indication of said condition. The method and apparatus may be used to detect conditions such as oestrus, ketosis and other metabolic disorders of ruminant animals in general.
GB 2272626A discloses the use of an olfactory sensor for the checking of any residual contamination after a teat cleaning operation. Purge air or gas can be used.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective technique for monitoring livestock on the basis of exhalation from the livestock. Exhalation includes breath from the animal, vapour from milk or any other volatile materials emanating therefrom. Condition can be determined from a component of the exhalation, which component may be an odour or specific compound or other material. The composition of such exhalation can provide a valuable source of information regarding the animal""s state of health. The determination of the presence of a particular component in the exhalation can be used to identify an animal""s condition.
In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for collecting an exhalation sample comprising a housing having inlet and outlet means; a flow path between the inlet and outlet means; and a collapsible container positioned within the housing and in communication with said flow path; means for introducing the sample to the apparatus and means for expelling the sample from the apparatus. It is particularly preferred that the means for introducing the sample to and expelling the sample facilitate flow into and out of the collapsible container.
In a first preferred embodiment the housing comprises a rigid tube having first and second ends, in communication with the flow path at the first end and at the second with means for facilitating the introduction or expulsion of the sample from the apparatus. The rigid tube is preferably made of plastic or other similar material. It is especially preferred that the end in communication with the flow path comprises inlet means for admitting the sample to the apparatus and outlet means for its expulsion. The tube is preferably sealed to prevent the ingress of unwanted contaminants. Sealing is conveniently effected by the use of closures, positioned at the open ends of the tube and appropriately pierced to accommodate the inlet and outlet means, the means for introducing and the means for expelling the sample (exhalation means) from the apparatus.
The collapsible container may take any form appropriate to permit collection and temporary storage of the sample. It is preferred that the container be made of inert material to prevent contamination of the sample. It is especially preferred that the collapsible container is disposable.
The means for introducing and means for expelling the sample from the apparatus may have the effect of facilitating flow of exhalation through the apparatus.
In a second preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the collapsible container comprises a length of plastic tubing, sealed at one end and in communication with the flow path at the other. Typically the type of plastic tubing used for packaging food is preferred.
The means for introducing the sample to the apparatus preferably produces a reduced pressure within the housing in the region surrounding the collapsible container. The establishment of this reduced pressure causes the collapsible container to expand from the collapsed state and thus draw or facilitate the flow of exhalation through the inlet and into the collection apparatus. It is preferred that flow of exhalation is into the collapsible container.
The means for expelling the sample, the exhalation means, from the apparatus preferably produces an increased pressure within the housing in the region surrounding the collapsible container. The establishment of this increased pressure causes the resilient, collapsible container to collapse which forces the exhalation to be expelled, via the outlet, from the collection apparatus.
The inlet and outlet means may be formed integrally or independent of each other and are preferably constructed of inert material to avoid contamination of the sample. The inlet and outlet means are optionally provided with valve means to selectively control the direction of flow of sample into or out of the apparatus. A two way valve may be provided in cases where the inlet and outlet means are formed integrally; the direction of flow of the exhalation sample either into or out of the apparatus may be regulated by use of electronic control means.
A third preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention provides apparatus for collecting an exhalation sample comprising a housing with inlet and outlet means; a flow path between the inlet and outlet means; a collapsible container positioned within the housing and in communication with said flow path; means for introducing the sample to the apparatus; means for expelling the sample from the apparatus and means for controlling the direction of flow of exhalation into or out of the apparatus.
Sensing means may also be provided to detect the presence of exhalation. For example flow sensing means may also be provided to detect the flow of exhalation. These flow sensing means may be connected to a central control unit where upon detection of a flow of exhalation, actuation of the sample introduction means occurs thereby effecting flow of the exhalation into the apparatus. The use of sensing and control means facilitates the collection of samples upon detection of exhalation only. These sensing and control means may also be able to distinguish between exhalations derived from the rumen and those derived from the lungs. Actuation of the sample introduction means may also be effected in response to non-rumen derived exhalations.
A fourth preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention provides apparatus for collecting an exhalation sample comprising a housing having inlet and outlet means; a flow path between the inlet and outlet means; a collapsible container positioned within the housing and in communication with said flow path; means for introducing the sample to the apparatus; means for expelling the sample from the apparatus; means for controlling the direction of flow of exhalation into or out of the apparatus; flow sensing means and actuation means for facilitating collection of a sample upon detection by the flow sensing means of the flow of exhalation.
In some instances it may be necessary to control the temperature of the collected sample in order to prevent loss of components by, for example, condensation onto the walls of the container. Thus in a fifth preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention temperature control means are further included in the apparatus. Such temperature control means may take the form of an electrical heating element, a thermostatically controlled water jacket or equivalent which surrounds or forms part of the housing.
The sample collection apparatus may form part of an apparatus such as an animal condition monitor or it may be in independent form, preferably portable. In either case it is suitable for use in the collection and temporary storage of samples for subsequent analysis. Thus the invention also provides a method of sampling animal exhalation. Such a method comprises the steps of collecting a sample of animal exhalation and storing it for subsequent analysis. Preferably the collection of the sample is in response to the detection of flow of animal exhalation by the flow sensing means. It is especially preferred that the collection of the sample is in response to the detection of non-rumen exhalations by the flow sensing means.
A second aspect of the invention provides an animal condition monitor which comprises inlet means for animal exhalation and any conveying medium; outlet means; a flow path between said inlet and outlet means; detecting means for identifying the presence and/or amount of one or more components of the exhalation (henceforth known as component detecting means); flow assisting means; signal processing and power control means wherein the output of the monitor provides an indication of the condition of the animal.
Preferably the invention further comprises, in its second aspect, sample collection means for collection and temporary storage of the sample. Sample collection means of the type described in the first aspect of the invention are preferred. The sample collection means are preferably included in and are open to or in communication with the flow path of the animal condition monitor.
In a first preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention there is provided an animal condition monitor which comprises inlet means for animal exhalation and any conveying medium; outlet means; a flow path between said inlet and outlet means; sample collection means for collection and temporary storage of the sample; component detecting means; flow assisting means; signal processing and power control means wherein the output of the monitor provides an indication of the condition of the animal.
The flow assisting means may be provided instead of or in addition to the sample introduction and/or the sample exhaustion means provided by the apparatus for collection of the sample according to the first aspect of the invention. Conveniently such flow assisting means are present within the flow path. It is especially preferred that actuation of the flow assisting means is in response to the detection of flow in the flow path of the apparatus.
Flow sensing means may also be provided. These are preferably positioned within the flow path. The output from the flow sensing means is preferably fed to the signal processing and power control means. It is especially preferred that actuation of the flow assisting means is effected in response to the detection of flow by the flow sensing means. Actuation of the component detecting means may also be effected in this way.
The determination of the condition of an animal is best effected by measurements made on exhalations emanating from the lung, preferably alveolar derived exhalations, rather than those of the rumen. It is therefore preferable to collect exhalations from the lung rather than from the rumen.
A second preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention further provides selective means for distinguishing between rumen and non-rumen exhalations. The output from the selective detection means is preferably fed to the signal processing and power control unit. In this way the operation of the apparatus can be controlled so that actuation of the monitor is only effected upon the detection of non-rumen exhalations. In this way it is possible to monitor only those exhalations of interest.
The choice of component detecting means will be apparent to a skilled person. Typically, these component detecting means should be sufficiently robust to withstand the conditions employed during sampling. These component detecting means are preferably placed within the flow path whereby contact with the sample is effected. They should provide an output in the form of an electrical signal or one capable of being converted thereto. They should have a relatively short response time to allow rapid determinations to be made. The response should also be reproducible. Electrochemical detectors or detectors derived from conducting polymers are preferred.
An accurate indication of the condition of the animal may depend upon the physical condition of the sample and in this respect it may be advantageous to control aspects such as the temperature, pressure, humidity, velocity and extent of dilution of the sample either individually or in combination. The provision of a purge or carrier gas (dilution means) may also be of advantage since this may also be used to standardise the physical condition of the sample.
Additional embodiments of the second aspect of the invention provide, either individually or in combination, temperature controlling means, humidity controlling means, pressure controlling means, sample velocity control means, sample dilution means and means for monitoring and controlling the extent of the dilution. The reproducibility of the component sensors is generally increased by standardising the sample. The results obtained are therefore more likely to be reliable and provide a good indication of the condition of an animal.
In order to ensure good reproducibility it may be necessary to purge the apparatus between determinations. The choice of purge gas will depend upon the component detector means and the nature of the sample. Examples of gases used for purging include bottled air or an inert gas such as nitrogen.
A third embodiment of the second aspect of the invention further provides means for purging the apparatus between determinations. The length of the purging cycle may vary but should be long enough to allow the response of the component detecting means to return to its baseline value. Ideally the component detection means should be exposed to the sample for the same length of time as it is exposed to the purge gas. This gives the component detecting means the same length of time to adjust to both the sample and purge environments optimising the response times for each.
A fourth preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention further provides exhaustion means for expelling the exhalation sample and any conveying means from the monitoring apparatus. Typical exhaustion means will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Exhaustion may be effected by use of a purging gas. Alternatively, use may be made of components such as impellers, fans, pumps and the like to expel the sample and any conveying medium from the apparatus.
The condition or the state of the sample is preferably standardised by the use of physical means. This generally has the effect of ensuring that the output from the component detecting device is both reproducible and provides an accurate indication of the state of the sample. However, by processing the signal from a non-standardised sample an output can be obtained which is both reproducible and meaningful. It is preferred that such signal processing is carried out with reference to the physical conditions within the apparatus at that time. In this way a correction may be applied to account for any nonstandard conditions and physical manipulation of the sample is not then required.
A fifth embodiment of the second aspect of the invention provides an animal condition monitor including a monitor inlet for animal exhalation (as herein defined) and any conveying medium, a flow path from said inlet for said exhalation and any medium, a monitor flow sensor for the exhalation and any conveying medium flow path to provide a flow indicating signal, the flow path including a sensor to provide a condition indication signal, together with means to assist flow in said flow path, the monitor further including signal processing and power control means responsive to the signals and a power source to provide condition indication output on a suitable flow signal.
It is preferred that the animal condition monitor includes an inlet for animal exhalation (as herein defined) and any conveying medium; a flow path from the inlet which comprises sensing means for monitoring and indicating flow of the exhalation and optionally the conveying medium, detecting means for identifying the presence and/or amount of one or more components of the exhalation (henceforth known as component detecting means) of the animal and flow assisting means; signal processing and power control means responsive to the output from the sensing and detecting means and a power source, wherein the output of the monitor provides an indication of the condition of an animal. The indication of the condition of the animal may be included in a method in which further processing steps are required to establish the condition of an animal; or the indication may need to be interpreted by a skilled person in order that the condition of the animal be established.
A sixth preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention provides an animal condition monitor including a monitor inlet for animal exhalation (as herein defined) and any conveying medium, a flow path from said inlet for said exhalation and any medium, an exhalation and medium collector housing connected to said flow path, a collector retainer for a replaceable, collapsible, sized collector, open to said flow path, means to assist flow to an adequate level in said flow path into a retained collector, the arrangement being such that animal exhalation and any conveying medium can be drawn into a retained collector from said inlet as a sample.
It is further preferred that the animal condition monitor includes an inlet for animal exhalation (as herein defined) and any conveying medium; a flow path from said inlet; a housing in communication with and open to said flow path, adapted for collection of the exhalation and other medium; flow assisting means to ensure transfer of the exhalation and conveying medium (as a sample) from the inlet, through the flow path and into the housing; characterised in that the housing further includes a resilient, collapsible container positioned within the housing and open to the flow path. It is especially preferred that the container is disposable.
There may be means to displace from the collector animal exhalation and any conveying medium drawn into a collector for sensing by a condition sensor. An exhalation component sensor, optionally in the form of a sensor adapted to be sensitive to particular chemicals is preferably present to provide an indication of odour output. Means for maintaining a selected temperature, pressure and/or humidity level in the monitor are preferably provided.
The flow assisting means in the flow path may include at least one impeller movable in the flow path. The means to assist flow in the flow path preferably produces a reduced pressure in said flow path. The means to produce a reduced flow path pressure preferably produces a reduced pressure around said retained collapsible container.
Exhaustion means are preferably provided to transfer the exhalation (as herein defined) and conveying medium from the apparatus. In one embodiment the component detecting means for indicating the condition of the animal is placed in the exhaust path. It is preferred that means for maintaining a selected temperature and/or humidity level in the monitor are also present.
Preferably the flow assisting means include at least one impeller movable in the flow path. The flow of the sample in the flow path may be effected by the production of a, reduced pressure, preferably around the collapsible container.
In addition, means may be provided for monitoring and controlling the temperature, pressure and/or the humidity of the exhalation (as herein defined) and conveying medium in the monitoring apparatus. In some instances it may be desirable to include or introduce a known quantity of a calibration gas into the sample thereby allowing the temperature, pressure, humidity and rate of flow of the sample mixture to be controlled; such a process is known as dilution. Optimal results can be achieved by passing the sample mixture over the component detecting means at a predetermined temperature, pressure, humidity and flow rate and comparing the response of the component detecting means to that observed during the passage, between samples, of a calibration and purging gas mixture under similar conditions. This ensures standardisation of the sample with respect to the calibration mixture.
A seventh preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention provides an animal condition monitor which includes a monitor inlet for animal exhalation (as herein defined); flow sensing means; means for introducing the conveying, calibration and purging means into the apparatus; means for monitoring the temperature and/or humidity of the sample; means for controlling the temperature and/or humidity of the sample within the apparatus; means to monitor and/or control the dilution of the sample within the apparatus; component detecting means adapted to be responsive to specified components within the sample; a flow path from the inlet for the sample or sample mixture; flow assisting means; a power source and output means to provide an indication of the condition of the animal from the response of the sensing means.
Component detecting means adapted to operate in the ambient environment may be used. Preferably these component detecting means are capable of distinguishing the components of interest within the sample from the background environment. Electrochemical detectors are especially preferred.
As the soft palette of an animal is always likely to open, which opening allows unwanted rumen gas such as methane to enter the monitor, care must be taken as high concentrations of methane can affect measurements. It is preferred that emanations not originating from the rumen are sampled. Emanations of particular interest are those arising from the lungs and milk.
Exclusion or minimising the amount of rumen gas in the sample may be achieved by monitoring exhaled breath. It is preferred that the means for introducing the conveying and/or calibration medium and/or the flow assisting means are actuated by part of the animals breathing cycle eg conveniently by detection of the animals exhaled breath. Such actuation may be in response to the output of the flow detecting means.
An eighth preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention provides an animal condition monitor substantially as herein described wherein the operation of the apparatus is activated by the flow of animal exhalation. Preferably the activation is initiated by the flow sensing means.
A monitor is preferably arranged to receive only exhaled breath of an animal.
Conveniently the replaceable, collapsible sized collector is a set length of set cross-section food quality plastic tube.
The flow path to the collector may include a one-way valve to allow flow only into the collector from the inlet and the flow path may then extend past the sensor to an outlet, the monitor also including means to assist flow from the collector to the outlet.
The sensor may be downstream from the monitor inlet. The monitor may be arranged to be inserted into a nostril of an animal. The monitor may be arranged to respond only when adequate animal exhalation occurs.
The monitor may be arranged to be inserted into a milk flow system such as a whole or quarter milker to receive odour by the action of the vacuum of the system. It is preferred that the monitor inlet is positioned such that the animal exhalation can be readily collected. The inlet may be in communication with a tube, adapted for positioning within the animal""s nostril. Alternatively the inlet may be incorporated in or adjacent to the animal""s feeding trough or be included as part of the milking arrangement.
The monitor is preferably of chemically inert material, at least where contact with exhalation can occur.
There may be at least one further odour sensor downstream of a first odour sensor. Components sensed may include those of ketosis, that is acetone in breath or milk, and mastitis pathogens by composition/odour of milk. One or more component detecting means may be placed within the flow path. These may be placed individually or as an array; together, sequentially or at predetermined positions within the flowpath.
Means may be provided to xe2x80x9cwashxe2x80x9d sensors or component detecting means to aid recovery of detection ability. Preferably, the washing comprises the passage of purge and/or calibration gas over the sensors or component detecting means between samples. Alternative temperature and humidity conditions to those used during normal operating conditions may be employed to assist in the removal of any contaminants from the sensors.
A reference exhalation component may be provided for a sensor.
The invention also provides a method of monitoring animal exhalation.
A third aspect of the invention provides a method of monitoring animal exhalation comprising the steps of isolating said animal exhalation, contacting the exhalation with component detecting means, monitoring and recording the response of the component detecting means and determining the condition of the animal therefrom.
The use of electrochemical detectors is preferred. Electrochemical detectors can vary their output with temperature, pressure, humidity, air flow and pressure which may mask signals generated by components of interest within the sample or sample mixture. In order to obtain reproducible results it is desirable to maintain the temperature, pressure, humidity, air flow and pressure of the sample or sample mixture within a specified range. The use of a calibration medium is especially preferred since this facilitates the establishment of reference and control values with which the component detector output for the sample or sample mixture may be compared.
A first embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of isolating animal exhalation; monitoring the temperature, pressure, humidity, pressure and velocity of the isolated animal exhalation; admixing with the exhalation, if required, a known quantity of conveying and/or calibration medium and heating or cooling the resulting sample or sample mixture to maintain the temperature, pressure and humidity within a specified range; passing over the component detecting means a mixture of a calibration and purging medium the composition, temperature, humidity, pressure and velocity of which is within specified values; recording the response of the component detecting means to the calibration and purging medium mixture and determining a baseline response therefrom; passing over the component detecting means the treated sample, the temperature, humidity, pressure and velocity of which is within the same specified values as that of the calibration and purging mixture; recording the response of the component detecting means to the sample mixture; comparing the baseline response with the sample response thereby providing an indication of the condition of the animal; and passing a purge gas over the component detecting means at a reduced pressure until the response of the detecting means corresponds to the aforementioned baseline response. It is preferred to expose both the calibration and purging medium mixture and the sample mixture to the component detecting means for similar periods of time. The indication of the condition of the animal may be included in a method in which a signal processing step is used to establish the condition of an animal; or the indication may need to be interpreted by a skilled person in order that the condition of the animal be established.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides apparatus for treatment of an animal exhalation sample prior to analysis comprising inlet and outlet means, a flow path between the inlet and outlet means and means for conditioning the sample. The treatment of the exhalation sample prior to analysis facilitates standardisation of the sample. The results of determinations made using a standardised sample are generally thought to be more reliable as any variations in the response of the component detecting means arising from differences in the temperature, pressure, humidity etc of the sample are eliminated and the measured response will be representative of the composition of the sample.
Conditioning the sample may include controlling each of the temperature, pressure, humidity, flow velocity and dilution, either individually or in combination. Depending upon the requirements, it may not be necessary to control all of these physical parameters and the form of the conditioning means will depend upon which of those parameters are considered to be important for the application in question.
A first embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention provides apparatus for treatment of an animal exhalation sample prior to analysis comprising inlet and outlet means, a flow path between the inlet and outlet means and conditioning means wherein the conditioning means include temperature sensing means and means for controlling the temperature of the sample within the apparatus. The number and position of the temperature sensing means will depend upon the nature of the apparatus but should be sufficient to ensure the detection of any significant temperature variation of the sample within the apparatus. It is therefore preferable to provide temperature sensing means at or near to the apparatus inlet and at or near other positions within the apparatus where manipulation of the sample occurs. The type of means for controlling the temperature will be apparent to a person skilled in the art and include an electrical heating element or a component such as a thermostatically controlled water jacket or equivalent. As with the temperature sensing means, the number and position of such means will depend upon the nature of the apparatus and should be sufficient to ensure that the temperature of the sample does not vary significantly from any predetermined value. It is possible to avoid any significant variations in temperature of the sample by placing the temperature controlling means adjacent to or slightly downstream of any positions within the apparatus where physical manipulation of the sample occurs. It is preferred, in positioning the temperature control means, not to place such means adjacent to the temperature sensing means since this will prevent the accurate determination of sample temperature within the apparatus.
In a second embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention the conditioning means further includes humidity sensing means and means for controlling the humidity of the sample. Similar considerations apply regarding the number and positioning of the humidity sensing and control means as apply to the temperature sensing and control means referred to in the first embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention.
It is preferred that the number and position of the temperature sensing means, the temperature control means, the humidity sensing means and the humidity control means is sufficient to ensure that the temperature and/or the humidity of the sample correspond to those values for which the response of any component detecting means used for subsequent analysis is optimum.
In a third preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention the sample conditioning means includes temperature sensing means, temperature control means, humidity sensing means and humidity control means. The combination of means facilitates manipulation of the state or condition of the sample thereby ensuring an optimum response of the component detecting means on analysis of the sample.
In a fourth embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention the conditioning means further include dilution means. The dilution means ideally comprise an inert gas such as nitrogen or a mixture of gases of known composition such as high purity air. The use of dilution means may influence the temperature, pressure, humidity and composition of the exhalation sample. It is especially preferred that the temperature and humidity of any dilution means is maintained within a predetermined limit so that any further manipulation of the exhalation sample can also be readily controlled.
Dilution of the sample may be effected upon entry of the sample into the apparatus. At this stage the dilution means may also function as a conveying medium.
It may be desirable to dilute the sample in response to physical changes brought about during the conditioning process. It may also be desirable to dilute the sample as a final step in the conditioning process, prior to its being analysed.
As mentioned previously, the sample may be diluted in order to facilitate control of its temperature, pressure and/or humidity. Dilution of the sample may also be necessary in circumstances where the sample is very concentrated; without dilution of the sample the response of any component detecting means would probably be off the scale and therefore meaningless. The use of dilution means therefore helps to ensure that the results obtained from the analysis of a conditioned exhalation sample are both reproducible and meaningful.
In a fifth preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention the conditioning means comprises temperature sensing means, humidity sensing means, temperature controlling means, humidity controlling means and dilution means. The use of a combination of means facilitates extensive conditioning of the sample which ensures that reproducible and accurate results are obtained from subsequent analysis of a sample so conditioned.
In a sixth embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention the conditioning means also comprises pressure sensing means. It is preferred that means to control the pressure of the exhalation sample are also present. The number and position of the pressure sensing and pressure control means will, as indicated above, depend upon the nature of the apparatus and the component detecting means but should be such as to ensure that the pressure of the exhalation sample prior to analysis facilitates an optimum response from the component detecting means.
In a seventh preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention the conditioning means comprises temperature sensing means, humidity sensing means, pressure sensing means, temperature controlling means, humidity controlling means, pressure controlling means and dilution means.
It is preferred that the output of the temperature sensing means, the humidity sensing means and the pressure sensing means are fed to the power control and signal processing unit. It is especially preferable that the functioning of the temperature controlling means, the humidity controlling means, the pressure controlling means and the dilution means are also controlled via this unit. This allows alteration of the temperature, pressure, humidity and extent of dilution of the exhalation sample in response to the output signals of the sensing means.
In many instances the apparatus for treatment of an animal exhalation sample prior to analysis comprises part of the animal condition monitoring apparatus. It may be desirable to transport the sample within the animal condition monitor out of the sample treatment component thereof so that interaction of the sample with the component detecting means is effected subsequent to its being conditioned. The provision of flow assisting means and optionally exhaustion means facilitates this transport and ensures thorough mixing of the sample.
In an eighth embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention the conditioning means further includes flow assisting means. Exhaustion means may also be included.
A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method for treating an exhalation sample prior to its analysis comprising the steps of collecting said sample, determining its state and conditioning said sample accordingly. Conditioning the sample may require changes be made to each or a combination of its temperature, humidity pressure and extent of dilution.
Determination of the state of the sample may be effected by measurement from each or a combination of the temperature, humidity or pressure sensing means. Information derived from the sensor output may be used to control the state of the sample.
For conditioning the sample use may be made of each or a combination of the temperature controlling means, the humidity controlling means, the pressure controlling means and the dilution means. Changes to each of these parameters may be invoked by the power control and signal processing means in response to the output from the sensing means.
A preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of treating an exhalation sample prior to analysis which comprises the steps of isolating animal exhalation; monitoring the temperature, humidity, pressure and velocity of the isolated animal exhalation; admixing with the exhalation, if required, a known quantity of conveying and/or calibration medium and heating or cooling the resulting sample or sample mixture to maintain the temperature, pressure, humidity and velocity of the sample within a specified range.
A sixth aspect of the invention comprises the use of the apparatus and method according to each or a combination of the five aspects of the invention herein before described in a method for diagnosing the condition of an animal. Typically the metabolic condition of animals such as dairy cattle can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath and milk, and the present invention includes a monitor or method in which the exhalation is either exhaled breath, emanation from the milk or both.
The apparatus described herein above may be incorporated into an animal feed trough. Positioning the apparatus in this way facilitates the collection of animal exhalation samples.
A seventh aspect of the invention comprises an animal feed trough which includes apparatus according to the first, second and fourth aspects of the invention.
The sensing technique may also be use to detect, inter alia, antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable since this would facilitate the rapid screening of animals for exposure to pathogens such as brucella aborta.
Preferably the performance of the animal monitor is itself monitored over its period of use and an alternative system of analysis may be employed for this purpose. Gas Chromatography in combination with Mass Spectometry (GCMS) is the preferred alternative and in a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention a method is provided which includes the steps of diverting a proportion of the sample mixture from the flow path, passing it through a GCMS system, assessing the output therefrom and comparing it with the output of the animal condition monitoring apparatus.
The apparatus and method of the invention will now be described by way of illustration only by reference to the following non-limiting Examples and Figures. Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:


The present invention provides an organometal catalyst having a cationic metal complex and a borate-based bulky anion, where the metal is one or more selected from the group consisting of metals in group 13, a method for preparing the same, and a method for preparing an oligomer or a polymer using the same.

Generally, in a process for preparing an oligomer or a polymer by the cationic polymerization of monomers, a propagating polymer chain includes an active part which has a positive charge. For example, the active part may be a carbenium ion (carbon cation) or an oxonium ion.
As a catalyst or an initiator for such cationic polymerization, an aluminum- or boron-based Lewis acid is generally used. Examples of the Lewis acid catalyst include AlX3, BX3 (X=F, Br, Cl, I), etc., and the Lewis acid is a corrosive substance and produces halogen components such as HCl and HF during a quenching process, and this halogen components remain in a product to cause problems of degrading product quality. In addition, a Lewis acid catalyst requires a large amount of catalyst, and in order to remove the catalyst after reaction, a large amount of base (NaOH, KOH, NH4OH, etc.) is used, and accordingly, additional washing with water is required and a large amount of waste water is produced.
Meanwhile, examples of the monomer which is capable of undergoing cationic polymerization include styrene, isobutene, cyclopentadiene, dicyclopentadiene and the derivatives thereof, and typical examples include polyisobutene obtained by polymerizing isobutene.
Polyisobutene is classified into a low molecular weight, medium molecular weight and high molecular weight range according to the range of molecular weight. The low molecular weight polyisobutene has a number average molecular weight range of about 10,000 or less, and includes product groups of common polybutene and high reactive polybutene (HR-PB) product. The high reactive polybutene includes carbon-carbon double bonds mainly positioned at the terminal of the polybutene, and after introducing a functional group using a vinylidene functional group at the terminal (>80%), the high reactive polybutene is used as a fuel additive or an engine oil additive. In order to polymerize such high reactive polybutene, a boron-based catalyst such as BF3 is conventionally used, but this catalyst is toxic and has a gas type, and is difficult to handle. In addition, in order to increase reactivity and selectivity, a boron-alcohol or boron-ether composite is prepared and used, but there is a problem that the activity of the catalyst is reduced over time.
In addition, the medium molecular weight polyisobutene has a number average molecular weight in a range of about 30,000-100,000, and is mainly used in an adhesive, a sticking agent, a sealant and a wax, may be used as a reforming agent of polyethylene or mixed with a natural rubber or synthetic rubber to be used to improve aging resistance and ozone resistance.
Meanwhile, according to a solvent-ligated organometal catalyst studied by professor Kuhn of Technical University of Munich (Macromol. Rapid Commun., vol. 20, no. 10, pp. 555-559), the problems relating to the deterioration of product quality and corrosiveness due to the toxic component such as the conventional boron-based Lewis acid catalyst may be solved, but since the reaction time is fundamentally long and 16 hours, and the exo-content is decreased due to structural isomerization, the competitiveness is lower than the Lewis acid catalyst. In addition, in order to polymerize the medium molecular weight polyisobutene, chain transfer is required to be maximally decreased while increasing the molecular weight, and generally, the control thereof is performed by decreasing the temperature in cationic polymerization. However, the solvent-ligated organometal catalyst has low reactivity at a low temperature and does not show catalyst activity at less than 10° C., and thus, is not used as a catalyst for polymerizing a medium or higher molecular weight polyisobutene.
Meanwhile, a metal complex which has bulky counter anions [M(NCCH3)6][B(C6F5)4], is widely used as a precursor of various catalysts, and recently receives much attention as having activity which is capable of polymerizing isobutene. Generally, in order to prepare such compound, a metal complex is prepared using a photosensitive silver reagent, or a metal reagent of group 1 or group 2 such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) according to the reaction below.

However, in the reaction, a metal salt (M2Cl, M2=Li, Na, Ka, Mg, Ag, etc.) is produced, and if this metal salt is incompletely removed and remain with the catalyst, the activity of a catalyst may be degraded due to poisoning. In addition, the yield is very low in the above-described method, and there are problems that a catalyst could not be prepared efficiently. Among them, a silver reagent having good reactivity is widely used, but if the silver reagent is used with a metal having a low oxidation potential, a metal may be easily oxidized, and its use is limited.
Generally, the preparation of such silver reagent follows a synthetic method according to the following Reactions (a) and (b):

In a metal chemistry field, which is sensitive to humidity, a method using KBArF (a) is preferred to a method using NaBArF (b) as a starting material. However, both methods require the use of an expensive silver reagent material (AgNO3 or Ag2CO3), and there are defects of relatively low yield.
Meanwhile, a cationic polymerization method which is generally used for polymerizing a polyisobutene is very sensitive to humidity and impurities, and sometimes, the reaction may be terminated due to the reaction with a small amount of humidity or impurities during the propagation of a polymer chain or chain transfer may occur, and the preparation of a polymer having a high molecular weight is difficult. In case of preparing a catalyst using the metal complex prepared using the conventional silver reagent, the complete removal of a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a magnesium salt or a silver salt, which are produced during a preparation process is difficult. Accordingly, such a salt is included in the polymerization reaction as impurities and the production of a polymer having a high molecular weight is difficult. In addition, due to the contamination, there are defects of deteriorating the activity of a catalyst.
As described above, the development of a catalyst which may polymerize both a polybutene oligomer having high exo-content and a medium or higher polyisobutene, does not contain a metal salt as a residual material and thus show improved activity, and thus may perform effective polymerization reaction with a small amount of the catalyst, is required.

Cationic metal complex, organometal catalyst having borate-based bulky anion, method for preparing the same, and method for preparing oligomer or polymer using the same


A portable device includes a case having wall portions, a battery arranged within the case, and a polymer membrane arranged between at least one of the wall portions and the battery. The polymer membrane couples the battery to the at least one of the wall portions. The polymer membrane has a property of elastically changing at least one of the thickness and the length in a planar direction by being deformed in response to voltage application and restoring its original shape in response to the stoppage of the voltage application. The battery is caused to reciprocate by applying a voltage that changes periodically to the polymer membrane.

The present invention relates to a portable device having a vibration generating mechanism.
Many portable devices such as mobile phones are equipped with a vibrator, which is a vibration generating mechanism for announcing an incoming call, an alarm (set time) or the like. In general, the vibrator has a structure in which a weight is eccentrically fixed to the rotary shaft of a motor, as described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2013-62747. In this portable device, upon rotation of the rotary shaft of the motor, a weight with an eccentric center of gravity rotates to generate vibration. This vibration allows for the vibration of the entire portable device.


The present invention provides a method for preparing Nilotinib of the following structure:

Nilotinib, or 4-methyl-3-[[4-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]-N-[5-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide, of the following structure is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor which can be used for the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases, such as Philadelphia Chromosome Chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The method for the preparation of Nilotinib was first disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,791 B2 (the '791 patent), which involves the coupling of an acid, 4-methyl-3[[4-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzoic acid, with an aniline derivative 5-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine using excessive diethyl cyanophosphonate as a coupling reagent.
The general reaction scheme of the process disclosed by the '791 patent is illustrated as follows:

This process, however, gives low and inconsistent yields and the coupling reagent, diethyl cyanophosphonate, is an expensive reagent.
An improved process for the preparation of Nilotinib was later disclosed by the U.S. Patent 2008/0188656 (the '656 patent). The general reaction scheme of this improved process is illustrated as follows:

According to the '656 patent, Nilotinib is prepared by direct condensation of an ester derivative with the same aniline molecule disclosed in the '791 patent. The reaction is catalyzed by a strong base and carried out in an organic solvent. When the strong base potassium tert-Butoxide is used as the coupling reagent in solvent tetrahydrofuran, a free base Nilotinib can be produced in reasonable yield.
This improved process is repeatable at temperatures ranging from 0˜40° C. and Nilotinib can be obtained after 22 hours at 75% conversion. Detail results are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1Coupling reaction by reagent t-BuOK in THFEq. ofNilotinibEster/Temp.Time(Area %)EntryamineCoupling Reagent(° C.)(h)(By HPLC)Patent ′7911.0/1.0t-BuOK (5.5 eq.)18-23NA67% (Isolate)11.0/1.0 t-BuOK (5.5 eq.)01.075.703.073.006.073.9022.075.121.0/1.0t-BuOK (5.5 eq.)201.072.3203.072.4206.072.52022.075.131.0/1.0 t-BuOK (5.5 eq.)401.072.2403.071.8406.074.34022.074.9

Abstract: by direct condensation of an ester and an aniline promoted by trialkyl aluminum in an organic solvent.


The invention relates to a wall feedthrough having a frame which is divided by at least one intermediate web into at least two chambers, wherein at least one grommet of elastic material is arranged in each of the chambers, and wherein the grommet has at least one passage opening for accommodating an elongated object to be passed through the wall.

The disclosure relates to a wall feedthrough having a frame and elastic grommets accommodated therein according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.
Wall feedthroughs for elongated objects, such as in particular cables, hoses, pipes or the like are known from the prior art. Using cable ducts as an example, EP 2 746 634 A2, EP 2 323 236 A1 or DE 103 47 653 A1 can be mentioned as the prior art. All these wall feedthroughs essentially have a frame with at least one intermediate web which divides the open area of the frame into at least two chambers. In the chambers, elastic grommets can be accommodated, which in turn have a passage opening for accommodating the elongated object such as a cable, a hose, a pipeline or the like. The elastic grommets then lie in a sealing manner against the elongated object and enclose it, so that the wall feedthrough can be designed in a completely sealed manner and is typically also capable of realizing strain relief for the elongated objects through the grommets, in that the elastic grommets lie positively and/or non-positively around the elongated object and are in turn held positively and/or non-positively in the frame or between a web of the frame and the at least one intermediate web.
It is the object of the present disclosure to further improve the sealing of such a wall feedthrough.
According to the disclosure, this object is solved by a wall feedthrough with the features in claim 1 and here in particular in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous designs and further developments result from the subclaims that are dependent thereon.
The wall feedthrough according to the disclosure provides that two adjacent grommets (or sockets), with an intermediate web between them, are designed so that they overlap the intermediate web on at least one side of the frame in the longitudinal direction of the elongated object over the height of one side edge of the grommet and make sealing contact with each other.
This particularly advantageous configuration of the wall feedthrough according to the disclosure thus creates a contact between the elastic material of the grommets themselves. As a result, the intermediate web is completely covered so that it no longer has any direct influence on the seal. For this reason, intermediate webs with a non-sealed shape, for example intermediate webs formed in a truss construction, intermediate webs with threads or similar would be conceivable in principle. A very decisive advantage, regardless of the design of the intermediate web, is the fact that the grommets now touch each other, thus creating a seal between the grommets. This sealing between the elastic materials of the grommets enables a much better seal to be achieved than a seal between the mostly, but not necessarily, harder material of the intermediate web and the elastic material of the grommet. In particular, manufacturing tolerances that cannot be completely avoided in the production of the frame, the chambers and the intermediate webs can be better compensated for.
A further very decisive advantage of the grommets touching each other in an area where they overlap an intermediate web ultimately leads to the consequence that the entire wall feedthrough in the area of the grommets forms a single largely flat surface and that, in contrast to the structures shown in the prior art, no larger joints remain here. This is a very decisive advantage, in particular in hygiene-relevant applications, for example in the food processing industry, since the risk of dirt accumulating here is drastically reduced by dispensing with joints. At the same time, a very high degree of tightness can be achieved so that the now largely flat surface of the adjacent grommets can be cleaned easily and efficiently, for example with a high-pressure cleaner, a steam jet or similar.
In accordance with a very advantageous further development of the idea, it is provided that the grommets have corresponding profiles in the area of the sealing contact overlapping the intermediate web. Such corresponding profiles between the grommets or the end faces of the grommet projections overlapping the intermediate webs allow the sealing to be improved even further. In this case, the corresponding profiles can be designed in the form of a labyrinth seal, for example, to achieve an even higher level of sealing. Alternative variants would be, for example, the design in steps or as tongue and groove or, in particular, in the form of opposing bevels. On the one hand, such opposing bevels enable a good seal by additional overlapping of the material of one grommet with the material of the other grommet. For example, if both are beveled at a 30° angle, one bevel formed towards the rear completely overlaps the other bevel formed towards the front. This increases the area of contact between the grommets and further improves the seal. If, due to manufacturing tolerances in the frame and the intermediate webs, the grommets are slightly displaced during assembly in a direction transverse to the direction of passage of the elongated objects, such a bevel can largely prevent the formation of a critical joint in which dirt accumulates. The bevels also allow tolerance compensation beyond the elasticity of the grommet material.
A further design of the wall feedthrough according to the disclosure provides for the projection of the grommets, which partially overlaps the intermediate web, to lie flat against the intermediate web. By using the material of the intermediate web as a kind of carrier, this enables high mechanical strength, so that deformation, for example when using a high-pressure cleaner, is minimized, which leads to an improvement in sealing, in particular even without a corresponding profile.
Another very advantageous design of the idea provides further that the grommets overlap the frame on at least one of their sides in the longitudinal direction of the elongated objects by a certain distance, in order to ensure a very good seal in this case too and to avoid a groove running into the material in the longitudinal direction of the elongated objects. This also serves to improve the sealing and allows in particular high hygiene requirements to be met without any problems. In particular, the construction in this case is such that the side of the frame and the grommets, where the intermediate webs are covered by the overlapping grommet material, is the same side on which the grommet material also overlaps the frame by a certain distance.
In principle, it can be provided in this case to realize all this on only one side of the frame. An even further improvement in sealing can be achieved if this variant of sealing is achieved on both sides of the frame by overlapping sections of the grommets above the intermediate webs and the material of the grommets overlapping the frame by a distance on the side edge of the grommet facing away from the intermediate webs.
A very advantageous further development of the idea may alternatively or partially in addition thereto provide that the frame overlaps the grommets on at least one side of the frame in the longitudinal direction of the elongated objects by a certain distance. In this variant, it is therefore not the material of the grommet that overlaps the frame, but the frame is designed with a groove or profile groove for the grommet and overlaps the grommet. This also leads to a very good seal. Comparable to the grommet overlapping the frame, this can be realized on one or both sides of the frame in the longitudinal direction of the elongated objects. In principle, a combination of the structures is also conceivable, so that on one side of the frame in the longitudinal direction of the elongated objects the grommets overlap the frame by a distance and on the other side the frame overlaps the grommets. Another very advantageous design of the idea provides in this case that the grommets are realized in a form fit with the intermediate webs and the frame. They then hold in the longitudinal direction of the elongated objects not only by friction, but in particular also by a form fit, for example by a corresponding profile. On the one hand, this can increase the mechanical strength, so that the grommets can serve not only as a seal but also as a strain relief and, on the other hand, it can also improve the seal, since, in the manner of a labyrinth seal, each profile also always creates the possibility to increase the seal by multiple reversal of the direction of a potentially remaining gap.
As mentioned earlier, the frame can be made of a harder material than the grommets. However, it is also conceivable to use the same material for both, or in principle it would even be conceivable to make the grommets harder than the frame. In a preferred variant, however, the elasticity of the grommet can be relatively high, for example in the range of 30 to 70 Shore A, while that of the frame is lower in this case. The frame is therefore harder and therefore less elastic, for example with a hardness of more than 80 Shore A. In particular, the frame can be made of fiber-reinforced polyamide.
The passage opening in each of the grommets can be designed as a simple passage opening. It would be similarly conceivable, as is described in the prior art mentioned at the beginning, to provide a kind of pierceable membrane in the passage opening, so that the structure receives the passage opening only in the assembly of the elongated object at all, while unused grommets remain formed without passage opening and closed in themselves. A further possibility is also described in the prior art mentioned above. In this particularly preferred option, which is particularly suitable for pipes or cables with corresponding connecting elements such as flanges or plugs, it is provided in accordance with a very advantageous further development of the idea that each passage opening of each grommet is provided with a slot for unfolding the grommet. Such a slot allows the grommet to be unfolded so that even elongated objects that cannot be threaded through the opening because they carry, for example, plugs, flanges, hose connections or the like, can be inserted into the grommet during assembly. The grommet, which is unfolded during assembly, is then closed and pressed together when the frame is closed to realize a seal between the individual grommets and between the elongated object and the passage opening on the one hand and a seal between the two surfaces of the slot on the other. In this case, it is obvious that the slot does not have to be designed as a flat cut. Rather, it can be realized with a corresponding contour, for example in the form of a tongue and groove, in order to further improve the seal in the area of the slot.

Abstract: It is provided according to the invention that two adjacent grommets, having an intermediate web between them, are respectively designed in such a way that they overlap the intermediate web on at least one side of the frame in the longitudinal direction of the elongated objects over the entire height of one side edge of the grommet and make sealing contact with each other.


An improved valve utilizes a ball or sphere positioned within a housing which is movable by source of magnetic force external to the housing, the housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a sealing member positioned within the housing adjacent the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet. A modular control valve apparatus is provided having at least one or a plurality of valves in the housing, each having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a passage from a source of fluid or aspiration to an instrument or other device to direct and/or utilize the fluid or aspiration. Control is provided by including one or more pressure monitors, such as diaphragms positioned in recesses in a surface of the housing, coupled to passageways connected to passageways leading to fluid flow conduits. Variations in pressure in the conduits are transmitted from the diaphragm to a sensor such as a transducer to generate a signal, which activates a correcting electronic circuit which in turn controls a pump for a vacuum system. Provision is made to prevent contamination of the monitoring system by providing a hydrophobic filter between each passageway leading to the conduit and the diaphragm.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to valves, particularly valves useful in medical apparatus, and control modules employing valves for controlling medical apparatus during procedures, and, more particularly, to ball valves and control modules employing such valves which are especially useful for controlling surgical procedures requiring irrigation, aspiration and/or control of the pressure within an organ of the body during surgery.
2. Description of Related Art
As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,074, and related U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,510, the requirements of ultrasonic equipment in surgery, particularly, for example, in surgical procedures requiring aspiration and irrigation, are quite complex and necessitate the precise control of the equipment during these steps. While the two noted patents provide a careful study of the problems encountered and requirements of such control systems, define terms, which definitions are incorporated and used herein, trace the history of such surgeries and equipment which had been used in the past, and provide improved devices and methods for controlling ultrasonic equipment during such procedures; there still exists a need for even more precise control of the equipment during such steps as aspiration and irrigation, particularly during surgical operations as, for example, phacoemulsification and other ophthalmological procedures.
In addition, the use of pinch valves with ultrasonic equipment, as is common, with a switch, usually a foot switch, controlled by the surgeon, often results in an unintended opposite flow of fluid upon the surgeon releasing the switch, with potentially serious results. For example, if the surgical site, such as an eye, is being irrigated with a positive flow of irrigating liquid in or near the eye, a sudden ceasing of the flow may inadvertently cause a negative pressure in the irrigation conduit, and at the tip of the operating end or needle of the handpiece, particularly where the tip is positioned through an incision in the eye, and hence in interocular pressure, resulting in aspiration of fluid including, possibly, aqueous humor. Therefore, there is a need for a device which will provide zero pressure to flow conduits upon the surgeon releasing the switch controlling fluid flow, such as irrigating fluid or aspiration.


A multi-channel echo canceler for canceling echo generated as a result of propagation of 2-channel received signals, along a spatial acoustical path via a first and a second loudspeaker, from a transmitted signal containing a speech source signal received through a first and a second microphone and the echo. The echo canceler is capable of highly accurate delay time difference estimation and also of quick detection of the movement or change of the talker. Right after the movement or change of the talker, the filter coefficient set updating is stopped, or step size is updated. Deterioration of the echo cancellation performance does not occur that might otherwise result from delay of the detection of the movement or change of the talker or reduction of estimated delay time difference.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to echo cancelers and, more particularly, to a multi-channel echo canceler for canceling multi-channel echo, which is generated as a result of the propagation of a plurality of received signals through a spatial acoustic path, from a transmitted signal.
2. Detailed Description of the Invention
In conversation systems involving a plurality of received signals and a single transmitted signal or a plurality of transmitted signals, regarding the method or apparatus for multi-channel echo canceling, i.e., canceling of echo which is generated as a result of the propagation of a received signal through a spatial acoustic path, a cascade connection type and a linear combination type are proposed in the Technical Report of Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers of Japan, Vol. 84, No. 330, pp. 7-4, CS-84-178 (hereinafter referred to as Literature No. 1), and also a multi-channel echo canceler, with a single adaptive filter per channel, is proposed in Proceedings of the 1991 Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Spring Conference, Vol. 1, pp. 202, A-202 (hereinafter referred to as Literature No. 2). However, In the Proceedings of the 6-th Digital Signal Processing Symposium, pp. 144-149, A5-3 (hereinafter referred to as Literature No. 3), it is pointed out that the cascade connection type and linear combination type lead to large. hardware size because the hardware size is proportional to the square of the number of channels, that the convergence of the adaptive filter is retarded when there is strong cross-correlation among received signals, and that the adaptive filter coefficients may fail to converge to the optimum value. Further, in Proceedings of the 1992 Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Spring Conference , Vol. 1, pp. 158, A-158 (hereinafter referred to as Literature No. 4), it is pointed out that in a multi-channel echo canceler with a single adaptive filter per channel, it takes a long time from the instant of movement or change of the talker till the re-convergence of the filter coefficients to the optimum value and that during this time the echo cancellation performance is deteriorated. To solve this problem, in the Literature No. 4 a compact multi-channel echo canceler is proposed, which can fast track the movement or change of the talker. The compact multi-channel echo canceler proposed in the Literature No. 4 will now be described in connection with its application to a television conference system, in which both the received and transmitted signals are of two channels.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an audio part of a conventional 2-channel television conference system connecting two television conference rooms 30 and 31. Here, acoustic echo cancellation in the first television conference room 30 will be considered.
It is assumed that a second and a third talker 18 and 19 are present in the second television conference room 31.
Speeches 20 and 22 from the respective second and third talkers 18 and 19 are led through the spatial acoustic path so as to be inputted in a third microphone 24 and supplied to a second echo canceler 130.sub.2. The speeches inputted in the third microphone 24 are transmitted as a first received signal 1 to the first television conference room 30. Likewise, speeches 21 and 23 generated from the respective second and third talkers 18 and 19 are led through the spatial acoustic path so as to be inputted in a fourth microphone 25 and supplied to the second echo canceler unit 130.sub.2. The speeches inputted in the fourth microphone 25 are transmitted as a second received signal 2 to the first television conference room 30.
In the first television conference room 30, a first echo 5, which is generated as the first received signal 1 is reproduced by a first loudspeaker 3 and led through the spatial acoustic path to a first microphone 9, a second echo 6, which is generated as the second received signal 2 is reproduced by a second loudspeaker 4 and led through the spatial acoustic path to the first microphone 9, and a first transmitted signal 12, which is the speech of a first talker 11 reaching the first microphone 9, are added together to form a first mixed signal 14. Likewise, a third echo 7, which is generated as the first received signal 1 is reproduced by the first loudspeaker 3 and led through the spatial acoustic path to a second microphone 10, a fourth echo 8, which is generated as the second received signal 2 is reproduced by the second loudspeaker 4 and led through the spatial acoustic path to the second microphone 10, and a second transmitted signal 13, which is the speech of the first talker 11 reaching the second microphone 10, are added together to form a second mixed signal 15. For the canceling of the echoes 5 to 8 contained in the first and second mixed signals 14 and 15, a first echo canceler unit 130.sub.1 is used.
A delay time difference estimation circuit 101 receives the first and second received signals 1 and 2 as input signals and estimates the delay time difference between the two received signals, the result of estimation being supplied to a received signal selection circuit 102 and a filter coefficient set selection circuit 104. The received signal selection circuit 102 detects the received signal having a shorter delay time from the two received signals 1 and 2 according to the result of estimation in the delay time difference estimation circuit 101, the result of detection being supplied to a selector 103. The selector 103 receives the first and second received signals 1 and 2 as input signals and selectively supplies the received signal having the shorter delay time from the two received signals 1 and 2 to a first and a second adaptive filter 122 and 123 according to the result of detection in the received signal selection circuit 102. The filter coefficient set selection circuit 104 selects a set of filter coefficients among a plurality of preliminarily prepared sets of filter coefficients used in the first and second adaptive filters 122 and 123, the result of selection being supplied to the first and second adaptive filters 122 and 123 according to the result of estimation in the delay time difference estimation circuit 101.
The first adaptive filter 122 receives the received signal selected by the selector 103 as an input signal and generates an echo replica corresponding to the echo contained in the first mixed signal 14 by using the filter coefficient selected by the filter coefficient selection circuit 104, the generated echo replica being supplied to a first subtracter 107. The first subtracter 107 subtracts the echo replica as the output of the first adaptive filter 122 from the first mixed signal 14 to produce a first output signal 16. The first adaptive filter 122 is controlled such as to minimize the first output signal 16.
The second adaptive filter 123 receives the received signal selected by the selector 103 as an input signal and generates an echo replica corresponding to the echo contained in the second mixed signal 15 by using the filter coefficient selected by the filter coefficient selection circuit 104, the generated echo replica being supplied to a second subtracter 108. The second subtracter 108 subtracts the echo replica as the output of the second adaptive filter 123 from the second mixed signal 15 to produce a second output signal 17. The second adaptive filter 123 is controlled such as to minimize the second output signal 17.
The delay time difference estimation circuit 101 estimates the delay time difference between the first and second received signals 1 and 2 by using a cross-correlation function between the first and second received signals 1 and 2. Denoting the first and second signals 1 and 2 at instant n by x.sub.1 (n) and x.sub.2 (n), respectively, the cross-correlation function R.sub.12 (n, m) at the instant n corresponding to the delay time difference m is defined as: EQU R.sub.12 (n, m)=E[x.sub.1 (n)x.sub.2 (n+m)] (1)
E[.multidot.] is the ensemble average of .multidot.. It is difficult, however, to calculate the ensemble average as defined. Usually, therefore, it is approximated by a time average. For example, using the first order recursive integral it is calculated as: EQU R.sub.12 (n, m)=(1-.alpha.)x.sub.1 (n)x.sub.2 (n+m)+.alpha.R.sub.12 (n-1,m)(2)
where .alpha. is a constant given as EQU 0<.alpha.<1 (3)
By increasing .alpha., the integration period is increased to increase the accuracy of the delay time difference estimation. However, the tracking speed to the movement or change of the talker is reduced. By reducing .alpha., on the other hand, the integration period is reduced to increase the tracking speed to the movement or change of the talker. In this case, the accuracy of the delay time difference estimation is reduced.
In other words, increasing .alpha. for increasing the accuracy of the delay time difference estimation results in delay of detection of the movement or change of the talker. During the period from the movement or change of the talker till the actual detection of such movement or change, an erroneous set of filter coefficients is selected, thus increasing the residual echo so as to increase the amount of filter coefficient update. Such erroneous filter coefficient updating results in the production of a filter coefficient set having a great coefficient error. If such a filter coefficient set with great coefficient error is selected again, after it is recognized that the talker has moved or changed, the performance of echo cancellation is deteriorated.
On the other hand, reducing a for increasing the tracking speed to the movement or change of the talker results in reduction of the accuracy of the delay time difference estimation. In this case, the estimated delay time difference is changed frequently so as to bring about frequent filter coefficient switching, thus deteriorating the performance of echo cancellation.
As shown, the prior art method and apparatus for multi-channel echo cancellation as described above, pose problems such that increasing the accuracy of the delay time difference estimation results in a delay in the detection of the movement or change of the talker so as to increase the filter coefficient error in the adaptive filters, while increasing the tracking speed to the movement or change of the talker results in reduction of the accuracy of the delay time difference estimation so as to bring about frequent filter coefficient switching, thus deteriorating the performance of echo cancellation.


Article positioning apparatus having a positioning surface and sensors for sensing the location of an article on the positioning surface with reference to an X direction, with reference to a Y direction perpendicular thereto, and with reference to an angular orientation in the plane of the positioning surface about an axis generally perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction. Motors are provided for moving the article in the X direction, in the Y direction, and for rotating the article generally about the axis. A controller responsive to the sensors selectively activates the X motor, Y motor and rotating motor to position the article.

This invention relates generally to apparatus and method for positioning an article and more particularly to such apparatus and method for positioning an article in an predetermined X position, Y position and predetermined angular orientation.
Automated manufacturing processes frequently require that the article being processed be precisely positioned before a certain operation on the article is performed. For instance, if a seam on a piece of fabric is to be sewn, it is necessary that the fabric piece be properly aligned before being fed into a sewing machine. The need for precise alignment has necessitated in the apparel industry that aligning just prior to sewing be carried out be hand, significantly adding to the cost of the process. In the past, automatic or machine accomplished alignment of fabric in one direction has been used. However, proper alignment of an piece of fabric in a plane requires orientation in two linear directions and angular orientation. In some instances, it is desirable to center the fabric before further processing. Moreover, the alignment must be accomplished quickly so that a bottleneck in the manufacturing process is not created at the alignment station.

Article positioning apparatus and method for positioning an article


A hierarchical interconnect structure between logic elements, logic array blocks and global interconnects in a programmable logic device is disclosed. The present invention provides a first group of local interconnect lines that couple to outputs of more than one logic element in a block, and a second group of local interconnect lines that are divided into independent segments coupled to a subset of the logic elements in a block. By eliminating the one-to-one correspondence between the number of logic elements in a logic array block and the number of local interconnect wires, the present invention makes possible the inclusion of more logic element in one block in an area efficient manner.

The present invention relates in general to integrated circuits, and in particular to an improved architecture for programmable logic devices (PLDs) that reduces the number of local interconnect wires necessary for logic blocks of greater granularity.
Programmable logic devices are digital, user-configurable integrated circuits used to implement custom logic functions. For the purposes of this description, the term PLD encompasses all digital logic circuits configured by the end-user, including programmable logic arrays (PLAs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), erasable and complex PLDs and the like. The basic building block of a PLD is a logic element that is capable of performing limited logic functions on a number of input variables. A logic element is typically equipped with circuitry to programmably implement the "sum of products" logic, as well as one or more registers to implement sequential logic. Conventional PLDs combine together large numbers of such logic elements through an array of programmable interconnects to facilitate implementation of complex logic functions. Programmable logic devices have found particularly wide application as a result of their combined low up front cost and versatility to the user.
A variety of PLD architectural approaches arranging the interconnect array and logic elements have been developed to optimize logic density and signal routability between the various logic elements. Examples of successful PLD architectures are the FLEX.RTM. and MAX.RTM. family of programmable logic devices manufactured by Altera Corporation. In the FLEX.RTM. 8000 family of logic devices, for example, a large matrix of logic elements (LEs) is utilized. In one commercials embodiment of these devices, each LE includes a 4-input look-up table to implement combinational logic (e.g. AND,OR, NOT, XOR, NAND, NOR, and many others) and a register that provides sequential logic features. The LEs are arranged in groups of, for example, eight to form larger logic array blocks (LABs). A LAB includes, among other resources, an internal interconnect structure between its various LEs. Multiple LABs are arranged in a two dimensional array and are programmably connectable to each other and to the external pins of the device through global horizontal and vertical interconnect lines. In one embodiment, the programmability is achieved by programmable multiplexers that connect global and local interconnect lines to each LE. This architecture has met with substantial success and is considered pioneering in the area of programmable logic.
Continuous advances in semiconductor manufacturing technology have made possible integration of increasingly larger numbers of gates on a chip. Each new generation of PLDs is designed with appreciably higher logic density. Often the transition to the next generation requires new PLD architectures to fine tune and optimize the performance of the device. One design feature that is subject to reevaluation for new and higher density PLDs is the number of LEs per LAB. In complex programmable logic device (CPLD) architectures, there is a continuous effort to find the optimum number of LEs per LAB. On the one hand, a large number of LEs per LAB allows LAB overhead to be amortized over a greater number of LEs. On the other, each LE local output contributes to the widening of the multiplexer for each of the multiple LE inputs. The extra routing and multiplexing thus reduces efficiency up to a point where adding more LEs results in a less area efficient LAB. Larger LABs also result in longer local interconnect lines which place greater demands on the driver circuitry.
Improvements in PLD architectural design are therefore needed to provide the optimum balance between routing flexibility and logic density, and to address new design challenges posed by the more advanced process technologies.

Hierarchical interconnect for programmable logic devices


According to this production method, the water content of a mixture of a chromium oxide (Cr2O3) powder and a sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) powder is brought to 1000 ppm or less, and the mixture is heated in an inert gas atmosphere at a calcination temperature (850 DEG C.) where the sodium carbonate and the chromium oxide undergo a calcination reaction. Sodium chromite is thereby obtained.

Sodium chromite has a layer structure, in addition to which sodium chromite has the distinctive property of releasing and absorbing sodium ions. Sodium chromite is therefore used as a positive electrode material in secondary batteries. Moreover, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, sodium chromite is also used as a solid lubricant capable of use in high-temperature liquid sodium and in a high vacuum.
Sodium chromite is produced by, for example, the method described in Non-Patent Document 1; that is, by mixing together a sodium carbonate powder and a chromium oxide powder, then heating the resulting mixture in an inert gas atmosphere.
However, in addition to sodium chromite, the foregoing method also forms by-products such as sodium chromate (Na2CrO4) and CrOOH. Hence, there exists a need for technology that reduces the amount of such by-products.


A simplified Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sample preparation apparatus and method of using a PCR sample preparation for both liquid and dry samples. A portable apparatus comprising a handle removably attached to a wand assembly. The handle includes a cover and a swab with an absorbent material. The wand assembly includes a buffer container for a buffer that is ruptured by a spike when the holder is inserted into the wand assembly. The apparatus may include a waste container removably attached to a tube comprising a plunger, a safety clip to prevent the plunger from depressing, and a port for introduction of a liquid sample. A filter on the waste container collects a specimen of the liquid sample for preparation as described above.

The present invention relates to a simplified Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sample preparation consumable comprising a handle removably attachable to a wand assembly for dry or processed samples. The present invention also relates to a method of biological sampling for dry, liquid or processed samples.
The present invention pertains to preparing samples for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis in the field.
Conventional PCR analysis is a complex procedure, requiring a series of steps with laboratory equipment. Conventional PCR analysis requires skill exceeding that of most field personnel.
Conventional PCR analysis typically requires samples to be processed or treated prior to PCR analysis. A drawback to the sample processing is that it involves at least three complex steps. First, inhibitors such as humic acids and metals in the environment are removed. Second, the sample is filtered and concentrated. Third, a combination of reagents required by the PCR assay must be added to the sample.
Another drawback of conventional PCR analysis is the apparatus is not portable. Typically such conventional analysis is done at a lab, not in the field.

PCR sample preparation holder and method


An automated banking machine that is activated responsive to data read from user cards which accepts checks and dispense cash to users. The automatic banking machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the automatic banking machine in exchange for a deposited check. The automatic banking machine dispenses cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. Automated banking machines are commonly used to carry out transactions such as dispensing cash, checking account balances, paying bills and/or receiving deposits from users. Other types of automated banking machines may be used to purchase tickets, to issue coupons, to present checks, to print scrip and/or to carry out other functions either for a consumer or a service provider. For purposes of this description any device which is used for carrying out transactions involving transfers of value shall be referred to as an automated banking machine.
The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,548 issued Nov. 5, 2002 is incorporated herein by reference as though fully rewritten herein.
However automated banking machines that have the capability of handling imaging items such as checks may benefit from improvements.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine

Diebold Self-Service Systems a division of Diebold, Incorporated