A dye which is represented by any of the following general formula (1), (2), (3) or (4), an ink for inkjet recording which contains at least one of the dyes, and an ink jet recording method which uses the ink. The dye has heterocyclic group which may be substituted and has at least one ionic aqueous group in a molecule.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a new dye, an ink for ink jet recording using the new dye, and an ink jet recording method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an ink jet recording method, the cost of materials is low, high speed recording is possible, there is little noise at the time of recording, and further, color recording is easy. Accordingly, this method has spread rapidly and continues to be developed. Examples of the ink jet recording method include a technique in which pressure is applied from a piezo element so that droplets are discharged, and technique in which bubbles are generated in an ink upon heating so that droplets are discharged, and a technique in which droplets are sucked and discharged by static electricity. Further, examples of inks for ink jets include aqueous inks, oil based inks, and solid (melted-type) inks. A dye which is used for the ink for ink jet must have the following characteristics: solubility with respect to a solvent is high, high density recording is possible; hue is good; fastness with respect to light, heat, air, water, or chemicals is excellent; fixing ability with respect to an image receiving material is good and it is difficult for the dye to become blurry; storability as an ink is excellent; there is no toxicity; purity is high; and the dye is available inexpensively. In particular, a dye which has a good yellow hue and excellent light fastness is desired. However, it is extremely difficult to find a dye which satisfies these requirements at high levels.
Various dyes and pigments have already been proposed for the ink jet and are used actually. However, under the present circumstances, a dye which satisfies all of the requirements has not yet been found. It is difficult for conventionally well-known dyes or pigments which are denoted by color index (C.I.) numbers to obtain both the hue and the light fastness which are required of inks for ink jets. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2-212566 discloses an ink for ink jet which is aimed at obtaining both the hue and the light fastness. However, regarding the dyes which are used in JP-A-2-212566, the improvement of the hue and the light fastness are insufficient. The dyes described in JP-A-2-212566 also have a problem with regard to wet heat fastness. Further, JP-B-4-22714 discloses a thiaziazollyl-azo-pyrazole yellow dye as a dye for thermal transfer. However, solubility of this dye in an aqueous solution is insufficient, and therefore, the dye cannot be used as an aqueous ink for ink jet.
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems. Namely, an object of the present invention is to provide a dye, an ink for ink jet recording, and an ink jet recording method, by which an image having good hue and light fastness can be formed.
Means for solving the above problems are as follows.
A first aspect of the present invention is an ink for ink jet recording which contains at least one dye which is represented by the following general formula (1):
Axe2x80x94Nxe2x95x90Nxe2x80x94Bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83General formula (1)
wherein A and B each independently represents heterocyclic group which may be substituted, and said dye has at least one ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule.
A second aspect of the present invention is a dye which is represented by the following general formula (2):
wherein R1, R2, and R3 each independently represents one of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, and an ionic hydrophilic group; R4 represents any heterocylic group which may be substituted and which is selected from the following Group 1 of heterocyclic groups; and the dye which is represented by the general formula has at least one ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule.
A third aspect of the present invention is a dye which is represented by the following general formula (3):
wherein, R5 represents one of a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, and an ionic hydrophilic group; Za represents one of xe2x80x94Nxe2x95x90, xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94 and xe2x80x94C (R11)xe2x95x90; Zb and Zc each independently represents one of xe2x80x94Nxe2x95x90 and xe2x80x94C (R11)xe2x95x90; R11 represents one of a hydrogen group and a nonmetallic substituent; R6 represents any heterocylic group which may be substituted and which is selected from the following Group 2 of heterocyclic groups; and the dye has at least one ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is a dye which is represented by the following general formula (4):
wherein R7 and R9 each independently represents one of a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, and an ionic hydrophilic group; R8 represents one of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, an aryloxy group, a cyano group, an acylamino group, a sulfonylamino group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, a ureido group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a sulfonyl group, an acyl group, an alkylamino group, an arylamino group, a hydroxy group, and an ionic hydrophilic group; R10 represents any heterocylic group which may be substituted and which is selected from the following Group 3 of heterocyclic groups; and the dye has at least one ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule.
It should be noted that, when the compounds represented by the above general formulas (2), (3), and (4) have tautomers, the tautomers are also included in the scope of the present invention.
Ink for Ink Jet Recording
The ink for ink jet recording of the present invention contains the dyes which are represented by the above general formula (1). The dyes represented by the above general formula (1) have characteristics in which the light fastness is good and the hue is good. Among the dyes represented by the above general formula (1), in particular, a yellow dye has an absorption spectrum form in which the peak of absorption spectrum is sharp. Among the dyes represented by the above general formula (1), the yellow dye is preferable. Further, when a dye of the present invention is the yellow dye, the ratio (Ixcexmax+70/Ixcexmax) of absorbancy Ixcexmax at xcexmax (nm) to absorbancy Ixcexmax+70 at xcexmax+70 (nm) in the absorption spectrum of the aqueous solution thereof is 0.2 or less, is preferable.
In the above general formula (1), A and B each independently represents heterocyclic group which may be substituted. The substituent of the above-described heterocyclic groups includes at least one ionic hydrophilic group. As the heterocyclic group, the heterocyclic group which is formed by a five-membered ring or a six-membered ring is preferable. The heterocyclic group may form a monocyclic structure or polycyclic structure in which two or more rings are condensed. Moreover, as the heterocylic group, the heterocyclic group which includes at least any of an N atom, an O atom, and an S atom is preferable. A preferable example of the above heterocyclic group is shown below.
The dyes which are represented by the above general formula (1) contains at least one ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule. Since the above dyes have the ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule, solubility and/or dispersibility to an aqueous medium is good. The above-described ionic hydrophilic group includes a sulfo group, a carboxyl group, and a quaternary ammonium group. Above all, the sulfo group and the carboxyl group are preferable, and the sulfo group are particularly preferable. Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described dyes contain the two or more ionic hydrophilic groups in the molecule. In the case of containing the two or more ionic hydrophilic groups, a combination of the carboxyl group and the sulfo group is preferable. The above carboxyl group, the above sulfo group and the like may be in the state of salt. Examples of counter ion which forms the salt include an alkali metal ion (e.g., a sodium ion and a potassium ion) and an organic cation (e.g., a tetramethylguanidium ion).
Among the dyes represented by the above general formula (1), the dyes which are represented by the above general formulas (2) to (4) are preferable since the hue and the light fastness of the dyes are better.
In the above general formulas (2), (3), and (4), R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, or an ionic hydrophilic group.
The alkyl group represented by R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 includes an alkyl group having at least one substituent and an alkyl group having no substituent. As the above-described alkyl group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, a cyano group, a halogen atom, and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, butyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, cyanoethyl, trifluoromethyl, 3-sulfopropyl, and 4-sulfobutyl.
The cycloalkyl group represented by R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 includes a cycloalkyl group having at least one substituent and a cycloalkyl group having no substituent. As the above-described cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. An example of the above-described cycloalkyl group includes cyclohexyl.
The aralkyl group represented by R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 includes an aralkyl group having at least one substituent and an aralkyl group having no substituent. As the above-described aralkyl group, an aralkyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described aralkyl group include benzyl and 2-phenethyl.
The aryl group represented by R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 includes an aryl group having at least one substituent and an aryl group having no substituent. As the above-described aryl group, an aryl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkylamino group, and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described aryl group include phenyl, p-tolyl, p-methoxyphenyl, o-chlorophenyl, and m-(3-sulfopropylamino) phenyl.
The alkylthio group represented by R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 includes an alkylthio group having at least one substituent and an alkylthio group having no substituent. As the above-described alkylthio group, an alkylthio group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described alkylthio group include methylthio and ethylthio.
The arylthio group represented by R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 includes an arylthio group having at least one substituent and an arylthio group having no substituent. As the above-described arylthio group, an arylthio group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include an alkyl group and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described arylthio group include a phenylthio group and p-tolylthio.
The ionic hydrophilic group represented by R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, and R9 includes a sulfo group, a carboxyl group, and a quaternary ammonium group. Above all, the sulfo group and the carboxyl group are preferable, and the sulfo group are particularly preferable. The above-described carboxyl group and the above-described sulfo group may be in the state of salt. Examples of counter ion which forms the salt include an alkaline metal ion (e.g., a sodium ion and a potassium ion) and an organic cation (e.g., a tetramethylguanidium ion).
In the above general formula (4), R8 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, an aryloxy group, a cyano group, an acylamino group, a sulfonylamino group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, an ureido group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a sulfonyl group, an acyl group, an alkylamino group, an arylamino group, a hydroxy group, or an ionic hydrophilic group.
The halogen atom represented by R8 includes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a bromine atom.
The alkyl group represented by R8 includes an alkyl group having at least one substituent and an alkyl group having no substituent. As the above-described alkyl group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, a cyano group, a halogen atom, and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, butyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, cyanoethyl, trifluoromethyl, 3-sulfopropyl, and 4-sulfobutyl.
The alkoxy group represented by R8 includes an alkoxy group having at least one substituent and an alkoxy group having no substituent. As the above-described alkoxy group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include a hydroxyl group and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described alkoxy group include methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, methoxyethoxy, hydroxyethoxy, and 3-carboxypropoxy.
The aryl group represented by R8 includes an aryl group having at least one substituent and an aryl group having no substituent. As the above-described aryl group, an aryl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkylamino group, and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described aryl group include phenyl, p-tolyl, p-methoxyphenyl, o-chlorophenyl, and m-(3-sulfopropylamino) phenyl.
The aryloxy group represented by R8 includes an aryloxy group having at least one substituent and an aryloxy group having no substituent. As the above-described aryloxy group, an aryloxy group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include an alkoxy group and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described aryloxy group include phenoxy, p-methoxyphenoxy, and o-methoxyphenoxy.
The acylamino group represented by R8 includes an acylamino group having at least one substituent and an acylamino group having no substituent. As the above-described acylamino group, an acylamino group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described acylamino group include acetamide, propyonamide, benzamide, and 3,5-disulfobenzamide.
The sulfonylamino group represented by R8 includes a sulfonylamino group having at least one substituent and a sulfonylamino group having no substituent. As the above-described sulfonylamino group, a sulfonylamino group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described sulfonylamino group include methylsulfonylamino and ethylsulfonylamino.
The alkoxycarbonylamino group represented by R8 includes an alkoxycarbonylamino group having at least one substituent and an alkoxycarbonylamino group having no substituent. As the above-described alkoxycarbonylamino group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. An example of the above-described alkoxycarbonylamino group includes ethoxycarbonylamino.
The ureido group represented by R8 includes an ureido group having at least one substituent and an ureido group having no substituent. As the above-described ureido group, an ureido group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include an alkyl group and an aryl group. Examples of the above-described ureido group include 3-methylureido, 3,3-dimethylureido, and 3-phenylureido.
The alkylthio group represented by R8 includes an alkylthio group having at least one substituent and an alkylthio group having no substituent. As the above-described alkylthio group, an alkylthio group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described alkylthio group include methylthio and ethylthio.
The arylthio group represented by R8 includes an arylthio group having at least one substituent and an arylthio group having no substituent. As the above-described arylthio group, an arylthio group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include an alkyl group and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described arylthio group include phenylthio and p-tolylthio.
The alkoxycarbonyl group represented by R8 includes an alkoxycarbonyl group having at least one substituent and an alkoxycarbonyl group having no substituent. As the above-described alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described alkoxycarbonyl group include methoxycarbonyl and ethoxycarbonyl.
The carbamoyl group represented by R8 includes a carbamoyl group having at least one substituent and a carbamoyl group having no substituent. An example of the above-described substituent includes an alkyl group. Examples of the above-described carbamoyl group include methylcarbamoyl and dimethylcarbamoyl.
The sulfamoyl group represented by R8 includes a sulfamoyl group having at least one substituent and a sulfamoyl group having no substituent. An example of the above-described substituent includes an alkyl group. Examples of the above-described sulfamoyl group include an dimethylsulfamoyl group and a di-(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfamoyl group.
Examples of the sulfonyl group represented by R8 include methanesulfonyl and phenylsulfonyl.
The acyl group represented by R8 includes an acyl group having at least one substituent and an acyl group having no substituent. As the above-described acyl group, an acyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described acyl group include acetyl and benzoyl.
The alkylamino group represented by R8 includes an alkylamino group having at least one substituent and an alkylamino group having no substituent. As the above-described alkylamino group, an alkylamino group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms is preferable. An example of the above-described substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described alkylamino group include methylamino and dimethylamino.
The arylamino group represented by R8 includes an arylamino group having at least one substituent and an arylamino group having no substituent. As the above-described arylamino group, an arylamino group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the above-described substituent include a halogen atom and an ionic hydrophilic group. Examples of the above-described arylamino group include anilino and 2-chloroanilino.
The ionic hydrophilic group represented by R8 includes a sulfo group, a carboxyl group, and a quaternary ammonium group. Above all, the sulfo group and the carboxyl group are preferable, and the sulfo group are particularly preferable. The above-described carboxyl group, the above-described sulfo group and the like may be in the state of salt. Examples of counter ion which forms the salt include an alkaline metal ion (e.g., a sodium ion and a potassium ion) and an organic cation (e.g., a tetramethylguanidium ion).
In the above general formula (3), Za represents xe2x80x94Nxe2x95x90, xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94C(R11)xe2x95x90, and Zb and Zc each independently represents xe2x80x94Nxe2x95x90 or xe2x80x94C (R11)xe2x95x90, and R11 represents a hydrogen atom or a nonmetallic substituent. As the nonmetallic substituent represented by R11, a cyano group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, or an ionic hydrophilic group is preferable. The above-described respective substituents are synonymous with the respective substituents represented by R1, and preferable examples are also synonymous with the examples thereof. The skeletal example of a heterocycle which is included in the above general formula (3) and which is formed by two five-membered rings is described below.
In the above general formula (2), R4 represents any heterocylic group which may be substituted and which is selected from the above-described Group 1 of heterocyclic groups. The substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group, an alkylthio or arylthio group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a sulfamoyl group, a sulfonamino group, a carbamoyl group, an acylamino group, and the like. The above-described alkyl group, the above-described aryl group, and the like may have another substituent. Among the heterocycic group shown in Group 1, imidazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazoleand 1,3,4-thiadiazole are preferable.
In the above general formula (3), R6 represents any heterocylic group which may be substituted and which is selected from the above-described Group 2 of heterocyclic groups. The substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group, an alkylthio or arylthio group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a sulfamoyl group, a sulfonamino group, a carbamoyl group, an acylamino group, and the like. The above-described alkyl group, the above-described aryl group, and the like may have another substituent. Among the heterocycic group shown in Group 2, imidazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, benzothiazole, and benzooxazole are preferable.
In the above general formula (4), R10 represents any heterocylic group which may be substituted and which is selected from the above-described Group 3 of heterocyclic groups. The substituent includes an ionic hydrophilic group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group, an alkylthio or arylthio group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a sulfamoyl group, a sulfonamino group, a carbamoyl group, an acylamino group, and the like. The above-described alkyl group, the above-described aryl group, and the like may have another substituent. Among the heterocycic group shown in Group 3, imidazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, benzothiazole, and benzooxazole are preferable.
The dyes which are represented by the above general formulas (2) to (4) contain at least one ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule. As examples, there are dyes in which at least one of R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, R8 and R9 in the above general formulas (2) to (4) is ionic hydrophilic group. Further, there are dyes in which R1, R2, R3, R5, R7, R8 and R9 in the above general formulas (2) to (4) are ionic hydrophilic groups. In addition, there are dyes in which at least one of R1 to R11 in the above general formulas (2) to (4) have at least one ionic hydrophilic group as substituent. In this way, since the dyes have the ionic hydrophilic group in a molecule, solubility and/or dispersibility to the aqueous medium is good. The above-described ionic hydrophilic group includes a sulfo group, a carboxyl group, and a quaternary ammonium group. Above all, the sulfo group and the carboxyl group are preferable, and the sulfo group are particularly preferable. Moreover, the above-described dyes may contain the two or more ionic hydrophilic groups in the molecule. In the case of containing the two or more ionic hydrophilic groups, a combination of the carboxyl group and the sulfo group is preferable. The above carboxyl group, the above sulfo group and the like may be in the state of salt. Examples of counter ion which forms the salt include an alkaline metal ion (e.g., a sodium ion and a potassium ion), and an organic cation (e.g., a tetramethylguanidium ion).
Hereinafter, description is given of concrete examples of the dyes represented by the general formula (1) (i.e., concrete examples of the dyes represented by the general formula (2) (1-1 to 1-16), concrete examples of the dyes represented by the general formula (3) (2-1 to 2-20), and concrete examples of the dyes represented by the general formula (4) (3-1 to 3-12)). However, the dyes used in the present invention are not limited to those in the following concrete examples.
The dyes represented by the above general formulas (1), (2), (3), and (4) can be synthesized by the coupling reaction of a diazo component and a coupler component. Synthesizing examples of the dyes represented by the above general formulas (2), (3), and (4) are shown below. The following synthesizing examples are an example in which a formula (A-1) is used as the diazo component and a formula (B-1) is used as the coupler component, an example in which a formula (A-2) is used as the diazo component and a formula (B-2) is used as the coupler component, and an example in which a formula (A-3) is used as the diazo component and a formula (B-3) is used as the coupler component.
1 g of the diazo component A-1 was dissolved in 10 milliliter of a mixed solvent in which the volume ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid is 3:2. While the liquid temperature was held at 0xc2x0 C., 40% ONHSO4 as further added to the solution. The solution was added while stirring to a solution, in which 891 mg of the coupler component B-1 was dissolved into 15 milliliter of a mixed solvent of acetic acid, propionic acid, and sodium acetate. The mixed solution was reacted at 0xc2x0 C. for an hour, and thereby a yellow precipitate was obtained. The precipitate was isolated by filtration and recrystallized by acetonitrile. Accordingly, 1.5 g of the dye 1-3 was obtained. The yield was 75%. xcexmax=453.2 nm (in DMF).
1 g of the diazo component A-2 was dissolved in 18 milliliter of a mixed solvent in which the volume ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid is 3:2. While the liquid temperature was held at 0xc2x0 C., 40% ONHSO4 was further added to the solution. The solution was added while stirring to a solution, in which 4 g of the coupler component B-2 was dissolved into 26 milliliter of a mixed solvent of acetic acid, propionic acid, and sodium acetate. The mixed solution was reacted at 0xc2x0 C. for an hour, and thereby a yellow precipitate was obtained. The precipitate was isolated by filtration and recrystallized by methanol. Accordingly, 3.5 g of the dye 2-1 was obtained. The yield was 68%. xcexmax=445.3 nm (in DMF).
1 g of the diazo component A-3 was dissolved in 10 milliliter of a mixed solvent in which the volume ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid is 3:2. While the liquid temperature was held at 0xc2x0 C., 40% ONHSO4 was further added to the solution. The solution was added while stirring to a solution, in which 1.1 g of the coupler component B-3 was dissolved into 15 milliliter of a mixed solvent of acetic acid, propionic acid, and sodium acetate. The mixed solution was reacted at 0xc2x0 C. for an hour, and thereby a yellow precipitate was obtained. The precipitate was isolated by filtration and recrystallized by ethanol. Accordingly, 1.3 g of the dye 3-3 was obtained. The yield was 60%. xcexmax=455.5 nm (in DMF).
Following dyes were prepared in the same way as in the above synthesizing Examples, except that the types and amounts of the diazo component and the coupler component were replaced. The yield and A max thereof are shown in following Table 1.
The ink for inject recording of the present invention can be prepared by dissolving and/or dispersing the above dyes in an aqueous medium. When the above dyes are dispersed in the aqueous medium, it is preferable that a disperser (e.g., a ball mill, a sand mill, an attriter, a roll mill, an agitator mill, a Henschel mixer, a colloid mill, an ultrasonic homogenizer, a pearl mill, a jet mill, or an Ang mill) is used and that the above dyes are dispersed in the state of particulates. After the above dyes are dissolved into an appropriate organic solvent, the obtained solution may be emulsified and dispersed in the aqueous medium. When the solution is emulsified and dispersed, a dispersing agent (emulsifying agent) or a surface active agent can be used. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 5-148436, JP-A-5-295312, JP-A-7-97541, JP-A-7-82515, and JP-A-7-118584 disclose the details of a method of preparing an aqueous ink for inkjet. The method is applicable to the preparation of the ink for ink jet recording of the present invention.
The main component of the above aqueous medium which is used in the ink for ink jet recording of the present invention is water. If desired, a mixture to which a water miscible organic solvent is added to the water can be used. Examples of the water miscible organic solvent include: alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, sec-butanol, t-butanol, pentanol, hexanol, cyclohexanol, and benzyl alcohol); polyhydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexandiol, pentanediol, glycerin, hexanetriol, and thiodiglycol); glycol derivatives (e.g., ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ehter, ethylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and ethylene glycol monophenyl ether); amines (e.g., ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, N-ethyldiethanolamine, morpholine, N-ethylmorpholine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, polyethyleneimine, and tetramethylpropylenediamine); and other polar solvents (e.g., formamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, sulfolane, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-oxazolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, acetonitrile, and acetone). It should be noted that the above-described water miscible organic solvents may be used in combination of two or more.
It is preferable that the ink for ink jet recording of the present invention contains 0.2 parts by weight or more to 10 parts by weight or less of the above dye in 100 parts by weight of ink. It is more preferable that the ink contains 1 part by weight or more to 8 parts by weight or less of the dye, and is even more preferable that the ink contains 3 parts by weight or more to 6 parts by weight or less of the dye. The dyes contained in the ink for ink jet recording of the present invention may be one or two or more. For example, the dyes represented by the above general formula (1) may be used in combination of two or more (e.g., the respective dyes represented by the above general formulas (2), (3), and (4) may be used in combination of two or more). Moreover, in addition to the dyes represented by the above general formula (1), other dyes may be used. When the dyes are used in combination of two or more, the sum of the content of the dyes is preferably within the above ranges.
The viscosity of the ink for ink jet recording of the present invention is preferably 40 cp or less. Further, the surface tension of the ink is preferably 20 dyn/cm or more to 100 dyn/cm or less. The viscosity and the surface tension of the ink can be adjusted by adding various types of additive agents, e.g., a viscosity adjusting agent, a surface tension adjusting agent, a specific resistance adjusting agent, a membrane adjusting agent, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, an antioxidant, a fading inhibiting agent, an antimold, a rust preventing agent, a dispersing agent, and a surface active agent.
The ink for ink jet recording of the present invention can be used not only for forming a monochrome image but also for forming a full color image. In order to form the full color image, a magenta color ink, a cyan color ink, and a yellow color ink can be used. Moreover, in order to adjust the colors, a black color ink may be further used.
Ink Jet Recording Method
An ink jet recording method of the present invention is an ink jet recording method in which energy is supplied to the above-described ink of the present invention, droplets of the above ink are discharged onto an image receiving material, and an image is recorded on the image receiving material. The above-described image receiving material includes a plain paper, a coat paper, a plastic film, or the like. Because the image quality and the image storing durability improve, it is preferable that the coat paper is used as the image receiving material.
As the above-described image receiving material, it is preferable to use a recording paper which contains a polymer mordant. The polymer mordant is described in the respective specifications of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 48-28325, JP-A-54-74430, JP-A-54-124726, JP-A-55-22766, JP-A-55-142339, JP-A-60-23850, JP-A-60-23851, JP-A-60-23852, JP-A-60-23853, JP-A-60-57836, JP-A-60-60643, JP-A-60-118834, JP-A-60-122940, JP-A-60-122941, JP-A-60-122942, JP-A-60-235134, JP-A-1-161236, U.S. Pat. No. 2,484,430, U.S. Pat. No. 2,548,564, U.S. Pat. No. 3,148,061,U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,690, U.S. Pat. No. 4,115,124, U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,386, U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,800, U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,853, U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,305, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,224. The image receiving material containing a polymer mordant which is described in JP-A-1-161236 (pages 212-215) is particularly preferable. When the polymer mordant described in JP-A-1-161236 is used, an image having excellent image quality is obtained and the light resistance of the image improves.
In the ink jet recording method of the present invention, an image receiving material which contains an inorganic pigment can be used as the above image receiving material. Examples of the inorganic pigment include a silica pigment, an alumina pigment, a titanium dioxide pigment, a zinc oxide pigment, a zirconium oxide pigment, a micaceous iron oxide, a white lead, a lead oxide pigment, a cobalt oxide pigment, a strontium chromate, a molybdenum pigment, smectite, a magnesium oxide pigment, a calcium oxide pigment, a calcium carbonate pigment, and a mullite. The inorganic pigments may be used in combination of two or more.
In the ink jet recording method of the present invention, it is preferable that the above-described image receiving material has a hydrophilic layer including a hydrophilic binder as an ink receiving layer. A high water-absorbing polymer is preferably used as the hydrophilic binder. Examples of the hydrophilic binder include gelatin, gelatin derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, polyalkylene oxide, and polyalkylene oxide derivatives. The hydrophilic binder is described in JP-A-1-161236 (pages 215-222). It is preferable that the above-described ink receiving layer is cured by adding a hardening agent. The materials described in JP-A-1-161236 (page 222) can be used for the hardening agent.
In the ink jet recording method of the present invention, it is preferable that the above image receiving material contains a matting agent. The above-described matting agent is described in JP-A-1-161236 (pages 263-264). A surface active agent may be added to a constitutive layer(s) of the image receiving material in the ink jet recording method. The surface active agent serves as coating auxiliaries, a peelability improving agent, a slidability improving agent, or an antistatic agent. The surface active agent is described in JP-A-62-173463 and JP-A-62-183457. Instead of the surface active agent, an organic fluoro compound may be used. The organic fluoro compound is preferably hydrophobic. Examples of the organic fluoro compound include a fluorine containing surface active agent, an oiled fluorine containing compound (e.g., fluorine oil), and a solid fluorine contained compound resin (e.g., a tetrafluoroethylene resin). The organic fluoro compound is described in JP-A-57-9053 (the eighth to seventeenth columns), JP-A-61-20994, and JP-A-62-135826.
In the ink jet recording method of the present invention, a polymer latex may be added to the constitutive layer(s) (including a back layer) of the image receiving material. The polymer latex is used for the purpose of dimensional stability, curl prevention, adhesion prevention, membrane physical property improvement such as preventing cracks of a membrane. The polymer latex is described in JP-A-62-245258, JP-A-62-1316648, and JP-A-62-110066. When the polymer latex having a low glass transition temperature (40xc2x0 C. or lower) is added to the layer containing a mordant, cracks or curls of the layer can be prevented. Further, when the polymer latex having a high glass transition temperature is added to the back layer, curls can be prevented. A fading inhibiting agent may be added to the constitutive layer(s) of the above-described image receiving material. The fading inhibiting agent includes an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, and a metal complex. The fading inhibiting agent is described in JP-A-1-161236 (pages 225-247). A fluorescent whitening agent may be added to the above image receiving material. The fluorescent whitening agent can be added to the ink of the present invention and supplied to the image receiving material from the exterior.
When the above-described image receiving material includes a supporting body and an ink receiving layer, a paper whose both sides are laminated with polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutene, and the copolymers thereof) and a plastic film are preferably used in particular as the above-described supporting body. It is preferable that a white pigment (e.g., titanium oxide and zinc oxide) or a coloring dye (e.g., cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, and neodymium oxide) is added to the polyolefin.
The ink jet recording method of the present invention may be any of a continuous type and an on-demand type. Moreover, the technique of supplying energy to the ink is not particularly limited as well, and may be any of a bubble jet technique, a thermal jet technique, and a technique using ultrasonic waves.
The ink jet recording method of the present invention includes a technique in which a plurality of inks called xe2x80x9cphoto inksxe2x80x9d having low concentrations are injected at small volumes, a technique in which the image quality is improved using a plurality of inks having substantially the same hues and different concentrations, and a technique which uses an achromatic transparent ink. The present invention achieves an especially superior effect in the ink jet recording method in that printing speed is fast, a large amount of inks having low concentrations is injected, and an image which is similar to a photograph is formed.

Dye, ink for ink jet recording, and ink jet recording method


A containment housing adapted to be supported on a pipe from which hazardous insulation is to be removed. The housing is composed of two sections pivoted for movement between open and closed positions and has openings at its opposite ends through which the pipe may extend. The joints between the pivoted sections and the pipe-accommodating openings are equipped with seals to prevent insulation particles from escaping the housing. One of the pipe-accommodating openings has an area larger than that of the other to enable the seal at the smaller area opening to engage the bare pipe, whereas the seal at the larger area opening engages the insulation. The housing has an outlet at its bottom through which insulation may pass to a disposable pouch.

There are many instances in which asbestos insulation applied to pipes must be removed so as to avoid the risk of contaminating the area in which such pipes are located. Contamination can occur as a result of deterioriation of the insulation or as a result of inadvertent physical damaging of the insulation, or both. Removal of such insulation must be undertaken in an extremely careful manner, not only to avoid contamination of the adjacent environment, but also to ensure protection for the workers engaged in removing such insulation.
Equipment for use in removing asbestos insulation from pipes has been proposed heretofore. For example, pipe-supported bags for such purpose are disclosed in British patent specification No. 1,567,270 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,291. Theoretically, such bags will perform satisfactorily, but in actual practice this is not always the case.
One of the disadvantages of bags of the kind disclosed in the publications referred to above is the difficulty in moving the bag longitudinally of the pipe as the insulation stripping progresses. Another disadvantage encountered with such bags is their inability to accommodate pipe supports, i.e., suspension straps or rods, by means of which a pipe is supported at an overhead level. A further disadvantage of such prior art bags is that the manner in which the bag is suspended from a pipe, coupled with the difficulty in moving the bag longitudinally of the pipe, subjects the bag to potential failure as a result of the weight of insulation contained in the bag as the latter is attempted to be moved along the pipe.
A further disadvantage of the prior art bags is that they are intended to be disposable following each use. For the protection of the worker, however, each bag is fitted with integral sleeves and/or gloves which are disposed of with the bag once the latter has been filled. This represents substantial expense.


A wireless communication system is provided which transmits and receives Multiple-Transmit Multiple-Receive (MTMR) signal in which the superimposed substreams of the received MTMR signal are recovered by concurrently estimating all of the substreams of the transmitted signal. A plurality of estimated data symbols are defined as a function of the plurality of signal samples. A difference expression that represents a difference between a function of a plurality of estimated data symbols and a function of the plurality of signal samples is determined and is a sum of plurality of terms. Values for each of a portion of a plurality of estimated data symbols are repeatedly selected such that one of the plurality of terms is minimized. Values for a further portion of the plurality of estimated data symbols are repeatedly selected such that a further one of the plurality of terms is minimized.

The present invention is directed to the delivery of data via a wireless connection and, more particularly, to the accurate detection of data received via a wireless connection.
In a wireless communications system, data is delivered from a transmitter to a receiver using radio waves or other electromagnetic waves. The waves, however, may be reflected off objects in the environment and scattered randomly while propagating from the transmitter to the receiver so that multiple images of the transmitted signal may arrive at the receiver via different scattered paths. The scattering, known as multipath scattering, can cause the images to arrive at the receiver at slightly different times and interfere destructively, thereby cancelling each other. Thus, multipath scattering may significantly impede the accurate transmission of data over the wireless connection.
A known approach for achieving high spectral efficiencies is by transmitting the data using a base transceiver station (BTS) having multiple antennas and then receiving the transmitted data using a remote station having multiple receiving antennas. This approach is known as Multiple Transmit-Multiple Receive (MTMR). As an example, a single data stream is divided into multiple substreams, and an array of transmitter antennas is used to concurrently transmit the parallel substreams using the same frequency band. The transmitted substreams are then picked up by an array of receiver antennas. Each of the receiver antennas receives all of the transmitted substreams as a single, superimposed signal, rather than as a plurality of individual signals. A receiver located at the remote stations then demodulates the superimposed substreams to recover the original, transmitted substreams.
The scattered images of the transmitted substreams, however, are also picked up by the array of receiver antennas. Because each of the substreams originates from a different transmitter antenna located at a respectively different point in space, each substream is scattered differently, i.e. independently, and is thus received independently at each receiver antenna. When there is sufficient multipath scattering, the original substreams are not readily recovered.
The scattered images of the transmitted substreams may arrive at the receiver antenna at the same time, i.e. with no delay spread, known as flat fading or may arrive with at different times, i.e. with a delay spread, known as frequency selective fading. In the delay spread or frequency selective fading environment, currently transmitted symbols interfere with previously transmitted symbols, which is called inter-symbol intereference (ISI).
A known signal processing algorithm, referred to as "Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time" (BLAST), uses differences in the scattering to identify and recover the transmitted substreams. The substreams are first sorted according to the strength of each channel, and the strongest substream is detected and extracted from the total received signal. Then, the substreams are again sorted based on their signal strength, and the next strongest substream is detected and extracted from the total received signal. The sorting and extracting process is repeated until all of the substreams are determined. The BLAST algorithm assumes that only flat fading is present and is therefore not suitable for delay spread environments, such as in a mobile wireless environment.
Thus, in the presence of ISI, the BLAST algorithm is not applicable. Moreover, while detecting the current strongest substream, the BLAST algorithm nulls the remaining substreams. This nulling is often imperfect because of channel estimation errors and, as a result, the performance of the receiver is degraded.
It is therefore desirable to recover the received data streams in the presence of ISI and without degrading receiver performance.

Receiver system for Multiple-Transmit, Multiple-Receive (MTMR) wireless communications systems


Guide rails, projecting axially from a housing section flange, are received in apertures provided therefor in a mating housing section flange, whereby the latter will be concentrically directed, into engagement with the former. Each housing section contains a magnet-carrier assembly which, otherwise, would be magnetically attracted to the other, and occasion damage or injury during assembly or disassembly. The rails prevent radial dislacement of one of the assemblies relative to the other thereof. In addition, jacking screws are interposed between the flanges to insure that magnetically-induced impacting engagement will not occur between the flanges.

The assembly or disassembly of sealless magnetic drive pumps, i.e., pumps which have complementary and mutually magnetically-attractive, magnet-carrier assemblies, can prove difficult. This is due to the very high attractive forces which can be created by the magnets of the carrier assemblies. These forces increase significantly with larger magnet drives due to the increased magnet volume used. Current assembly or disassembly practices do not provide a means for keeping the outer magnet-carrier reasonably concentric with the inner magnet-carrier. Some reasonable concentricity is necessary to avoid contact between the outer magnet-carrier assembly and the containment shell, thereby preventing a safety hazard or damage to the equipment.
In current practice, during assembly of the magnet drive end of the pump over the magnet driven end, the drive end, having the outer magnet-carrier assembly, is contacted with the containment shell outer surface, and then is slid forward, into the driven end portion of the housing, until it is fully engaged with the inner, driven end assembly. This practice has serious shortcomings. The magnets are formed of ceramic material and, therefore, are inherently brittle. Any contact between mating parts, during the slidable installation, can cause chipping of the magnets. High magnetic forces are experienced, both radially and axially, when assembling or disassembling the magnet drives. In that containment shells are relatively thin, typically less than one-sixteenth of an inch, damage may occur thereto if the outer magnet-carrier assembly forcefully contacts it. Further, some designs use ceramic or plastic containment shells which, potentially, could crack upon impact. Safety hazards can be created if mating components slam together, during assembly and/or disassembly, trapping and injuring fingers. Also, once the magnet drive end has been assembled to the magnet driven end, the true mating of the rabbet fit, which ultimately aligns the two components concentrically, can be awkward and difficult to effect, due to the radial pull of the inner and outer magnets.

Method of axially installing or removing a magnet-carrier assembly into or from a housing


A system and method scan a document printed by a first document processing device (using a second document processing device separate from the first document processing device). The document has printed thereon machine readable markings that comprise information of a patient, information of at least one lab test to be performed, and formatting information for the return of the lab test results. The second document processing device identifies the lab test to be performed on the patient based on the machine readable markings. After the lab tests have been performed on the patient, the second document processing device prepares the lab test results by formatting them. These formatted lab test results are then output from the second document processing device to the first document processing device.

Embodiments herein generally relate to method and apparatus embodiments that use communications between document processing devices to automatically provide results of lab tests in a format that is the most appropriate for the office that prescribed the lab tests.
Medical patients are commonly referred for medical tests to a lab by giving the patient a piece of paper (a lab prescription) that describes the tests to be done. At the lab, the patient gives the lab technicians the paper and the lab technicians perform the requested test. Most of the test equipment produces electronic records, but, if the doctor's office is not capable of receiving the electronic data, it must be faxed from the lab to the doctor's office. On the other hand, if the data is returned electronically, it may be difficult to read and review with the patient. This disclosure presents a method and system whereby the results of the lab tests can be delivered to the recipient doctor's office in a form that can be accepted by the doctor's equipment and needs. In addition, the system and methods automatically read and prepare the tests based on the paper carried by the patient. The paper can also include information about the best way to return to test results to the doctor's equipment.
More specifically, the embodiments herein comprise one or more document processing devices, such as a multi-function printer (MFP) or multi-function device (MFD), that reads a request for lab tests and the results from the lab equipment and prepares a report to be transmitted back to the doctor's office. The MFP's controller processes the request and determines the appropriate method by which to reply to the request. The reply will be made either over a public or private (local or wide area) network (e.g., the internet) or by fax depending on the equipment at the recipient doctor's office.
Thus, with embodiments herein, the lab test results will be sent in the form most appropriate to the doctor's office. The appropriate form for submitting the lab results may be determined 1) by entering information at the MFP, 2) by retrieving information from a database either on the MFP or connected to the MFP, or 3) by reading the information from the form. The equipment disclosed herein can include MPFs that are capable of encoding machine readable data (such as glyphs) on the form that may be read by the lab. Such MFPs are able to encode information on the form that indicates the type of tests required so that when the form is scanned at the lab, the lab equipment can be automatically set up for the tests. The apparatus embodiments herein are also able to receive binary data encoded in a fax and process the binary information.
One specific method embodiment herein begins by scanning a document printed by a first document processing device (using a second document processing device separate from the first document processing device). The document has printed thereon machine readable markings (which can only be read by a machine and are not human-readable) as well as any necessary human readable markings (text and graphics). The machine readable markings contain information of a patient, information of at least one lab test to be performed, and formatting information for the return of the lab test results. With embodiments herein, the second document processing device identifies the lab test to be performed on the patient based on the machine readable markings.
Some embodiments herein can use the second document processing device to output to a lab technician the identification of the patient and the identification of the lab test to be performed. For example, a paper based user interface may have, for an identifier, the patient demographic data, and an indication of the preferred format for the data to be returned in machine readable format. This interface would have check boxed for the doctor to indicate the labs requested. A lab technician performs the appropriate lab tests on the patient using various lab testing equipment, that is operatively connected to, or is in communication with the second document processing device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,320 "Integrative Remote Sample Analysis System" teaches how such a lab can be arranged to deliver electronic lab results to a central server and the full disclosure of this patent is incorporated herein by reference. Such a system could output this electronic data to the second document device for appropriate delivery back to the first document device. After these lab tests have been performed on the patient, the second document processing device formats the lab test results to be compatible with the needs of the first document processing device based on the formatting information that is contained within the machine readable markings.
These formatted lab test results are then output from the second document processing device to the first document processing device. These can be output by transmitting the lab test results as a facsimile transmission from the second document processing device to the first document processing device. Alternatively, a second document processing device can output lab test results directly into an electronic medical record (EMR) possibly with the intervention of the first document device. The first device processes the incoming data stream to transform the lab results into a format appropriate to the EMR. For example, the second document processing device may return a fax that is interpreted by the first document processing device as electronic data to be inserted into the EMR. In such a situation, before the document is printed, the method can identify the patient using the EMR system and select the lab test to be performed using the EMR system.
A number of devices embodiments are presented in this disclosure. One of the standalone devices presented herein comprises a document processing device that has a processor that executes instructions stored on connected computer-readable storage media to perform the various operations mentioned herein. Further, this device includes a user interface that can receive information from the patient or a medical provider, a printing engine (operatively connected to the processor) that can print the document, and a scanner (operatively connected to the processor) that scans the document. The processor processes the scanned image to identify the lab test to be performed on the patient, based on the machine readable markings.
This device further includes a communications port or ports that are operatively connected to the processor. The communications port is also operatively connected to the lab testing equipment that is used to perform the lab test on the patient and can receive the lab test results from such lab testing equipment. For example, MFP's are typically set up with two communications ports: an internet port to deliver printable files and a phone port to send and receive faxes. Either of these ports could be used to deliver the lab results depending on the requirements of the office receiving them. The processor formats the lab test results based on the formatting information from the machine readable markings, and the communications port outputs the formatted lab test results. Once again, the communications port can output the lab test results as a facsimile or as data that may be entered into an electronic medical record (EMR).
System embodiments are also disclosed herein. One system embodiment includes a first document processing device and a second document processing device that is in communication with the first document processing device. Each of these devices includes, respectively, first and second processors operatively connected to first and second computer-readable storage media. Again, the processors execute instructions stored on the first and second computer-readable storage media. Such devices also include, respectively, first and second printing engines, first and second scanners, and first and second communication ports, and first and second user interfaces (each of which is operatively connected to their respective processors).
In the description of this exemplary system embodiment, the "first" document processing device will be located at the medical provider's office that issues the lab test prescription, and the "second" document processing device will be located at the lab testing facility. The first document processing device and the second document processing device can be identical devices or different devices that can communicate with one another. Thus, the first printing engine prints the machine readable markings that contain information of the patient, information of the lab test(s) to be performed, and formatting information.
The patient then generally carries the printed document to the lab testing facility and presents the printed document to a lab technician, who then scans the document using the second document processing device. Thus, the second scanner produces a scanned image and the second processor processes the scanned image to identify the lab test to be performed on the patient based on the machine readable markings. The second document processing device can then print or display, for the lab technician, an identification of the patient and an identification of the lab test to be performed (using the second printing engine or the second user interface).
One feature of the embodiments herein is that the second communications port is operatively connected to the lab testing equipment used to perform the lab tests on the patient and therefore electronically receives the lab test results from the lab testing equipment. Another feature of the embodiments herein is that the second processor formats the lab test results based on the formatting information from the machine readable markings to convert the lab test results into a format that can be used by the first document processing device.
Then, after the lab test results are properly formatted for the first document processing device, the second communications port outputs the formatted lab test results to the first communications port. Once again, the communications port can output the lab test results as a facsimile or electronic data prepared for inclusion in a medical record. The first device then can output the data to an EMR system operatively connected to the first document processing device. In such a situation, if the lab report needs to be printed, the method can identify the patient using the EMR system and select the lab test to be printed using the EMR system.
These and other features are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description.

Device and method for delivering medical lab reports


The present invention relates to a new catalyst support material comprising a mixed oxide consisting essentially of a divalent metal and a trivalent metal in a substantially homogeneous phase, the mixed oxide being a calcination product of a hydrotalcite-like phase calcinated at a temperature of about 700-1200xc2x0 C., wherein the divalent metal/trivalent metal molar ratio is greater than or equal to 2. The invention also relates to a process of preparing the support. The invention further provides a catalyst for dehydrogenation which includes a transition metal selected from the first row of transition metals of the periodic table and/or a Group VIII metal impregnated on the new catalyst support material. The invention also provides a process for dehydrogenation of light alkanes using the catalyst.

The present invention relates to the preparation of highly stable, high surface area catalyst carrier materials derived from hydrotalcite-type materials by calcination at an elevated temperature.
The dehydrogenation of paraffins to olefins is of considerable commercial importance due to the need for olefins for the manufacture of products such as high octane gasolines, synthetic elastomers, detergents, plastics, ion exchange resins and pharmaceutical products. For a dehydrogenation process to be commercially useful, it must utilize catalysts exhibiting a high activity, a high rate of conversion, a high selectivity for the formation of olefins, and a high stability.
A large number of catalysts are previously known for the dehydrogenation of paraffins. These catalysts comprise a solid carrier material on an inorganic oxide base and various catalytic metals and promoter metals deposited on the carrier material or incorporated into the carrier material by other means. Carrier materials on an alumina base have been widely used in such dehydrogenation catalysts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,371 discloses such catalyst and a process for the steam dehydrogenation of dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons with oxidative reheating. A dehydrogenatable C2-30 hydrocarbon, steam and an oxygen-containing gas are contacted in a reaction zone with a catalyst comprising a Group VIII noble metal, one or more components selected from lithium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and francium, and a component selected from boron, gallium, indium, germanium, tin and lead, deposited on an inorganic oxide carrier material. The preferred carrier material is alumina having a surface area of 1-500 m2/g, preferably 5-120 m2/g. Alumina is employed as the catalyst carrier in all the working examples of the patent. A preferred catalyst according to said U.S. patent contains about 0.70 wt. % of platinum, about 0.50 wt. % of tin and about 3.86 wt. % of cesium, and has a surface area of about 85 m2/g.
Mixtures of magnesium oxide MgO and alumina Al2O3 and mixed oxides of Mg and Al have also been utilized as catalysts, and as carrier materials for catalysts. International Patent Application No. PCT/JP89/00053 discloses an alkoxylation catalyst comprising a magnesium oxide that has been modified by adding thereto at least one trivalent metal ion, preferably selected from Al3+ and Ga3+. British Patent Application GB 2,225,731 discloses a catalyst for hydrotreatment, e.g. hydrodemetallization or hydrodesulphurization, comprising in a substantially homogenous phase magnesia and alumina wherein the molar ratio of Mg to Al is preferably from 3:1 to 10:1, together with a Group VI metal and/or at least one Group VIII metal.
Hydrotalcite is a layered mineral of formula: Mg6Al2(OH)16CO34H2O. Over the years, a large number of hydrotalcite-like compounds, of general formula: [M(II)1xe2x88x92xM(III)x(OH)2]x+(Anxe2x88x92x/n) mH2O, where A=anions, have been prepared. Cavani, F. et al., Cat. Today, vol.11, no.2, 173 (1991). These compounds are characterized by a sheet-like structure, in which the anions are located in the interlayer between two brucite-like sheets containing the metal ions. MII1 MIII metal ions having an ionic radius which is not too different from Mg2+ can form hydrotalcite-like compounds. Cavani, F. et al., supra.
Upon calcination at 400-700xc2x0 C., a high surface area (typically 160-220 m2/g) material with an XRD pattern typical for MgO is formed, without separation of the two metal ions into separate oxide phases. Schaper, H., et al., Appl. Cat., vol. 54, 79 (1989). Upon calcination at even higher temperatures, the mixed oxide is gradually transformed into a spinel structure, i.e., MIIMIII2O41 with a much lower surface area. McKenzie, A. L., et al., J. Catal., vol. 138, 347 (1992); Bellotto, M., et al., Phys. Chem., vol. 100, 8535 (1996). One major use for these materials is as support materials for catalysts, (see, Cavani, F. et al., supra) for instance for the catalytic dehydrogenation of lower alkanes. Akporiaye, D. et al., Norwegian Patent No. 179131 (1993). It has been reported that certain materials formed by calcination of a Mgxe2x80x94Al-containing hydrotalcite at 300-700xc2x0 C. exhibit a high stability towards sintering in a humid atmosphere. See, Schaper, H., et al., Appl. Cat., supra.; Schaper, H., European Patent No. 0 251 351 (1988).
The present invention provides a catalyst which has improved catalytic performance compared to prior art catalysts with regard to catalyst activity, and at the same time exhibits an increased catalyst life time by preventing irreversible deactivation like sintering of the support.
In one early embodiment of the invention described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/569,185, it had been found that if a mixed oxide of Mg and Al is used in combination with a Group VIII noble metal and certain promoters of the kind disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,371, a catalyst can be obtained which exhibits improved activity and stability when used for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons.
The carrier for that embodiment of the catalyst may be prepared by adding a solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate to a solution of magnesium nitrate and aluminum nitrate according to the method described in Journal of Catalysis, vol. 94, pp.547-557, (1985), incorporated herein by reference. Instead of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate can be used, see Applied Catalysis, vol. 55, pp. 79-90 (1989), incorporated herein by reference. A hydrotalcite-like compound Mg6Al2 (OH)16CO3-4H2O is formed by evaporation (drying) of the above-mentioned mixtures. The hydrotalcite is then calcinated at a temperature 500-800xc2x0 C. to give Mg(Al)O. The molar ratio of Mg to Al typically ranges from 1:1 to 10:1, and the surface area is typically ranging from 100 to 300 m2 per gram, preferably from 140 to 210 m2 per gram, and the particle size can be in the range of 100 xcexcm to 20 mm.
The calcination temperature for that embodiment of the catalyst was within the range of about 500 to about 800xc2x0 C. A calcination temperature that had been shown to produce good results was about 700xc2x0 C. In some of the examples set forth herein, this temperature was held for about 15 hours.
It has now been found, however, that the stability of the catalyst described herein could be further improved.
Thus, the present invention provides for a catalyst support material comprising a mixed oxide consisting essentially of a divalent metal and a trivalent metal in a substantially homogeneous phase, which is a calcination product of a hydrotalcite-like phase calcinated at a temperature of about 700-1200xc2x0 C., wherein the divalent metal/trivalent metal molar ratio is equal to, or higher than 2.
Tests of the effect of the calcination temperature of hydrotalcite and hydrotalcite-like materials at different temperatures from 700xc2x0 C. to 1200xc2x0 C. were therefore investigated.
By performing these investigations, it has been surprisingly found that by raising the calcination temperature of the catalyst support precursor hydrotalcite to 700xc2x0 C. to 1200xc2x0 C., preferably to the range of 750 to 950xc2x0 C., an improvement of the catalyst stability could be achieved with an acceptable reduction in the surface of the catalyst carrier compared to the gain in stability at use. In a further aspect, the present invention thus relates to a catalyst support material comprising a mixed oxide consisting essentially of Mg and Al in a substantially homogenous phase, which is a calcination product of a hydrotalcite phase, preferably calcinated at a temperature of 750 to 950xc2x0 C., wherein the Mg/Al molar ratio is equal 2 or higher than 2. A most preferred range for the calcination has been found to be at 770 to 850xc2x0 C., and within that range, the preferred temperature is at about 800xc2x0 C.
Preferably the Mg/Al molar ratio is in the range of about 2.5 to 6.0, and most preferably, the Mg/Al molar ratio is in the range about 3 to about 5.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing said catalyst support material is provided wherein a solution comprising a divalent metal salt and trivalent metal salt is mixed with a basic aqueous solution, the reaction product recovered from said reaction mixture, said product being washed and dried, and the dried product is calcinated at a temperature ranging from about 700-1200xc2x0 C. Calcination temperatures in the range of 750-950xc2x0 C. have been found particularly suitable. More preferably the calcination takes place at a temperature ranging from about 770 to about 850xc2x0 C. The best results have so far been achieved when the calcination was performed at about 800xc2x0 C.
The calcination may be effected, for example, for about 1 to about 20 hours, and preferably the calcination is effected for about 2-15 hours.
The basic aqueous solution used in this process is preferably a composition of aqueous ammonium or alkali metal hydroxides and carbonates.
The preferred divalent metal therein is Mg and the preferred trivalent metal therein is Al.
The molar ratio of hydroxide to carbonate may, for example, be within the range of 1:1 to 3:1.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising a transition metal, preferably a transition metal selected from the first row of transition metals of the Periodic Table and/or a Group VIII metal, impregnated on to the catalyst support described above.
Preferably the first row transition metal is Cr.
Preferably this catalyst comprises both a Group IVA metal and a Group VIII metal impregnated onto the catalyst support material mentioned above. Optionally a Group IA metal may be used together with the Group VIII metal and the Group IVA metal.
Preferably the Group VIII is Pt, the Group IV metal is Sn and the Group IA metal is Cs. Preferably the Group VIII metal catalyst is in the range of 0.05 to 5.0 percent by weight and the amount of the Group IVA metal is 0.05 to 7.0 percent by weight, optionally Group IA 0.05 to 5 percent by weight.
The present invention also relates to a process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of light alkanes wherein a stream of such light alkanes is passed through a layer of the catalytic active compositions described above in the presence or absence of steam.
Thus, according to one embodiment this process is performed in the presence of steam and in another embodiment, the process is performed in the absence of steam.
The present invention also relates to the use of the catalytic composition as described above for the dehydrogenation of light alkanes.
It had been found that the materials covered by the embodiment of the invention disclosed in co-pending United States patent application Ser. No. 08/569,185 and described in more detail herein, predominantly maintains the MgO structure, and also a high specific surface area and exhibited an improved stability towards sintering compared to the materials reported in Schaper, H., et al., Appl. Cat., vol. 54, 79 (1989) and Schaper, H., European Patent No. 0 251 351 (1988), supra.
Preferably, the catalyst has been subjected to a pretreatment comprising a reduction, preferably in hydrogen, a subsequent oxidation, preferably in air optionally mixed with nitrogen, and finally a second reduction, preferably in hydrogen (ROR pretreatment; ROR=Reduction-Oxidation-Reduction).
The Group VIII noble metal is preferably selected from platinum and palladium, with platinum being the most preferred. The Group IVA metal is preferably selected from tin and germanium, with the most preferred metal being tin.
It has further been shown that the selectivity of the catalysts of the invention in a dehydrogenation process is further improved by including therein a Group IA alkali metal, preferably cesium or potassium, most preferably cesium.
It is remarkable that the new catalyst exhibits a very high activity in the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons even with a low content of Group VIII noble metal of e.g. 0.2-0.4 wt. %.
The Group VIII metal, the Group IVA metal and the optional Group IA metal can be incorporated into the carrier by any of the methods known in the art. A preferred method consists in impregnating the oxide carrier with solutions or suspensions of decomposable compounds of the metals to be incorporated.
The catalyst and its preparation are described in more detail below with reference to embodiments wherein platinum, tin and optionally cesium are deposited on the carrier material, but the description is also valid for the deposition of other metals within the scope of the invention, with any adaptations that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a light alkane


A method and apparatus for packaging sensitive electronic components includes a tray having an outer wall with an inside surface which at least partially defines a protected space; releasable retention bars releasably retaining the components in the protected space. The tray and retention bar are preferably fabricated from an electrically conductive material, so that the assembly may be grounded during transport and handling. The method of packaging and transporting includes providing the container, placing at least one component in the protected space, placing the retention bar over the component to retain it in the protected space, engaging the ends of the bars with the container to capture the component between the bar and the inside surface of the tray, and transporting the tray with captured components to a desired location, during which time the assembly is protected against damage during handling.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of packaging and transporting sensitive electronic components including spring-loaded suspension assemblies with or without additional components such as test boards or electronic sensors/transducers, test boards alone or other components. More particularly, the invention relates to improved containers for packaging these sensitive electronic components during transport and handling, whether in manual or automated systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A variety of devices have been designed to hold and protect sensitive electronic components during transport and handling. Many of these devices are not, however, adapted for use in modern automated handling systems.
A disadvantage of prior art containers is that many are typically capable of holding components of only one size, necessitating the use of different containers for different components.
The sensitivity of the components has, in the past, added to the handling and transport costs. This has been exacerbated in situations where it is necessary to transfer the components from one station to another, such as during cleaning, testing and other processing. In particular, the components must usually be removed from the prior art containers to clean them, significantly increasing the cost of cleaning.
Particular problems are associated with the transport and handling of magnetic transducer heads and their suspension assemblies. The transducer heads are used for loading and retrieving electronic data off storage media, such as the hard disks which are found in personal computers. Transducer heads are commonly supported during operation by a suspension assembly which includes a gimble spring or load beam for mounting the transducer head relative to a mounting plate of the assembly. During assembly, the gimble spring is precisely loaded to a predetermined deflection, in a procedure which is commonly known as gram-loading. Upon assembly of the suspension assembly and head into a disk drive, the proper deflection will ensure that the head is spaced a precise, predetermined distance from the magnetic disk.
If the deflection is disturbed during transport of the suspension assembly from its point of manufacture to assembly into a disk drive, the spacing will be disturbed, and the disk drive itself may be rendered inoperable. It is also important to prevent exposure of the assembly and head to contaminants during transport and processing. Consequently, suspension assemblies must be treated with extreme care during their transport and handling.
Additional difficulties have been encountered when transporting suspension assemblies which may or may not have extremely fine wire leads attached to them, and the leads, in turn, may or may not have test boards attached to their opposite ends. In addition to the difficulties associated with transporting the suspension assemblies without disturbing their preset deflection, the attached wire leads and, possibly, test boards also must be transported without detaching them from the electronic sensors/transducers to which they are attached. In addition, unsecured test boards or wire leads can damage or contaminate the sensors/transducers.
It is clear that there has existed a long and unfilled need in the art for an improved method and apparatus for packaging sensitive electronic components during transport and handling in manual or automated systems.

Method and apparatus for transporting sensitive electronic components


To provide a radio transmission method and a radio transmission apparatus capable of performing a highly-efficient radio transmission depending on the number of communicating stations, a predetermined frame period is prescribed, a management information transmitting field being provided within the frame period, a station sync transmit/receive interval being provided within the management information transmitting field and an arbitrary communicating station being designated to transmit a station sync at plural frame period intervals during the station sync transmit/receive interval. Thus even if only the station sync transmitting area corresponding to the number which is less than the number of communicating stations forming a network exists within one frame, the station sync can be transmitted and received.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radio transmission method and a radio transmission apparatus applicable to, e.g. a case where a plurality of devices form a local area network (LAN) by transmitting information among various kinds of transmission apparatus by a radio signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
From the past have been proposed various kinds of radio transmission method in which the number of communicating stations forming a radio network is selected to be an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than two, a frame structure common to the radio network being used, a management information transmitting field being provided in a part of the frame and information necessary for managing the network being transmitted and received in the management information transmitting field.
As a first conventional radio transmission method, according to an official gazette of Japanese laid-open patent application No. H11-251992, there is proposed a method in which areas for transmitting station synchronizing signals from all communicating stations forming a network are provided within a predetermined frame period so as to avoid conflict with each other.
As a second conventional radio transmission method, there is conceived a method in which, in that management information transmitting field within a predetermined frame period, a station synchronizing signal transmitting interval during which one communicating station can issue a transmission request is provided and a communicating station having a transmission request, etc. starts transmission in this area as the need arises.
Further, as a third conventional radio transmission method, according to an official gazette of Japanese laid-open patent application No. H11-374728, there is proposed a method in which, in that management information transmitting field, an interval for transmitting station synchronizing information necessary for managing a network can be varied depending on a change in the number of the communicating stations forming the network.
Alternatively, as a fourth conventional radio transmission method, there is conceived a method in which a station synchronizing signal transmission and reception interval during which one communicating station transmits is provided within a predetermined frame period and a communicating station designated by a control station transmits a station synchronizing signal in every frame period.
However, according to the first conventional radio transmission method, there is a disadvantage that, since there are provided in each communicating station the station synchronizing signal transmitting areas of the number corresponding to the number of assumed communicating stations as fixed areas in every frame which arrives periodically, if there are a few communicating stations forming the network, then many useless areas will exist.
According to the second conventional radio transmission method, there is a disadvantage that, when a plurality of communicating stations issue transmission requests at the same time, transmitted signals conflict with each other and so this conventional radio transmission method cannot be applied to a radio transmission in which it is difficult to detect a conflict by simultaneously performing transmission and reception.
According to the third conventional radio transmission method, there is a disadvantage that, because the station synchronizing signal transmitting area increases as the number of the communicating stations forming the network increases, it tends to be difficult to satisfactorily transmit information in the information transmitting field of the latter half of the frame.
According to the fourth conventional radio transmission method, there is a disadvantage that information contained in the station synchronizing signals from all the communicating stations cannot be obtained unless the frame periods corresponding to the number of the communicating stations in operation pass until the transmission of the station synchronizing signals from all the communicating stations forming the network finishes.
Also, according to the fourth conventional radio transmission method, there is a disadvantage that, when the communicating station which is requested to transmit information in the frame period fails to receive down-link control information designating the transmission, the station synchronizing signal from that communicating station cannot be transmitted.

Radio transmission method and radio transmission apparatus


An optical encoder configuration comprises a scale, an illumination source, and a photodetector configuration. The illumination source is configured to output structured illumination to the scale. The scale extends along a measuring axis direction and is configured to output scale light that forms a detector fringe pattern comprising periodic high and low intensity bands that extend over a relatively longer dimension along the measuring axis direction and are relatively narrow and periodic along a detected fringe motion direction transverse to the measuring axis direction. The high and low intensity bands move along the detected fringe motion direction transverse to the measuring axis direction as the scale grating displaces along the measuring axis direction. The photodetector configuration is configured to detect a displacement of the high and low intensity bands along the detected fringe motion direction and provide respective spatial phase displacement signals that are indicative of the scale displacement.

Technical Field
The invention relates generally to precision position or displacement measurement instruments, and more particularly to an encoder configuration with signal processing which is resistant to errors that may be associated with a contaminated or defective portion of a scale.
Description of the Related Art
Optical position encoders determine the displacement of a readhead relative to a scale that includes a pattern that is detected by the readhead. Typically, position encoders employ a scale that includes at least one scale track that has a periodic pattern, and the signals arising from that scale track are periodic as a function of displacement or position of the readhead along the scale track. Absolute type position encoders may use multiple scale tracks to provide a unique combination of signals at each position along an absolute scale.
Optical encoders may utilize incremental or absolute position scale structures. An incremental position scale structure allows the displacement of a readhead relative to a scale to be determined by accumulating incremental units of displacement, starting from an initial point along the scale. Such encoders are suitable for certain applications, particularly those where line power is available. In low power consumption applications (e.g., battery powered gauges and the like), it is more desirable to use absolute position scale structures. Absolute position scale structures provide a unique output signal, or combination of signals, at each position along a scale, and therefore allow various power conservation schemes. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,882,482; 5,965,879; 5,279,044; 5,886,519; 5,237,391; 5,442,166; 4,964,727; 4,414,754; 4,109,389; 5,773,820; and 5,010,655 disclose various encoder configurations and/or signal processing techniques relevant to absolute position encoders, and are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Some encoder configurations realize certain advantages by utilizing an illumination source light diffraction grating in an illumination portion of the encoder configuration. U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,941,052; 9,018,578; 9,029,757; and 9,080,899, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, disclose such encoder configurations. Some of the configurations disclosed in these patents may also be characterized as utilizing super resolution moiré imaging.
In various applications, scale manufacturing defects or contaminants such as dust or oils on a scale track may disturb the pattern detected by the readhead, creating errors in the resulting position or displacement measurements. In general, the size of errors due to a defect or contamination may depend on factors such as the size of the defect or contamination, the wavelength of the periodic pattern on the scale, the size of the readhead detector area, the relationship between these sizes, and the like. A variety of methods are known for responding to abnormal signals in an encoder. Almost all such methods are based on disabling the encoder signals, or providing an "error signal" to warn the user, or adjusting a light source intensity to boost low signals, or the like. However, such methods do not provide a means of continuing accurate measurement operations despite the abnormal signals that arise from certain types of scale defects or contamination. Therefore, these methods have limited utility. One known method that does mitigate the effects of scale contaminants or defects on measurement accuracy is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application JP2003-065803 (the '803 Application). The '803 Application teaches a method wherein two or more photo detectors output periodic signals having the same phase, which are each input to respective signal stability judging means. The signal stability judging means only outputs signals that are judged to be "normal," and "normal" signals are combined as the basis for position measurement. Signals that are "abnormal" are excluded from position measurement calculations. However, the methods of judging "normal" and "abnormal" signals disclosed in the '803 Application have certain disadvantages that limit the utility of the teachings of the '803 Application.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,493,572 (the '572 patent) discloses a contamination and defect resistant optical encoder configuration which provides a means to select signals from photodetector elements which are not subject to contamination. However, the '572 patent relies on complex signal processing that may be less desirable in some applications.
Improved methods for providing accurate measurement operations that avoid or mitigate abnormal signals that arise from certain types of scale defects or contamination without the need for complex signal processing would be desirable.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Contamination and defect resistant optical encoder configuration outputting structured illumination to a scale plane for providing displacement signals