The invention is related to a method for separating enantiomers in a supported liquid membrane module by contacting the liquid membrane which may contain a carrier and a phase transfer agent with a feed fluid containing a racemic mixture whereby an enantiomer is transported into the liquid membrane and thereafter contacting the liquid membrane with a sweep fluid whereby an enantiomer is transported from the liquid membrane into the sweep fluid. The enantiomer is then recovered from the sweep fluid. The liquid membrane module is constructed in such a way that the feed fluid and the sweep fluid are adjacent to, but on opposite sides of, the liquid membrane and the feed and sweep fluids have a substantially continuous interfacial contact along the length of the liquid membrane.

This invention relates to the separation of enantiomers or a racemic mixture, into the specific isomers.
Stereoisomers are those molecules which differ from each other only in the way their atoms are oriented in space. Stereoisomers are generally classified as diasteromers or enantiomers; the latter embracing those which are mirror images of each other, the former being those which are not. The particular arrangement of atoms that characterize a particular stereoisomer is known as its optical configuration, and are generally identified as either + or xe2x88x92 (also D or L) (and d or l) or R or S.
Though differing only in orientation, the practical effects of stereoisomerism may be important. For example, the biological and pharmaceutical activities of many compounds are strongly influenced by the particular configuration involved. Many compounds are only of widespread utility when provided in a given stereoisomeric form. Therefore, it is the separation of enantiomers that presents a special problem because their physical properties are identical. This is particularly true when involving a racemic mixture; that is, a mixture that comprises equal amounts of enantiomers having different optical configurations. Separation of the racemate into its respective enantiomers, generally known as a resolution, is, therefore, a process of considerable importance and challenge.
A number of techniques for separating enantiomers are known in the art such as various chromatographic methods or enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Most, however, are useful for obtaining small analytical quantities and are not practical for separating larger quantities for commercial purposes. One such method is known as an indirect separation which involves reacting the enantiomers with an optically pure chiral derivatizing agent. A direct method of separation is much like the indirect method involving the formation of a diasteromeric species which is transient, with the stability of one species differing from the other.
Another method described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,800,162 and 5,077,217 utilizes multi-phase and extractive enzyme membrane bioreactors for the resolution of racemic mixtures of optically active compounds.
Liquid membranes have been used for separating enantiomers as discussed in the book Chiral Separation, Applications and Technology, S. Ahuja, Editor; American Chemical Society, 1997, Chapter 11, pp. 309-334. One system is described on pp. 329-330, where two membrane modules are employed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,795 to Pirkle et al. employs a similar supported chiral liquid membrane and a chiral carrier which selectively complexes with one of the two enantiomeric optical configurations. However, the liquid membrane present in the Pirkle et al. patent is used in a totally different manner so that in fact the apparatus is in effect a contactor rather than a liquid membrane. The disclosed apparatus has a different principle of operation and different engineering basics compared to the apparatus employed in the present invention. As is clearly shown in the Pirkle et al. patent, the liquid membrane must flow from the source phase containing the feed liquid to the receiving phase containing the solution enriched with one enantiomer. In that respect, the method of separating enantiomers disclosed by Pirkle et al. is totally different from the method of this invention.
Thus, although liquid membranes have been known to be useful in separating chiral enantiomers, they have never been used commercially because, depending on the design and the materials used, the separation modules or parts thereof deteriorate rather quickly or the necessary ingredients such as the liquid membrane or the carrier are partially lost in the process and the separation must be periodically interrupted to replace or replenish them. Furthermore, the prior art methods are often batch processes and, even if continuous, could not be adapted for a large scale continuous separation. Such processes do not provide the necessary rate of transport and the degree of separation in a reasonable time period to make them feasible for large scale commercial enantiomer separation. These deficiencies are resolved and eliminated by the method of this invention.
The present invention is directed to a method for separating or resolving enantiomers in a supported liquid membrane module which comprises a liquid membrane, feed fluid containing a racemic mixture and a sweep fluid into which the separated enantiomer passes, such that said feed fluid and said sweep fluid are adjacent to, but on opposite sides of, said liquid membrane and the feed fluid and the sweep fluid have a substantially continuous interfacial contact along the length of the liquid membrane, said method comprising:
a) contacting liquid membrane with said feed fluid;
b) transporting preferentially one enantiomer from the feed fluid into the liquid membrane;
c) contacting liquid membrane with said sweep fluid;
d) transporting the enantiomers from the liquid membrane into the sweep fluid; and
e) recovering the enantiomers from the sweep fluid.
The feed fluid may be composed only of the enantiomers or optionally it may also contain a solvent. If the enantiomers are solid, then a solvent must be employed to dissolve the solid enantiomers. If the enantiomers are liquid, a solvent is usually not absolutely necessary but it may be desirable to employ a solvent. If the selectivity of one enantiomer by the liquid membrane is high, then substantially only one isomer will transport through the membrane and the separation of the isomers will be substantially complete. Optionally, the liquid membrane may also contain a phase transfer agent (PTA) which can be any chemical agent to aid the partitioning of an enantiomer from the feed fluid into the liquid membrane. The feed fluid pH could be adjusted to favor the solubility of the enantiomers in the liquid membrane. Likewise, the sweep fluid pH could be adjusted to favor the solubility of the enantiomers in the sweep fluid.
The solvent that may be employed in the feed must dissolve the enantiomers but it must be different than the solvent in the liquid membrane and it must be substantially immiscible with the liquid membrane. Nevertheless, the solvent could be the same as the solvent in the sweep.
Those skilled in the art will be informed what solvents could be used for a particular enantiomer and the literature provides much information in this regard. For example, a discussion is provided in Chiral Separations, S. Ahuja, ed., (1996) p. 283.
A membrane is a semi-permeable barrier that spatially divides two solutions of different concentrations and controls the solute exchange rate between them. A liquid membrane can serve as a membrane between two other liquid phases provided it is immiscible with those liquid phases. The liquid membrane in the invention consists of a liquid that is immiscible with the feed and the sweep fluids and preferentially dissolves the enantiomer that is to be isolated. The liquid membrane optionally may also contain a carrier and a phase transfer agent (PTA). The need for a carrier and a PTA will depend on the enantiomers that are being separated, the degree of solubility of the desired enantiomer in the liquid membrane (i.e., the solvent present in the liquid membrane), the enantios electivity and the flux rate across the membrane.
A chiral carrier is a material that enhances the rate of selective transport of an enantiomer. Generally, a chiral carrier complexes preferentially with one enantiomer in the liquid membrane or dissolves preferentially one enantiomer. In effect, the carrier increases the solubility of one enantiomer in the liquid membrane. This facilitates the transport of the complexed or the preferentially soluble enantiomer through the liquid membrane. Thus, a solvent used as a liquid membrane could conceivably act as a carrier. The uncomplexed carrier and the carrier complexed with an enantiomer should be substantially immiscible with the feed and sweep fluids. The carrier, if present, must have a degree of solubility in the solvent which constitutes the major portion of a liquid membrane. It is preferable that the carrier have substantial solubility in the solvent and it is further preferable that it be close to its maximum concentration in the liquid membrane. Generally the greater the concentration of the carrier, the greater the flux. For practical reasons, however, there will be an optimum range of the concentration to provide good flux without increasing the cost unreasonably. The topic of flux and related subjects are discussed in Cussler E. L., xe2x80x9cDiffusion: Mass Transfer in Fluid Systems,xe2x80x9d Cambridge University Press (1984 ed.), pp. 395-400.
The literature generally contains much information regarding the carriers for specific enantiomers. For example, the list in the following Table is illustrative of the literature disclosing appropriate carriers for the indicated enantiomers.
As can be seen in the above Table, for some enantiomers there may be only one known carrier, but for others, there may be a choice of several carriers. Those skilled in the art will understand that chromatography can be used as a screening tool to determine which materials can be used as carriers for specific enantiomers. For example, a prospective carrier is placed in the column packing and a feed fluid containing specific enantiomers is injected into the column. If the column separates the enantiomers, then the test material in the column can be used as the carrier in the method of this invention. If the carrier is a solid, then a solvent must be employed to dissolve the carrier. The solvent may be achiral or chiral. But the carrier itself must be chiral because it must have preference for one enantiomer over the other.
As mentioned above, PTA must not necessarily be included in the liquid membrane, but it may be advantageous to have a PTA present. The phase transfer agent (PTA) in general is a non-covalent molecular associate of a specific substrate which drastically alters the solubility profile of the substrate. Examples of this are (a) for an ionic substrate, a large counter ion that will form an ion pair with the ionic substrate, causing the ion pair to be soluble in a media in which the original ion is not soluble; (b) for a non-ionic substrate, a PTA might engage in a weak interaction with the non-ionic substrate or may complex with such substrate with the result that the resulting substrate has a qualitatively different solubility property than the original substrate. In nature, all the protein carriers in a human or animal body act as PTAs.
The amount of a PTA used in a liquid membrane will depend on its ability to complex and to transport an enantiomer. As an example, the concentration of a PTA may range from an extremely minor amount such as 0.1 mmole up to 10 mmoles, or even up to 100 mmoles and in the case of an ionic PTA, it could even approach 1 mole. The discussion of the use of PTA may be found in the publication of Pirkle et al., xe2x80x9cUse of Achiral Ion-Pairing Reagents With Chiral Stationary Phasesxe2x80x9d, J. of Chromatography, 479 (1989), pp. 377-386.
If neither a carrier nor a PTA is employed, a separation is possible only if the solvent has selectivity for one enantiomer over the other. However, if both enantiomers are equally soluble in that solvent, then no separation is possible without a carrier. If the solvent is chiral, then generally one enantiomer will be preferentially soluble in such a chiral solvent. For example, if Nopol is used as a liquid membrane, then one enantiomer from a mixture of amino acid enantiomers will be transported substantially faster than the other enantiomer through such a liquid membrane and separation will occur even without a carrier (Bryjak et al., J. Memb. Sci., 85, 221, 1993. If, however, achiral liquid membrane is employed, generally no separation of enantiomers will occur without the use of a carrier or a PTA.
The sweep fluid, sometimes also referred to as the strip or purge fluid, is the fluid into which preferentially one enantiomer passes from the liquid membrane. The sweep fluid is generally a liquid consisting of a solvent and optionally an enantiomer solubility enhancer, a material that would aid the release of the enantiomer from the carrier in the liquid membrane. Such a material can also strongly increase the solubility of the enantiomer in the sweep. Examples of solubility enhancers include acids and bases to alter the pH of the sweep. The solvent in the sweep must be different than the solvent in the liquid membrane but it can be the same as the solvent in the feed fluid. It could be chiral or achiral. The solvent in the sweep must be substantially immiscible with the liquid membrane. The pH of the sweep and also of the feed fluid can be adjusted by using an appropriate buffer to maximize the solubility of one enantiomer or to provide a pH gradient between the feed and the sweep to favor active transport of the enantiomer from the feed to the sweep fluid. For example, in the separation of the racemic mixture of N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl) leucine, the sweep is water. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, KH2PO4, is used as a buffer to adjust the pH. Generally it is preferable to adjust the pH of the sweep to maximize the solubility of one enantiomer in the sweep.
In the present invention, the liquid membrane may be stationary or it may be moving or flowing from one location to the other. The two locations, however, are anywhere where there is no area for mass transfer between the first location and the second location. That means, it could be flowing anywhere where the liquid membrane is not directly between the feed and the sweep fluids. The flow of the liquid membrane may be in any direction or stationary. Even if one or both of the fluids and the liquid membrane are stationary, the enantiomers can still be transported across from the feed fluid through the liquid membrane, and into the sweep fluid. This transport occurs if the concentration of the enantiomer is higher in the feed fluid relative to the sweep, or there is active transport by coupled facilitated diffusion. The literature defines conditions when these occur, e.g. E. L. Cussler, xe2x80x9cDiffusion: Mass Transfer in Fluid Systems,xe2x80x9d Cambridge University Press (1984 ed.), p. 402. It is generally preferable that the fluids be moving, either in the same direction or in the opposite direction. A diagrammatic illustration of the relative locations of the various fluids and a specific example of the flow of the fluids is shown in FIG. 1a.
It should be understood that the walls of the liquid membrane contain pores. These pores are always filled with one of the fluids present in the module, i.e., the feed fluid, liquid membrane fluid or sweep fluid. It is a preferred feature of this invention to have a particular type of a fluid in the pores depending on the level of partitioning of the enantiomers or enantiomers. For enantiomers that have poor partitioning into the liquid membrane, the pores of the fiber walls of the liquid membrane should preferably be filled with the feed and/or sweep fluids because the enantiomers are more soluble in the feed and the sweep than in the liquid membrane and it is desirable that the concentration of the enantiomer be as high as possible in the walls.
For enantiomers that have high or good partitioning in the liquid membrane, i.e., enantiomers more soluble in the liquid membrane solvent then in the feed or sweep fluids, the walls preferably should be filled with the liquid membrane. When the pores of the fiber is filled with a particular fluid, it may be said that the fiber walls are wetted with that fluid. It is more common that the majority of enantiomers have poor partitioning into the liquid membrane. In such cases, it is preferable that the fiber material for tubular membranes be chosen so that the pores of the fibers are filled with the feed and sweep fluids. Spacers are required to ensure that there is no contact between the inner and the outer fiber, that is, so that there is no direct contact between the feed and the sweep fluids.
Any enantiomers may be separated employing the method of this invention, regardless of the chemical nature of the enantiomers. Thus, optically active organic amines, amides, nitrites, carboxylic acids, esters, alcohols, hydantoins and other optically-active compounds may be separated into the individual enantiomers. The separated enantiomers may be useful in pharmaceuticals, agricultural, chemicals, fragrances, flavoring agents and other applications.
The method of this invention is particularly useful in separating enantiomers on a commercial scale because the separation is efficient and economical. All parts of the module are of a substantially permanent nature and are not used up, requiring frequent interruption in the operation for the purpose of replacing any used-up parts. Furthermore, the separation could be carried out in a continuous process. The actual rate of separation will depend on the specific enantiomers being separated, the solvents used, the carrier and PTA used, the size of the unit, the degree of buffering and the temperature at which separation is conducted.
The separation of enantiomers described above may be accomplished in a tubular or hollow liquid membrane module that is particularly effective on a commercial scale. The liquid membrane can be stationary or moving, although the latter is preferred. The module has a housing which is adapted to contain at least one tubular liquid membrane element. The element includes a first tubular membrane located within a second tubular membrane with an annular gap defined between the first tubular membrane and the second tubular membrane. The first (inner) tubular membrane, which generally may have an inside diameter (I.D.) of about 50 microns to about 2 mm and wall thickness of 10 microns to 500 microns, is longer than the second tubular membrane so that its ends extend axially out of the ends of the second tubular membrane. The outer tubular fiber may generally have I.D. of about 100 microns to about 3 mm with the same wall thickness as the thinner tube. Also, a screen spacer/support may be used in the annular space or gap between the inner and outer tubes to provide mechanical support for the tubular membranes. The liquid membrane is housed or contained in the annular space and as the liquid flows, the spacers/screens create mixing of the liquid membrane. Spacers can be made from any material such that it prevents direct contact between the inner and outer fiber along the length of the fiber. The annular space is generally from about 10 microns to about 500 microns but typically between about 20 and 50 microns. Generally, smaller annular spaces and thinner wall thicknesses of the tubular membrane are preferred because this creates less resistance to diffusion. The membranes are 20% to 80% porous and more typically about 30% to 50%. The pore sizes in the membranes are between about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns but the smaller pores are preferred if a high pressure drop is applied between the feed and sweep fluids. The overall size of the module is application dependent. A module must contain at least one set of membranes (one inner and one outer tubular membrane) but it may contain hundreds or thousands of them. The more membrane sets, the larger the volume of enantiomers that may be separated per unit time. Thus, the module size may be 10-12 inches in diameter and up to about 3 feet long. There is a theoretical limit to the size of the module if good separation of enantiomers is to be maintained.
The lumen of the first tubular membrane is used as fluid passage for the feed fluid, and the outer surface of the second tubular membrane is used as fluid flow surface for the sweep fluid. Alternatively, the lumen of the first or inner tubular membrane can be used as the fluid passage way for the sweep fluid and the outer surface of the second or outer tubular membrane can be used for the passage of the feed fluid.
The module also includes four tube sheets, two at each end of the housing. At one end of the housing, a first tube sheet extends between the housing and the exterior surface of the first end of the first (inner) tubular membrane, and the second tube sheet extends between the housing and the exterior surface of the first end of the second (outer) tubular membrane. The space between the first and second tube sheets is used as a membrane liquid intake manifold for providing a membrane liquid from a membrane liquid inlet port on the housing to the annular gap.
At the other end of the housing, a third tube sheet extends between the housing and the exterior surface of the second end of the first tubular membrane, and fourth tube sheet extends between the housing and exterior surface of the second end of the second tubular membrane. The space between the third and fourth tube sheets is used as a membrane liquid outlet manifold for removing a membrane liquid from the annular gap at a membrane liquid outlet port on the housing.
The space between the first tube sheet and the housing is used as a feed intake manifold for providing a feed fluid from a feed fluid inlet port in the housing to the fluid passage way. Likewise, the space between the third tube sheet and the other end of the housing is used as a feed fluid outlet manifold for removing a feed fluid from the fluid passage way to a feed fluid outlet port in the housing.
A sweep fluid inlet port is formed in the housing between the second tube sheet and a fourth tube sheet. This port facilitates the introduction of a sweep fluid from a sweep fluid to the fluid flow surface. The sweep fluid outlet port is located on the other side of the housing, spaced from the sweep fluid inlet port. The sweep fluid outlet port facilitates the removal of the sweep fluid from the fluid flow surface at a sweep fluid outlet port on the housing. As already mentioned above, the conduits for the feed and sweep fluids may be interchanged. If the enantiomers are gaseous, the module may also be operated when the sweep fluid is in gas phase. In such a module, the sweep fluid inlet port is closed and a vacuum pump and/or a condenser is connected to the sweep fluid outlet port to draw the enantiomer out of the module from the enantiomer-enrichment channels. Alternatively, a sweep fluid may be used to remove the separated enantiomer.
In addition, the Tubular or Hollow Fiber module includes various connections to the element for providing independent and simultaneous flowing of a feed fluid through the fluid passageway, a membrane liquid through the membrane liquid passageway, and a sweep fluid upon the fluid flow surface. These connections include differential pressure controllers, fluid pumps, and a membrane liquid reservoir.

Liquid membrane separation of enantiomers


The present invention provides a communication method of a terminal in a carrier aggregation system. The method comprises: determining indexes relative to a plurality of downlink component carriers and a plurality of uplink component carriers; receiving, from a base station, DCI through at least one downlink component carrier among the plurality of downlink component carriers; and transmitting an uplink signal to the base station through an uplink component carrier determined on the basis of DCI, wherein the DCI includes an index that indicates the uplink component carrier which transmits the uplink signal among the plurality of uplink component carriers.

One of the most important requirements of the next-generation wireless communication system is to support a requirement for a high data transfer rate. To this end, research is being carried out on various technologies, such as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and Cooperative Multiple Point transmission (CoMP), and a relay, but the most basic and stable solution is to increase the bandwidth.
However, frequency resources are now in a saturation state, and various technologies are partially being used in wide-ranging frequency bands. For this reason, as a scheme for securing a wide bandwidth in order to satisfy requirements for a higher data transfer rate, a Carrier Aggregation (CA) having a concept in which each of scattered bands is designed to satisfy a basic requirement capable of operating an independent system and a number of bands are bundled into one system is being introduced. Here, a band that may be independently operated is defined as a Component Carrier (CC).
In order to support an increasing transmit capacity, the bandwidth of the recent 3GPP LTE-A or 802.16m is extending up to 20 MHz or higher. In this case, one or more CCs are aggregated to support a wide band. For example, if one CC corresponding to a bandwidth of 5 MHz, four carriers are aggregated in order to support a maximum of a 20 MHz bandwidth.
As described above, the carrier aggregation system uses a plurality of CCs. Here, a CC on which downlink control information is received from a base station and a CC on which downlink data is received from the base station may be different configured in user equipment. Alternatively, a link between a CC on which downlink control information is received and a CC on which an uplink signal is transmitted may comply with different linkage from a link defined in the existing LTE. This scheduling method is called cross-carrier scheduling. In the case where the cross-carrier scheduling is applied, if it is not identified that downlink control information transmitted by a base station is about what CC, it is difficult for user equipment to communicate with the base station. There is a need for a method of user equipment efficiently communicating with a base station by providing a method of indexing each CC in a carrier aggregation system.

Communication method of terminal in carrier aggregation system, and terminal


A clock phase control circuit is provided for controlling the clock phase of a transceiver, having a sampling circuit for sampling an analog received signal with a sampling clock signal; an echo signal compensation circuit for compensating an echo signal which is produced by means of a transmit signal transmitted by the transceiver, it being possible to set the echo signal compensation circuit in an adaptive fashion as a function of a setting signal; a control circuit for generating a control signal for controlling the clock phase, which control signal specifies the phase deviation between the signal phase of the sampling clock signal and a setpoint signal phase of an ideal sampling clock signal; a loop filter for filtering the control signal; a phase counter for generating the sampling clock signal as a function of the filtered control signal described [sic]. An amplitude limiting circuit which limits the amplitude of the filtered control signal to a limiting value is provided between the loop filter and the phase counter, the limiting value depending on the setting signal for the echo signal compensation circuit.

FIG. 1 shows a data transmission system according to the prior art. A transceiver or a transmitter and receiver circuit receives transmit data from a data source and transmits this data to another transceiver as an analog transmit signal via a data transmission line. The data transmission line is, for example, a two-wire telephone line made of copper. The transceiver at the COT (central office terminal) end constitutes here the clock master, i.e. the transmitted transmit signal is emitted in synchronism with a clock signal of the transceiver at the COT end. The transceiver at the subscriber end RT forms what is referred to as the clock slave, i.e. the clock signal which is received at the reception end is used as its transmission clock.
When there is fault-free synchronization of the transceiver RT at the subscriber end, the clock frequency of the transmit signal coincides precisely with the clock frequency of the received signal. For this reason, the clock control circuit of the COT end transceiver only has to set the precise sampling phase in the receiver contained in it. The sampling phase depends here especially on the signal transit time of the transmission line.
In the data transmission system illustrated in FIG. 1, the data is transmitted simultaneously in both directions via the transmission line. It is therefore what is referred to as a full duplex data transmission system. The analog received signal of a transceiver is composed here of two signal components, namely of the transmit signal which is emitted by the transceiver at the opposite end, and of the signal component or the echo signal component which is fed in by the system's own transmitter device. The echo signal component constitutes signal interference here and is compensated in the receiver of the transceiver by means of an echo compensation circuit. The echo compensation circuit within the transceiver calculates the most precise estimated value possible for the echo signal component and subtracts it from the received signal.
FIG. 2 shows a conventional transceiver according to the prior art. The transceiver is composed of a transmit signal path and a received signal path. The transmit data or transmit data symbols are firstly fed to a transmission filter in the transmit signal path and then converted into an analog transmit signal by means of a digital-to-analog converter. The analog transmit signal is output to a hybrid network, after amplification with a driver circuit. The hybrid network is connected to the data transmission line.
The received analog signal is firstly filtered on the received signal path by means of an analog reception filter EF, and subsequently sampled. The sampling is carried out within a sampling circuit which is composed either of an analog-to-digital converter or, as illustrated in FIG. 2, of an analog-to-digital converter, an interpolation filter IF and a downstream interpolator. The analog-to-digital converter samples the analog received signal here with a freewheeling working clock signal. The sampled signal is then fed to the digital interpolation filter IF and interpolated by means of the interpolator. For this purpose, a controlled sampling clock signal is fed to the interpolator.
A subtractor circuit A which subtracts the estimated signal calculated by the echo compensation circuit from the sampled digital received signal by generating an echo-compensated digital received signal is connected downstream of the sampling circuit. The echo compensation circuit calculates the expected echo signal by means of the received transmission data symbols and subtracts said echo signal from the received signal. The echo compensation circuit can generally be set in an adaptive fashion. The echo compensation circuit is set in an adaptive fashion in accordance with the transmission function of the transmission line and the analog component, for example the transformer.
The difference signal which is formed by the subtractor A is fed to an amplitude control circuit AGC (Automatic Gain Control). The digital received signal whose amplitude is controlled is then equalized by means of an equalizer. The downstream decision element determines, from the equalized received signal, an estimated value for the transmit data symbol which is originally emitted by the other transceiver. The acquired transmit data symbol is output to the data sink for further data processing by the transceiver. A subtractor forms differences between the signal values upstream and downstream of the decision element. This fault signal or deviation signal is used as a setting signal for the echo compensation circuit. As described in EP 0 144 067 B1, either the difference signal which is formed by the subtractor A or the difference signal which is formed by the subtractor B can be used for the setting signal of the echo compensation circuit. Switching via between the two setting possibilities is carried out by means of a changevia switch.
In order to control the sampling phase of the received signal, a clock control criterion or a clock adjustment control signal is generated by means of a control circuit. The clock adjustment control signal specifies the phase deviation between the signal phase of the sampling clock signal and a desired setpoint signal phase of an ideal sampling clock signal. The clock control criterion or the clock control signal is a measure of the phase error between the ideal sampling clock in which there is a maximum signal-to-noise ratio, and the actual sampling clock. The clock adjustment control signal is generated from the sampled values upstream and downstream of the decision element (decision-fed-back control) and in addition from at least one of the coefficients of the linear equalizer EQ by means of the control circuit. The clock control criterion or the clock adjustment control signal is composed here of two components, namely of a signal component which is dependent on the sampled values upstream and downstream of the decision element and of a second signal component which is both dependent on one or more coefficients of the linear equalizer and on a suitably predefined phase reference signal value which is applied to the control circuit. When the sampling phase is set in an optimum way, the signal component which is dependent on the coefficient corresponds to the predefined phase reference signal value. The control signal therefore continuously generates a control variable which constitutes a measure of the deviation of the sampling phase from the setpoint phase.
The generated clock adjustment control signal is output to a digital loop filter. The output signal of the loop filter directly controls the sampling phase of the sampling clock signal for the sampling circuit. This is generally implemented using a phase counter. The counter reading of the phase counter defines here the phase difference between the transmission phase and the reception phase. In the steady state, the counter reading of the phase counter is largely constant in accordance with the constant phase difference between the phase of the transmit signal and the phase of the received signal. This constant phase difference depends on the signal transit time of the transmission line.
In the case of a clock phase control step within the transceiver at the COT end, the reception phase or the phase of the digital received signal is changed with respect to the phase of the transmit signal. Since the echo signal which is fed in is received with the phase of the transmit signal, each adjustment of the clock phase is also accompanied by a change in the echo signal which is sampled using the reception clock. The transceiver at the COT end therefore has a high degree of coupling of the clock phase control circuit to the echo compensation circuit EC. After the phase change, the echo compensation circuit is to be set again and the equalizer EQ must be re-synchronized again as far as possible.
The sampling phase control circuit of the transceiver according to the prior art illustrated in FIG. 2 is therefore relatively slow-acting so that the transceiver according to the prior art requires a relatively long synchronization time.

Clock control circuit for controlling the clock phase of a transceiver


A gas turbine engine fan blade containment assembly (38) comprising a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, metal casing (40) has an upstream portion (56), a blade containment portion (54) and a transition portion (58). The upstream portion (56) has a flange (52) connecting the metal containment casing (40) to an axially adjacent casing. The upstream portion (56) of the casing (40) has a greater diameter (D1) than the diameter (D2) of the blade containment portion (54) and the blade containment portion (54) has a greater thickness (T2) than the thickness (T1) of the upstream portion (54). The transition portion (58) connects the blade containment portion (54) and the upstream portion (56) to transmit loads from the blade containment portion (54) to the upstream flange (42). The transition portion (58) has a smoothly curved increase in diameter between the blade containment portion (54) and the upstream portion (56) whereby the transition portion (58) is allowed to flex to reduce impact loads transmitted to the upstream flange (42).

The present invention relates to gas turbine engine casings, particularly gas turbine engine fan casings, more particularly to an improved blade containment assembly for use within or forming a part of the gas turbine engine casing.
Turbofan gas turbine engines for powering aircraft conventionally comprise a core engine, which drives a fan. The fan comprises a number of radially extending fan blades mounted on a fan rotor which is enclosed by a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, fan casing. The core engine comprises one or more turbines, each one of which comprises a number of radially extending turbine blades enclosed by a cylindrical, or frustoconical, casing.
There is a remote possibility that with such engines that part, or all, of a f an blade, or a turbine blade, could become detached from the remainder of the fan or turbine. In the case of a fan blade becoming detached this may occur as the result of, for example, the turbofan gas turbine engine ingesting a bird or other foreign object.
The use of containment rings for turbofan gas turbine engine casings is well known. It is known to provide generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, relatively thick metallic containment rings. It is also known to provide generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, locally thickened, isogrid, metallic containment rings. Furthermore it is known to provide strong fibrous material wound around relatively thin metallic casings or around the above mentioned containment casings. In the event that a blade becomes detached it passes through the casing and is contained by the fibrous material.
However, in the event that a blade becomes detached, the blade strikes the metal casing and a significant load is imparted from the main impact region of the metal casing to a flanged interface with an intake casing.
It is normal practice to transfer the impact loads along the metal casing using a stepped increase in diameter of the metal casing, as shown in our published European patent application No. EP0965731A2. The stepped increase in diameter of the metal casing produces a local increase in stresses due to the bending moment at the stepped increase in diameter. The bending moments are counteracted by locally thickening the metal casing at the stepped increase in diameter of the metal casing. The locally thickened stepped increase in diameter adds weight to the metal casing, and the weight may be considerable if the metal casing is for a high bypass ratio turbofan gas turbine engine.
Accordingly the present invention seeks to provide a novel gas turbine engine casing which overcomes the above mentioned problems.
Accordingly the present invention provides a gas turbine engine rotor blade containment assembly comprising a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, containment casing, the containment casing having an upstream portion, a blade containment portion and a transition portion, the upstream portion having a flange connecting the containment casing to an axially adjacent casing, the blade containment region being downstream of the upstream portion, the diameter of the upstream portion of the casing being greater than the diameter of blade containment portion and the thickness of the blade containment portion being greater than the thickness of the upstream portion, the transition portion connecting the blade containment portion and the upstream portion to transmit loads from the blade containment portion to the upstream flange, the transition portion having a smoothly curved increase in diameter between the blade containment portion and the upstream portion whereby the transition region is allowed to flex to reduce impact loads transmitted to the upstream flange.
Preferably the thickness of the transition portion being substantially the same as the thickness of the upstream portion of the containment casing.
The thickness of the transition portion may be between 75% and 125% of the thickness of the upstream portion of the containment casing.
The casing may have ribs and/or flanges. One or more continuous layers of a strong fibrous material may be wound around the casing.
The casing may comprise any suitable metal or metal alloy. Preferably the metal casing comprises a steel alloy, aluminium, an aluminium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel or a nickel alloy.
An acoustic lining may be provided within the casing. The blade containment portion may have a radially inwardly and axially upstream extending flange, the flange being arranged at the upstream end of the blade containment portion.
The containment casing may be a fan containment casing, a compressor containment casing or a turbine containment casing.

Gas turbine engine blade containment assembly


A tool storage container includes a body with top, middle, and bottom sections that is elevated above a bottom surface of a pickup truck bed during transport. The top section includes a base with a lid pivotally attached thereto, and a hollow cavity therein. The middle section is disposed below the top section, and is monolithically formed therewith. The bottom section is disposed below the middle section, and is monolithically formed with the middle section. Each of the sections includes isolated compartments for housing objects therein. A mechanism independently locks the compartments, and another mechanism transports and supports the body along a ground surface when the body is removed from the pickup truck bed. The transporting and supporting mechanism is attached to a bottom surface of the body.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to tool storage containers and, more particularly, to a portable tool storage container for use in a bed of a pickup truck for assisting a user to efficiently store and easily transport tools to and from a work area.
2. Prior Art
The vast majority of home improvement or repair jobs cannot be completed without the proper tools. In fact, it is not uncommon to find a fully stocked toolbox or chest in the garages, sheds, and utility closets of America. Additionally, many pickup truck owners also install heavy-duty, aluminum tool boxes in the bed of their trucks, so that a needed tool is always at the ready regardless of where they are. Truck bed tool boxes are typically built to hold an extensive variety of tools, so even professional tradesmen are more apt to equip a truck with a toolbox, since it allows them to easily transport all necessary supplies to any job site. However, truck bed tool boxes do present drawbacks.
Particularly, these containers are usually made with a wide open interior. As such, there are no separate compartments for different varieties of tools, and all the various sized pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, wire cutters, drill bits, screw tips create a sea of clutter that can be difficult to manage. In addition, truck bed toolboxes are often permanently built into the body of the vehicle, and as a result, workers find themselves making repeated trips to the truck to retrieve needed tools.
One prior art example shows a storage unit adapted to be slidably coupled to a rear floor portion of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, that may be provided with a mounting structure and a cabinet slidably coupled to the mounting structure. The storage unit may be provided with a plurality of drawers disposed in the cabinet and positioned within the cabinet between a pair of cabinet sidewalls, wherein each of the drawers is movable in a direction parallel to the width of the cabinet. The storage unit may have a cover operatively connected to the cabinet. The cover is movable between an open position in which the drawers may be opened, and a closed position in which the cover prevents the drawers from being opened. A cover latch is associated with the cover that allows the cover to be latched in its closed position. Unfortunately, this prior art example requires attachment to the inside surface of a vehicle bed, thereby marring the surface, and possibly causing further damage from rust. In addition, such installation is difficult and complicated, and may require the services of a professional.
Another prior art example shows a tool box that serves to prevent a truck owner or user from climbing in and out of the truck for tools. Primarily, it consists of a frame having rollers which are received in a pair of channels fastened to the inside of the truck bed. It further includes a pole with a hook for pulling or pushing the box, and the pole also serves to render the box stationary when the truck is in motion. Unfortunately, this prior art example does not include a plurality of wheels attached to the toolbox for allowing a user to easily transport the toolbox along a ground surface when removed from the vehicle bed.
Accordingly, a need remains for a portable tool storage container for use in pickup trucks and the like in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing an apparatus that is convenient and easy to use, is lightweight yet durable in design, and assists a user to efficiently store and easily transport tools to and from a work area. Such an apparatus provides consumers with a more effective means of tool organization and management. The apparatus offers storage for items as small as drill bits and as large as wrenches, and can be attached to, and removed from, the bed of a truck in a short time with very little effort. The present invention is simple to use, inexpensive, and designed for many years of repeated use.

Portable tool storage container for use in pickup trucks and associated method


In various embodiments, changing the function involves disabling an input device, disabling an output device, changing a display mode of the output device from portrait to landscape, or increasing volume of the output device. In an embodiment, the change of the function is delayed by a time period, and the delay for changing the output device is longer than the delay for changing the input device. If the electronic device is upright, the input device and the output device are enabled. The tilt is sensed by a sensing device, signals from the sensing device are filtered, and a delay is introduced. In this way, premature disabling or enabling of the electronic device is avoided.

The development of the EDVAC computer system of 1948 is often cited as the beginning of the computer era. Since that time, computer systems have evolved into extremely sophisticated devices, and computer systems may be found in many different settings. Computer systems typically include a combination of hardware, such as semiconductors and circuit boards, and software, also known as computer programs. As advances in semiconductor processing and computer architecture push the performance of the computer hardware higher, more sophisticated and complex computer software has evolved to take advantage of the higher performance of the hardware, resulting in computer systems today that are much more powerful and much smaller than just a few years ago.
As computers have become smaller, using them in a variety of portable or handheld electronic devices has become not only possible, but commonplace. These portable electronic devices may include laptop or notebook computers, telephones, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) devices, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and pagers, among others. Since these electronic devices are portable and easily moved, they are frequently tilted, either intentionally or accidentally, as the user moves them about and are also easily bumped, which may cause unintended selection of keys, buttons, touchscreens, or other input devices. For example, when a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, is left powered on and placed in a purse, handbag, or briefcase, a preprogrammed button may be bumped and accidentally place a call.
In an attempt to address these problems, electronic devices may have tilt sensors attached that detect when the device is tilted and, in response, turn off the electronic device and turn it back on when the device is once again oriented properly. Unfortunately, these tilt sensors cannot distinguish between the force of acceleration due to movement and the force due to the earth's gravity. Since portable devices are often used when moving, tilt sensors can frequently report that the device is tilted when it is fact upright, or that it is upright when it is in fact tilted. This can cause the functions of the electronic device to be disabled prematurely or re-enabled prematurely.
Thus, without a better way to handle the tilting of electronic devices, users will continue to suffer from accidental input and inconvenience.

Changing a function of a device based on tilt of the device for longer than a time period

International Business Machines Corporation


A multichannel, multipurpose sample collection and drug delivery system for laboratory animals includes several sampling and/or infusion devices mounted on a powered turntable above the cage but out of the animal's sight. Probes are constructed using a unique four-channel design: this permits (a) the periodic infusion of drugs without the possibility of artifacts due to pressure shocks and (b) the addition of preservatives to the sample at the site of its collection. A simplified sample collection device stores samples in a coil of PTFE tubing, and a constant-pressure perfusion system serves microdialysis probes. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention include (a) systems to measure feeding, drinking and motor activity; (b) automated and unattended systems for blood withdrawal and drug delivery; (c) a data link with a personal computer to provide for data acquisition and more sophisticated control; (d) an improved method for sampling extracellular concentrations of neuropeptides, which are difficult to measure with conventional microdialysis; (e) the capability to perform electrophysiology simultaneously with microdialysis (or other sampling methods); and (f) the adaptation of the system for use with animals larger or smaller than the rat.

The present invention relates generally to sample collection and drug delivery systems, and more particularly to sample collection and drug delivery systems for freely-moving laboratory animals.
Most animal studies in physiology, and many in pharmacology and basic biology, require samples (e.g. blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)) to be removed for analysis, some sort of electrical activity to be monitored, and/or drugs to be administered at precise times. If such experiments are to be conducted in alert, freely-moving animals, which is generally preferred, some sort of tether encasing the fluid or electrical connections to the animal is normally required. To allow improved freedom of movement, a swivel is generally provided between the animal and the sampling or infusion device. Multichannel electrical swivels may be reasonably satisfactory (although mercury-based devices are hazardous), but fluid swivels are often problematical, being stiff and subject to leaks and blockages. This restricts the animal's movement and requires frequent experimenter intervention to remove twists from the tether. The result is that the ideal of a stress-free environment for the animal under study is difficult or impossible to achieve with currently available equipment.
There is no commercially available equipment that provides the capability of multichannel fluid sampling and/or administration in alert, tethered animals. However, an alternative method for achieving multichannel sampling has been published (See Matsumura, H., Kinoshita, G., Satoh, S., Osaka, T. and Hayaishi, O., "A novel apparatus that permits multiple routes for infusions and body fluid collections in a freely-moving animal," J. Neurosci. Methods 57 (1995) 145149). In that system, the rat itself, rather than the supporting equipment, is moved on a turntable to reduce the twisting of the tether. This approach is undesirably stressful to the animal and presents other problems.
The present invention is therefore directed to the problem of developing a sample collection and drug delivery system with a unique multichannel capability for use with alert, freely moving laboratory animals, without putting any additional stress on the laboratory animal.

Multichannel, multipurpose sample collection and drug delivery system for laboratory animals


An optical transmission system for optimizing the bias of a laser diode during an SCM analog optical transmission includes an optical transmitter for converting a baseband electric signal into an optical signal using a laser diode according to the set bias and outputting the optical signal through an optical line, an optical receiver for converting the optical signal transmitted from the optical transmitter into the baseband electric signal, a recovery unit for detecting an error generated according to the bias of the laser diode on the basis of the electric signal converted by the optical receiver, and a bias adjuster for optimally adjusting the bias of the laser diode on the basis of a value of the error detected by the reproducer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) analog optical transmission system, and more particularly to an SCM analog optical transmission system for optimizing the bias of a laser diode that converts an electric signal into an optical signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, in a subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) analog optical transmission, a composite second order (CSO) value is changed in accordance with the set bias of a laser diode for converting an electric signal into an optical signal to be transmitted. The CSO value acts as an even-order nonlinear noise component of a second order or higher with respect to a carrier signal and deteriorates a carrier-to-noise (CNR) ratio of the carrier signal. As such, the CSO tend to serve as noise factors in a signal distribution of a wide band, such as a spectrum of a cable television signal. Accordingly, in order to reduce the CSO in the SCM analog optical transmission, it is necessary to optimize the bias of the laser diode.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional optical transmission system and includes a modulation section 10, an electric-to-optic converter 12, an adjustment section 26, a optic-to-electric converter 16, a demodulation section 18, a spectrum generation section 24, and an signal generation section 22.
In operation, the modulation section 10 performs a subcarrier multi-modulation of baseband electric signals. At this time, pulse signals generated from the error testing section 22 are inputted to the modulation section 10. The electric-to-optic converter 12 converts the multi-modulated electric signals into optical signals according to the bias of a laser diode and transmits the optical signals through an optical line 14. The adjustment section 26 adjusts manually the bias of the laser diode, which converts the electric signals into the optical signals.
The optic-to-electric converter 16 converts the optical signals transmitted through the optical line 14 into the electric signals. The demodulation section 18 demodulates the converted electric signals corresponding to the modulation operation of the modulation section 10. Meanwhile, the spectrum generation section 24 monitors the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) from the electric signals converted by the optic-to-electric converter 16. At this time, the electric signals demodulated by the demodulation section 18 is fed to the signal generation section 22 to test bit error rate. The error testing section 22 in turn forwards the detected error rate to the modulation section 10. To this ends, the signal generation section 22 tests the bit error rate in regard to the demodulated electric signal. Finally, the spectrum generation section 24 displays the electric signals converted by the optic-to-electric converter 16 as spectra.
Note that an operator determines whether to adjust the bias of the laser diode by observing the spectrum of the electric signal displayed on the spectrum generation section 24, then manually adjusts the bias of the laser diode by manipulating the adjustment section 26.
However, in case of adjusting the bias of the laser diode using the conventional optical transmission system as described above, the operator must adjust the bias of the laser diode manually, by directly manipulating the adjustment section 26 and this causes inconvenience. In addition, when the operator directly manipulates the adjustment section 26 while observing the spectrum of the electric signal displayed on the spectrum generation section, it tend to be difficult to optimize the bias of the laser diode precisely.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved way of optimizing the bias of a laser diode that can be implemented in an optical transmission system.

Optical transmission system for optimizing bias of laser diode for SCM analog optical signal


A pneumatic vacuum valve is situated atop a cylinder or convenient working space utilized in conjunction with a pneumatic elevator. The vacuum valve has a coupling unit holding a diaphragm device for actuation of the diaphragm against a flow control opening. An Allen screw uses a simple regulation device to control the flow of air into a working chamber for expansion and contraction of the diaphragm device.

(1) Field of the Invention
Relating to improvements in controls utilized to move a pneumatic type elevator. More specifically, relating to improvements in a vacuum valve controlling the flow of air to and from chambers in order to move an elevator cabin down its tubular pathway.
Various valves have been designed to facilitate the motion of these pneumatic elevators. However, the current valves available in the marketplace absorb tremendous amounts of power in their operation. In a typical pneumatic elevator, a cabin ascends and descends within an operating cylinder. The descent of the cabin requires the system to generate a force proportionate to the air released from the orifice of the cabin multiplied by the pressure difference between the two chambers (the cabin and the operating cylinder); of course this requires a great deal of power. Currently there is no known system or mechanism that can overcome this deficiency. Thus, there needs to be some solution to this problem. Additionally, there is a need to supply a pneumatic vacuum elevator with an air valve that can be activated safely using a minimum amount of energy, and allows air flow thru an orifice thereby achieving a cabin descending speed applicable to the norms and laws of each country.


An inflation device includes a syringe forming a cylindrical chamber containing a plunger carrying a stopper or piston arrangement. The chamber is designed to contain an inflation fluid and is in fluid communication with the lumen of a balloon catheter. Movement of the plunger within the chamber will increase or decrease the pressure of the fluid within the chamber and lumen, thereby inflating or deflating the balloon at the distal end of the catheter. A pressure sensor is mounted to the housing in fluid communication with the lumen and is electrically connected to a battery-operated transmitter. The transmitter broadcasts signals representing pressure within the lumen and balloon to a remote receiver. The receiver includes a microprocessor containing a clock and operable to display time and pressure data. A flexible insulator strip is interposed between the battery and the transmitter circuit to prevent operation of the transmitter until desired by the cardiologist. The housing of the inflation device may be opened to remove the batteries for separate disposal and to render the circuit inoperative to prevent reuse. A look-up table associated with the microprocessor permits display of balloon diameter during the procedure.

This invention relates to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and more particularly, to an inflation device for inflating a balloon of a PTCA catheter, the inflation device having means for monitoring inflation data and transmitting such data to a receiver and display device. The invention also relates to a monitor and communication system by which inflation data of an inflation device are monitored and transmitted to a remote receiver for recording and display of information concerning those data.
Coronary angioplasty is an accepted medical procedure for dilatating a stenosis which partially blocks an artery. The procedure is carried out by advancing a balloon carried by a dilatation catheter until the balloon is across the stenosis. The balloon is inflated, usually to a pressure of several atmospheres, to dilatate the stenosis and open the artery. The balloon is then deflated and retracted from the arterial system. Typically, the balloon is constructed of a high-strength polymeric material which assumes a prescribed diameter when inflated by a prescribed pressure. Hence, the dilatation process is carefully controlled by the balloon selected for the procedure as well as the pressure applied to the balloon.
It is necessary, during the procedure, that the balloon be advanced and retracted in the arterial system. This is accomplished by advancing the balloon in a deflated state, inflating it when it is positioned across the stenosis, and thereafter deflating the balloon to retract it from the arterial system. Thus, the balloon is inflated in situ when it is positioned across the stenosis.
In order to assure proper inflation of the dilatation balloon, it is important that the cardiologist knows the inflation pressure applied to the balloon. The balloon, when inflated, effectively blocks the artery. Therefore, it is also important that the duration of the inflation is known to the cardiologist. Since the angioplasty procedure ordinarily requires several inflations of the balloon at the location of the stenosis, it is also desirable that the cardiologist know the number of inflations which have been conducted.
Heretofore, inflation devices included pressure gauges attached to the inflation device in fluid communication with the lumen of the balloon catheter. The pressure gauge on the inflation device displayed the pressure within the lumen, and hence, within the dilatation balloon, the pressure usually being displayed in atmospheric pressure. Examples of balloon inflation devices having pressure gauges may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,041 granted May 28, 1991 to Robinson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. D-309,663 granted Jul. 31, 1990 to Robinson. Using such inflation devices, the cardiologist would determine the pressure of the inflation by observing the pressure gauge, would determine the duration of inflations by observing elapsed time on the cardiologist's watch or on a clock in the operating room, and would observe the number of inflations by mentally keeping track of them.
The memory of the persons present during the procedure, as well as any procedural logs maintained by them, served as the only record of the pressures, durations, and numbers of inflations performed during the angioplasty procedure. Memories, and human recorded logs, were not always accurate. Thus, even during the procedure, the cardiologist could lose track of the number of inflations, the duration of any particular inflation, or even be distracted from observing the pressure gauge during the inflation procedure.
The inflation device was often awkward to operate, particularly due to the positioning of the pressure gauge on the inflation device housing. Since the cardiologist is also concerned with operating other equipment during the procedure, such as positioning the guide catheter, balloon catheter and/or any guidewire, manipulating the inflation device housing so that the pressure gauge could be observed was an added annoyance to the cardiologist.
As a result of some of these concerns, attempts have been made to electronically monitor the inflation pressures through the use of a sensor mounted to the inflation device, with a separate display device for displaying the inflation pressure and duration. Examples of these devices are found in Wallace U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,004,472 and 5,021,046, Wallace et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,662 and Foote et al. PCT Publication No. WO 90/11040. However, these prior devices physically connected the display device to the inflation device by electronic cables which interfere with the manipulation of the inflation device, so the awkwardness of manipulating the inflation device was not completely alleviated.
The inflation device should be sterile. Under most circumstances, the inflation device is manufactured and supplied to the cardiologist in a sterile condition and is simply discarded after each procedure. However, the electronic cable connections between the electronic sensor and the monitor device are costly, representing a significant replacement expense if the cables are also discarded. While the cables and sensor devices could be sterilized, that approach is also quite costly. A less desirable alternative is simply not to replace or sterilize the cables, but that alternative is not acceptable to most cardiologists.

Balloon catheter inflation device including apparatus for monitoring and wireless transmission of inflation data, and system


This invention relates to a process for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) applications. In particular, this invention relates to a method for supplying oxygen concentrated air to an indoor air environment, which is termed as High Level Oxygen Air Conditioning (HLOAC): The High Level Oxygen Air Conditioning (HLOAC) primarily comprises three steps: (1). Introducing air stream to an oxygen and nitrogen separation device; (2). Separating nitrogen and oxygen in air to obtain a concentrated oxygen stream; (3). Introducing said concentrated oxygen stream into the indoor environment.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to a process for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) applications. In particular, this invention relates to a method for supplying oxygen concentrated air to an indoor air environment, which is termed as High Level Oxygen Air Conditioning (HLOAC). So called indoor environment is hereby defined as enclosures surrounding where humans live, travel, work, and entertain themselves such as residential housings, commercial buildings, workshops, cars, boats, airplanes and so on.
Modern civilization is being accelerated in parallel with the rapid development of high technologies. In co this society, people are spending less time in an ambient environment. Many activities have shifted from outdoor to indoor environment. The indoor environment is being created to be equal or better than to ambient environment. Meanwhile, the air quality and oxygen standards are of our concerns.
Oxygen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Natural oxygen is primarily produced through photosynthesis. Green plants, which contain chlorophyll, absorb the solar radiation energy, break apart carbon dioxide and water, and give off free oxygen molecules. The excess oxygen beyond the essential respiration of the plant tissues is returned to the atmosphere and maintain a balance of oxygen content in the atmosphere. 99.8% of the natural oxygen occurs as the isotope of atomic weight of 16. The rest is in the form of the isotope of mass 18. There are trace isotopes with the atomic number of 15, 17, and 19. Oxygen constitutes of around 21% by volume of the dry ambient air composition, about 50% by weight of the earth's crust, and 60% of the human body. Oxygen can be produced through chemical reactions by decomposing oxygen-contained compounds i.e. electrolytically decomposition of water, or chemical decomposition of mercury oxide or potassium chlorate. It can also be obtained by physical separation of nitrogen and oxygen from air.
It has happened nowadays that ambient air ventilation in indoor environment with intensive activities is not enough to maintain necessary oxygen level. The natural oxygen level is no longer the optimum condition for some special environments. Where there is significant indoor and outdoor temperature differentials, some facilities use large volume internal air recirculation which can result in low indoor oxygen level. For intensive working and/or entertaining environments such as conference rooms, gymnasiums and others, a higher level of oxygen is desired.
On the other hand, our bodies now receive less oxygen from what we eat and drink due to over processed fast foods and unbalanced diets. We need to inhale more oxygen. Lack of oxygen causes distraction, headaches, nausea, even dozing off. It also impairs decision making, reduces work performance and efficiency. Under low level of oxygen environment, the creativity, productivity and enjoyment level are deteriorated. Humans can sustain without food and water and can not survive without oxygen even for few minutes. Without a constant supply of abundant oxygen, the human body can not effectively combat disease or remove toxins. Dr. Arthur C. Guyton, M.D. in his textbook of Medical Physiology states "all chronic pain, suffering and diseases are caused from a lack of oxygen at the cell level. " Dr. F. M. Eugene Blass, in his "Oxygen Therapy: Its Foundation, Aim & Results" points out that "oxidation is the source of life. Its lack causes impaired health or disease, it's cessation, death".
2. Description of Prior Art
Air Conditioning is a general practice to preserve the indoor air quality, which is defined as the adjustment of air properties such as temperature, pressure, humidity, motion, distribution, dust, bacteria, odors and toxic gases. By healthy and building codes, typical HVAC system contains air purification (filtration), temperature conditioning (heating or cooling), humidifying and dehumidifying, ventilating while minimizing the size of the mechanical and electrical equipment and maximizing energy efficiency. However, all HVAC practice in the past has not paid attention to a higher oxygen level in indoor environment even though oxygen is critically important to humans living standards.
While Oxygen is the most abundant natural substance, high purity oxygen has been considered to be a relatively expensive chemical for general purposes. It has never had high level oxygen for an in-door air conditioning practice.
What I found is that indoor environment can often be improved by supplying concentrated oxygen source instead of traditional ambient air source. Living in a high level of oxygen environment help humans inhale more oxygen. The delivery of abundance of oxygen to brain and tissues can improve the work efficiency, the creativity, productivity and entertainment level. The HLOAC is also applicable to small cabins such as cars, airplanes, boats, and indoor environments where there exist intensive physical activities, mental activities and crowds.
By designing a simple molecular sieve adsorber for indoor High Level Oxygen Air Conditioning, this HLOAC process can be applied to many air conditioning systems.


A gas generator, includes an igniter, a housing provided with a gas discharge port, and including a combustion chamber to burn a gas generating agent, the igniter being shifted from a center of a cluster of the gas generating agent, an isolating part surrounding at least a portion of the cluster of the gas generating agent, and forms, between the isolating part and a predetermined area, a gas flow space serving and a plurality of communicating parts that are provided in the isolating part and connect the combustion chamber and the gas flow space, a portion of the plurality of communicating parts allowing a combustion product generated by combustion of the gas generating agent disposed proximal to the igniter to flow into the gas flow space, and another portion of the plurality of communicating parts allowing a combustion product flowing through the gas flow space to flow out toward the gas generating agent disposed distal to the igniter.

In a gas generator configured to burn a gas generating agent, which is filled in a combustion chamber, by actuation of an igniter to generate combustion gas, unless the gas generating agent that is filled burns as desired, it is difficult to generate combustion gas as designed. In general, to make the gas generating agent burn without unevenness and generate combustion gas as designed, the gas generating agent is uniformly disposed around the igniter. However, the configuration of the gas generator may make it difficult to uniformly dispose the gas generating agent around the igniter. For example, in the gas generator described in Patent Document 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B and 4, an igniter is provided at a position biased with respect to a central axis of the gas generator, and the gas generating agent is filled on a side of the gas generator opposite to the side on which the igniter is provided. In such a configuration, the combustion of the gas generating agent is attempted by aligning the orientation of a flame transfer hole provided in the housing of the igniter with the side filled with the gas generating agent.
In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a gas generator in which a combustion chamber is formed in a region including a center of a round shell container, and a plurality of accommodating containers accommodating an ignition and fuel unit including an igniter and a gas generating agent are disposed inside the combustion chamber. In this gas generator, each gas generating agent contained in the plurality of accommodating containers is independently combusted by a corresponding igniter. In such a gas generator, while each igniter is provided in a position shifted with respect to the central axis of the outer shell container, in each accommodating container, the gas generating agent is disposed substantially uniformly around the periphery of the igniter. Note that in the gas generator described above, a filter chamber having an annular shape is formed around the combustion chamber, an outlet opening is formed in an outer wall constituting the filter chamber, and the gas in the filter chamber is released from the outlet opening to outside the gas generator.


An arrangement structure for an auxiliary component of a vehicle includes a floor panel defining the bottom surface of the passenger compartment. The floor panel includes a first kick-up portion and a second kick-up portion disposed in side-by-side relation to the first kick-up portion in a lateral direction of a vehicle body. The second kick-up portion is formed to have a height greater than that of the first kick-up portion. A first seat is disposed on the first kick-up portion, a second seat is formed to have a smaller size than that of the first seat and disposed on the second kick-up portion, and a cross member is joined along the second kick-up portion in the lateral direction to form a closed section therebetween. The arrangement structure of the present invention allows a vehicle to have a low overall-height compact body while achieving enhanced layout flexibility and assuring a passenger compartment space.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an arrangement structure for an auxiliary component of a vehicle component in a region outside of a bottom surface of a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, there has been known an arrangement structure for an auxiliary component of a vehicle, as shown in FIGS. 42, 43 and 44, wherein FIG. 42 is a schematic top plan view of a passenger compartment, and FIGS. 43 and 44 are side views of the arrangement structure, viewed, respectively, from the side of a driver's seat and from the side of a front passenger seat.
Specifically, FIGS. 42, 43 and 44 show an arrangement structure for an auxiliary component of a four-passenger (four-seater) vehicle. In this arrangement structure, a driver's seat 101 and a front passenger seat 102 are disposed right and left on a front region of a floor panel 100 defining a bottom surface of a passenger compartment, in spaced-apart side-by-side relation to one another. A kick-up portion 103 stepped upward is formed in a rear region of the floor panel 100 in such a manner to extend in a width or lateral direction of a vehicle body at an even height. A pair of right and left rear seats 104, 105 are disposed on the kick-up portion 103 in side-by-side relation to one another, and a fuel tank 106 as an auxiliary component is arranged below an outer surface of a laterally intermediate region of the kick-up portion 103.
As another example, the following Patent Publication 1 discloses an arrangement structure for an auxiliary component of a vehicle. In this arrangement structure, a floor panel is formed with a kick-up portion which has an even height in a lateral direction of a vehicle body and includes a downward curved region and an extension region extending upward directly from the downward curved region. A rear seat is disposed on the kick-up portion, and a fuel tank is arranged below an outer surface of the kick-up portion. Further, the fuel tank has a top surface formed in conformity to respective shapes of the downward curved region and the extension region.
As yet another example, the following Patent Publication 2 discloses an arrangement structure for an auxiliary component of a vehicle. In this arrangement structure, a kick-up zone stepped upward is formed in a floor panel, and a kick-up floor zone is formed to extend continuously rearward from the kick-up zone. Further, a rear kick-up zone is formed to extend upward from a rear edge of the kick-up floor zone, and a rear kick-up floor zone is formed to extend continuously rearward from the rear kick-up zone. Each of the kick-up zone, the kick-up floor zone, the rear kick-up zone and the rear kick-up floor zone is formed to have an even height in a lateral direction of a vehicle body. A rear seat is disposed on the kick-up floor zone and the rear kick-up zone, and a fuel tank is arranged below a continuous outer surface of the kick-up zone, the kick-up floor zone, the rear kick-up zone and the rear kick-up floor zone. The fuel tank has a shape conformable to the shape of the continuous outer surface of the respective zones.
[Patent Publication 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 06-211169
[Patent Publication 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 05-000627
In the above conventional structures, the kick-up portion is formed to have an even area and height in a lateral direction of a vehicle body. Thus, if the vehicle is designed to allow two passengers to be seated, respectively, in the rear seats 104, 105 disposed on the kick-up portion, an overall vehicle height has to be increased across the lateral direction. This hinders downsizing the vehicle.
In view of this problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement structure for an auxiliary component of a vehicle, capable of allowing a vehicle to have a low overall-height compact body while achieving enhanced layout flexibility and assuring a passenger compartment space.

Arrangement structure for auxiliary component of vehicle


A car seat lumbar support unit performs an elevating operation of an upper bracket relative to a lower bracket which determines a degree of curvature of a seat back by using a first motor, a first transfer screw, and a first nut member (first elevating unit) that are easily designed and manufactured, and performs an elevating operation of the lower bracket and the upper bracket which determines a curved position of the seat back by using a second motor, a second transfer screw, and a second nut member (second elevating unit), wherein a rotary cylinder is organically coupled so that the first elevating unit and the second elevating unit are independently operable without being restricted by each other.

A lumbar support unit embedded inside a car seat and providing convenience of allowing a seat back line to have an angle corresponding to a degree of curvature of a driver's lumbar vertebrae may adjust the seat back line by being raised/lowered inside the car seat according to a button operation of the driver and being located at a desired position.
The lumbar support unit includes a guide that is fixedly provided on the car seat, an elevating bracket that is raised/lowered along the guide and on which a line adjusting band for adjusting a degree of curvature of the seat back line is mounted, and a motor unit that raises/lowers the elevating bracket, as shown in FIG. 1.
However, a conventional lumbar support unit has disadvantages in that responsive performance is reduced because power connection between one of elevating brackets and a motor is made through a drive cable, and structure complexity and manufacturing costs are increased because many components such as a worm gear for changing a power transmission direction to make power connection between the other of the elevating brackets and the motor are required.
Related prior art documents include Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1398321 (registered on May 15, 2014).

Car seat lumbar support unit with simplified structure and improved responsiveness


A positioning system for a solar panel includes a frame, a surface plate, an adjustable rail and a frame coupling. The surface plate is configured to secure the positioning system to a mounting surface and includes a connection for an axle. The axle links the surface plate with the frame coupling or with the adjustable rail. The frame coupling attaches to the frame and holds the frame in an operating position. A length of the adjustable rail may be increased or decreased for varying the angular orientation of the frame relative to the mounting surface. The frame is configured to be removable from the frame coupling without requiring the surface plate to be removed from the mounting surface.

The present disclosure relates to mechanical positioning systems such as mounting brackets and other positioning devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a positioning bracket for a solar panel.
A solar panel is a packaged assembly of photovoltaic cells. Solar panels use light energy (e.g., photons) from the sun to generate an electric current via the photovoltaic effect. A solar panel is typically used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Solar panels are an environmentally-friendly alternative to other sources of energy such as coal, oil, or gasoline.
Typically, solar panels are positioned in direct sunlight to maximize the energy generated by the panel. For example, solar panels are often positioned on a rooftop or other surface likely to receive sunlight. A mounting bracket may be used to secure the solar panel to the surface or position the solar panel to receive direct sunlight.


A snare clamp assembly that provides multiple independently adjustable elements for adjustment of a portion of the snares without affecting the adjustment of the remaining snares. This clamp assembly includes a primary element, a secondary element that is adjustably coupled to the primary element, and a tertiary element adjustably coupled to the secondary element.

The present invention relates to snare drums, and particularly to a mechanism for attaching snares to a tensioning device on the drum. More particularly, the invention relates to a mechanism for individually adjusting the snares on a drum and for precisely setting a tilt angle of the adjusting mechanism relative to the snares.
Snare drums produce a sound that is different from all other drums. This unique sound is produced by stretching snares, typically made of cable, gut, or wire, across one head of a drum. These snares are generally attached to the drum shell at one end, stretched across a snare head, and attached to a strainer which is attached to the opposite side of the drum shell. The strainer operates to stretch the snare across the drum head, or to release the tension and allow the snares to move away from the drum head.
By varying the amount of tension that the strainer applies to snares, a drummer can change the sound produced by the snare drum. Since the strainer only applies and releases tension to the snares, but does not adjust the tension, another means for adjusting the tension is needed. Mechanisms for adjusting the tension of the snares are known. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,595,764 to Elliott; U.S. Pat. No. 2,261,120 to Ludwig et al.; and, U.S. Pat. No. 365,187 to Johnson.
Various clamping mechanisms have been devised for attaching the snares to the strainer and adjusting the tension of the snares. However, at times, it is also desirable to change the orientation of the clamping mechanism relative to the snares as a means of further adjusting the sound to achieve a desired result. A mechanism that would allow a snare drummer to precisely adjust the angle of the clamping mechanism relative to the snares would provide an improvement over conventional clamping mechanisms. Some conventional clamping mechanisms allow tilt angle adjustment, but repeated cycles of the strainer disrupt the tilt angle, causing it to change little by little over a number of cycles. As a result, it is difficult to get consistent results. A greater improvement would provide a mechanism that allows repeated cycling of the strainer between tightening and loosening of the snares without disrupting the angle of the clamp relative to the snares. Such an improvement would allow consistent results over repeated cycles of the strainer.
According to the present invention, a snare clamp includes a primary element and a secondary element adjustably coupled to the primary element, and at least one tertiary element adjustably coupled to the secondary element. The clamp further includes means for attaching the primary element to the strainer.
In some embodiments, a first group of snares is positioned between the primary and secondary elements which cooperate to form a first vise for gripping the first group of snares. A second group of snares is positioned between the secondary element and the tertiary element, the elements cooperating to form a second vise for gripping the second group of snares. The second group of snares may be divided into sub-groups of snares which can be individually adjusted when more than one tertiary element is provided.
In other embodiments, the means for attaching the snare clamp to the strainer includes means for precisely adjusting the tilt angle of the snare clamp. The means for precisely adjusting the tilt angle includes cylindrical cable-receiving bores formed in one of the elements. The adjusting means also includes connecting cables passing through the cable-receiving bores, the connecting cables being attached to the strainer. According to one aspect of the invention, the cable-receiving bores are formed in the primary element and each cable passes through a plurality of cable-receiving bores.
By providing a snare clamp with multiple independently adjustable elements, the present invention allows the adjustment of a portion of the snares without affecting the adjustment of the remaining snares. By further providing cylindrical cable-receiving bores and a plurality of connecting cables attached to the strainer, the present invention also allows for precise adjustment of the tilt angle of the snare clamp relative to the snares. The plurality of connecting cables cooperating with the plurality of cable-receiving bores allows for repeated strainer cycles of tensioning and loosening the snares without affecting the adjustment of the tilt angle of the snare clamp relative to the snares, thereby providing a substantial improvement over conventional snare clamps.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.


Image signal line driving circuits each include a timing controller that generates a control signal to control the image signal line driving circuit itself and a different image signal line driving circuit. A master belonging to the image signal line driving circuits has a function of applying the control signal to a slave belonging to the image signal line driving circuits. The image signal line driving circuits each include an abnormality detecting circuit that detects an operation abnormality in the image signal line driving circuit itself, and a master/slave switching circuit that sets the image signal line driving circuit itself as the master or slave image signal line driving circuit. When detecting an abnormality, the abnormality detecting circuit outputs a master/slave switching signal, thereby switching the slave image signal line driving circuit to the master and switching the master image signal line driving circuit to the slave.

Nowadays, displays such as liquid crystal displays are used in a wide range of areas including televisions for domestic purposes and displays for industrial purposes.
Referring for example to a liquid crystal display, the structure thereof is roughly divided into a liquid crystal panel, and a driving device that drives the liquid crystal panel. Conventionally, the driving device includes a plurality of image signal line driving circuits, a plurality of scanning line driving circuits, and a timing controller functioning as a control circuit that drives these driving circuits.
Each image signal line driving circuit is an integrated circuit to drive an image signal line of the liquid crystal panel. A plurality of such integrated circuits is used to drive all image signal lines of the liquid crystal panel. Likewise, each scanning line driving circuit is an integrated circuit to drive a scanning line of the liquid crystal panel. A plurality of such integrated circuits is used to drive all scanning lines of the liquid crystal panel.
The timing controller receives image data, a control reference signal according to which the image signal line driving circuits and the scanning line driving circuits are controlled, and a dot clock (DCLK) according to which process is performed. The control reference signal includes a horizontal synchronization signal (HD) functioning as a reference signal for horizontal synchronization of the liquid crystal panel, a vertical synchronization signal (VD) functioning as a reference signal for vertical synchronization of the liquid crystal panel, a data enable signal (DENA) indicating a period where image data is valid, and the like.
An image signal line driving circuit having a (built-in) timing controller has been developed recently, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-190932. This image signal line driving circuit does not require a circuit board for a timing controller, making it possible to reduce cost for structural components. As a result, a liquid crystal display can be provided at lower cost.
A liquid crystal display includes a plurality of image signal line driving circuits having built-in timing controllers. Meanwhile, only one timing controller is required in the liquid crystal display. Thus, one of the image signal line driving circuits is used in a master mode, whereas the other image signal line driving circuit is used in a slave mode. More specifically, the image signal line driving circuit in the master mode operates based on the timing controller of the image signal line driving circuit itself, whereas the image signal line driving circuit in the slave mode operates in response to a control signal applied from the timing controller of the image signal line driving circuit in the master mode. In this case, power consumption is reduced by stopping the timing controller of the image signal line driving circuit in the slave mode.
The image signal line driving circuit having the built-in timing controller is intended for consumer use such as tablet terminals and notebook-size PCs with the intention of cost reduction, and is expected to be used in a wider range of applications such as vehicle installation.
Meanwhile, the timing controller in the image signal line driving circuit in the slave mode stops its function or performs only part of its operation as described above, meaning that the timing controller does not function effectively.


A resonator device including a plurality of resonance units formed on a dielectric substrate, each resonance unit having a plurality of conductor lines forming a capacitive area and an inductive area in a ring shape.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a resonator device, filter, duplexer, and communication device which are used in radio communication in microwave band and millimeter wave band and in transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves, for example.
2. Description of the Related Art
Up to now, as a capacitor used in an integrated high-frequency circuit, an interdigital capacitor, in which two strip conductors having a plurality of fingers are disposed so as to face each other on a dielectric substrate, is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 60-1825.
In the interdigital capacitor disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 60-1825, the fingers (comb-shaped electrodes) are alternately arranged to have a interdigital-type structure and the electric-field vectors generated in the space between neighboring two electrodes are alternately reversed. The state is shown in FIG. 23. In FIG. 23, a set of comb-shaped electrodes is constituted by conductor lines 21a, 21b, and 21c on one side and conductor lines 22a and 22b on the other side which are formed on a dielectric substrate. In the drawing, arrows between the conductor lines represent electric-field vectors and hollow arrows on the conductor lines represent the direction of current.
In this way, in the interdigital-type capacitor, the electric-field vectors between neighboring conductor lines are alternately reversed. According to the law of Ampere-Maxwell, since the displacement current also induces a magnetic field, and the direction of a displacement current proportional to the value of the electric field differentiated with respect to time is locally reversed, the direction of the induction of local magnetic-field vectors sharply changes. When such a magnetic-field vector has a locally sharp curvature, the conductor loss of a real current flowing in conductor lines is produced to cause the deterioration of electrical characteristics. Then, when a resonator is constituted by combining such an interdigital capacitor to an inductor, there is a problem in that a resonator having high no-load Q (Q0) cannot be formed.
Furthermore, when capacitors are constructed by forming fine thin-film conductor lines on a dielectric substrate, although the density can be increased, a practical construction has not been disclosed to form inductors for comprising a resonator and to perform input and output to the outside.

Resonator device, filter, duplexer and communication device