The present invention relates to a 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)propane of general formula (I), wherein radicals R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently stand for hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl and at least one of said radicals does not stand for hydrogen, (NLac) and (NLacxe2x80x2) are the same or different and stand for N-lactamyl radicals. The invention also relates to the use of said substances as a solvent in pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents. Disclosed are novel compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 and methyl and R2-R6 stand for hydrogen.

The present invention relates to 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)propanes and their use as solvents in pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions.
A priority requirement in the development of an optimal administration form for a drug is that the bioavailability be good. As a rule, the most favorable conditions for this are provided by solutions of the active ingredient used, irrespective of whether a product for injection, a liquid oral drug form or, for example, a soft gelatin capsule preparation is concerned.
However, the solubility of many drugs in water is too low for them to be administered parenterally in the form of an aqueous solution, for example. Recourse is therefore frequently had to other solvents, for example organic, aqueous/organic or oily solvents.
It is important in the selection of suitable solvents to ensure that certain requirements are met. The solvent which is used must not be toxic, nor must it increase the toxicity of the active ingredient dissolved therein. It is, of course, necessary for the solvent to be compatible with the active ingredient, and it must not lead to inactivation or decomposition. Furthermore, the solvent must not induce irritation, sensitization or an allergic reaction either, and it should also be suitable for heat sterilization. For parenteral purposes, the viscosity should be low enough for injection with a relatively thin needle to be possible.
In addition, miscibility with other solvents, such as physiological saline or an infusion solution for preparing a product for injection or the oily vehicle in a soft gelatin capsule preparation, is important.
Besides water, well-known solvents are, for example, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, 1,2-propylene glycol, ethanol, glycerol, benzyl alcohol, dimethylacetamide or neutral oils such as paraffin, castor oil or mixtures of triglycerides of saturated vegetable fatty acids.
However, the properties of the abovementioned solvents are not always satisfactory. Thus, the miscibility with other solvents may be limited, or the volume of solvents required to dissolve the active ingredient is so large that physiological tolerability is no longer ensured. For example, the widely used propylene glycol is immiscible with fixed oils. Benzyl alcohol has the disadvantage that its solubility in water is only 4%. Although glycerol is miscible with water, it is not soluble in fixed oils. In addition, the maximum glycerol concentration which can be used is limited to about 5% for tolerability reasons. Dimethyl-acetamide has very good dissolving properties but the tolerability is relatively poor so that use in humans does not appear acceptable.
The use of pyrrolidone derivatives such as 2-pyrrolidone, N-methylpyrrolidone and hydroxyethylpyrrolidone as solvents or cosolvents is known.
For example, EP-A 271 374 describes aqueous antibiotics compositions for veterinary use in which a tetracycline is dissolved in N-(hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone.
EP-A 626 171 discloses injection solutions for intravenous or intramuscular administration of oxytetracycline or doxycycline, the solvent phase being formed by N-methylpyrrolidone and/or 2-pyrrolidone.
A mixture of 2-pyrrolidone and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone comprises the pharmaceutical vehicle of a composition for the cosmetic and therapeutic treatment of human beings and animals which is described in DE 26 15 140.
Although the formulations based on pyrrolidone derivatives described above have good solubility properties, they do not meet the strict requirements to be met by drugs, because the physiological tolerability is unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the absorption times are relatively long, and the serum levels achieved therewith are in need of improvement.
Nor do the bis- or poly-(N-pyrrolidonyl)alkanes described in the prior art sufficiently comply with the strict requirements to be met by pharmaceutical solvents. Thus, the asymmetric polypyrrolidonyl compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,815 are not at all intended for use as solvents; on the contrary they are used only as dispersants. The bis(N-pyrrolidonyl)alkanes described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,880 as vehicles for pharmaceutical compositions administered topically dissolve many active ingredients to only a limited extent. They are therefore unsuitable for pharmaceutical preparations where good solubility of the active ingredient matters.
It is an object of the present invention to provide solvents for pharmaceutical preparations which, besides an excellent dissolving capacity for the active ingredient used, also provide excellent miscibility with other solvents and good physiological tolerability.
We have found that this object is achieved by certain, asymmetric 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)propanes which are excellent solvents for a large number of active ingredients of low solubility in water and, furthermore, can be used universally because they are miscible in any ratio with other conventional pharmaceutical solvents. The compounds according to the invention are chemically inert and show high physiological tolerability.
The present invention relates to the use of at least one 1,3-bis(N-lactamyl)propane of the formula I
where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are, independently of one another, hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, and at least one of these radicals is not hydrogen, (NLac) and (NLacxe2x80x2) are identical or different and are N-lactamyl radicals, as solvents in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions.
The term xe2x80x9calkylxe2x80x9d comprises straight-chain or branched alkyl groups, preferably C1-C10-alkyl, in particular C1-C6-alkyl and, particularly preferably, C1-C3-alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n- and i-propyl, n-, i- or t-butyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl or n-hexyl, etc.
xe2x80x9cCycloalkylxe2x80x9d comprises cyclic alkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and polycyclic radicals such as norbornyl, camphyl, pinanyl or decahydronaphthyl, it being possible for both the mono- and the polycyclic radicals to be substituted by one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups.
The term xe2x80x9carylxe2x80x9d comprises aromatic radicals, preferably naphthyl and, in particular, phenyl.
xe2x80x9cAralkylxe2x80x9d means aryl groups which are connected via a C1-C4-alkylene unit to the basic framework. xe2x80x9cAralkylxe2x80x9d is preferably benzyl.
xe2x80x9cAlkylenexe2x80x9d means linear or branched divalent alkyl radicals, preferably C1-C6-alkylene and, in particular, C1-C4-alkylene, such as methylene, 1,1- and 1,2-ethylene, 1,1-, 1,2-, 1,3- and 2,2-propylene, 2-methyl-1,1-propylene etc.
The term xe2x80x9cN-lactamylxe2x80x9d represents N-substituted mono- or polycyclic lactams which may be substituted by C1-C4-alkyl groups, C1-C4-alkoxy groups or halogen, and/or be fused to aromatic systems, and/or contain further hetero atoms, preferably nitrogen or oxygen, in the lactam ring. Particularly preferred N-lactamyl radicals are derived from pyrrolidone, piperidone, xcex4- or xcex5-caproactam, 4-oxazolidinone or tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-one and, in particular, from pyrrolidone.
In 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)-propanes according to the invention which are preferably used as solvents in pharmaceutical compositions, at least one of the radicals R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 is alkyl, while the remainder of these radicals are hydrogen.
Particularly suitable compounds of the formula I are those where only one of R1, R2, R3, R41 R5 and R6 is not hydrogen, with R1 being preferred in this case and being, in particular, alkyl.
In a particular embodiment, 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)butanes are used, i.e. compounds of the formula I where R1 is methyl.
The lactamyl groups (NLac) and (NLacxe2x80x2) in formula I may be identical or different, but they are preferably identical.
A particular class of compounds for use as solvents in pharmaceutical preparations are those compounds of the type described above which have no center of symmetry. Compounds of this type result when the substituted propylene unit is asymmetric per se and/or the lactamyl radicals NLac and NLacxe2x80x2 are different. Preferred compounds are those where the propylene unit is asymmetric and the two lactamyl radicals have the same meaning.
The following compounds are very particularly preferred:
1,3-Bis(1-pyrrolidonyl)butane
1,3-Bis(1-piperidonyl)butane
1,3-Bis(1-caprolactamyl)butane
1,3-Bis(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-1-yl)butane
1,3-Bis(oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)butane
1-(1-Caprolactamyl)-3-(1-piperidonyl)butane
3-(1-Caprolactamyl)-1-(1-piperidonyl)butane
1-(1-Caprolactamyl)-3-(1-pyrrolidonyl)butane
3-(1-Caprolactamyl)-1-(1-pyrrolidonyl)butane
1-(1-Caprolactamyl)-3-(oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)butane
3-(1-Caprolactamyl)-1-(oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)butane
1-(1-Caprolactamyl)-3-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)butane
3-(1-Caprolactamyl)-1-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)butane
1-(Oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)-3-(1-piperidonyl)butane
3-(Oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)-1-(1-piperidonyl)butane
1-(Oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)-3-(1-pyrrolidonyl)butane
3-(Oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)-1-(1-pyrrolidonyl)butane
1-(Oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)-3-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)-butane
3-(Oxazolidin-4-on-3-yl)-1-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)-butane
1-(1-Piperidonyl)-3-(1-pyrrolidonyl)butane
3-(1-Piperidonyl)-1-(1-pyrrolidonyl)butane
1-(1-Piperidonyl)-3-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)butane
3-(1-Piperidonyl)-1-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)butane
1-(1-Pyrrolidonyl)-3-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)butane
3-(1-Pyrrolidonyl)-1-(tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-on-4-yl)butane.
Some of the compounds which are suitable according to the invention and are described above have one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may therefore exist in different stereochemical forms. This invention relates both to the individual isomers (enantiomers or diastereomers) and to mixtures thereof.
The preparation of compounds of the formula I is known in principle. Thus, Breitenbach et al. (Naturwissenschaften 42, 1955, 155; 440) describe the dimerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone under acidic reaction conditions and subsequent hydrogenation of the resulting 1,3-bis-(N-pyrrolidonyl)-1-butene to 1,3-bis -(N-pyrrolidonyl)butane. Based on this procedure, it is possible as shown in scheme I to prepare, by acid-catalyzed reaction of the vinyllactams of the formula Ia or IIb, where Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd are, independently of one another, hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, and (NLac) and (NLacxe2x80x2) are the abovementioned lactamyl radicals, the propenes of the formula IIIa-d. The compounds III a-d are subsequently converted by hydrogenation into the corresponding compounds of the formula I a-d. The compounds I a-d correspond to those compounds of the formula I in which two radicals on adjacent carbon atoms, for example R1 and R5, are hydrogen. When mixtures of two vinyllactams of the formula II are used, it is possible to obtain both the mixed reaction products and the two products of a reaction of the vinyllactams II with themselves. The compounds can be separated both at the stage of the propenes IIIa-d and at the stage of the final products Ia-d, but this is not always necessary for preparing the solvents according to the invention. Preferably prepared in this way are the compounds I obtained by reaction of the vinyllactams IIa and IIb with themselves (Ia and Id respectively).
The vinyllactams of the formula Ia or IIb which are employed are known or can be prepared by general processes based on the preparation of the known vinyllactams II. There are no restrictions on the configuration of the olefinic double bonds in the compound of the formula II.
The vinyllactams II can be converted into the bis-(N-lactamyl)-propenes III by conventional methods of acid-catalyzed dimerization of olefins using a protic acid, a Lewis acid catalyst or Ziegler catalysts (see, for example, J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry 3rd ed., page 709 and literature cited therein). The reaction can take place either without diluent or else in an inert solvent, eg. a halogenated hydrocarbon such as CH2Cl2, aromatic compounds such as toluene, ethers such as diethyl ether, dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, or another solvent which is suitable for electrophilic reactions. Preferred catalysts are strong protic acids, preferably those with corresponding anions of low nucleophilicity, such as sulfuric acid, sulfonic acids, eg. p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid or trifluor-methanesulfonic acid, perchloric acid or hydrogen chloride. The acid is preferably employed in substoichiometric amount based on the vinyllactams, in particular in catalytic amount and, particularly preferably in amounts of up to 5 mol % . The reaction is preferably carried out at temperatures in the range from xe2x88x9220xc2x0 to +60xc2x0 C. and, in particular, in the range from 10xc2x0 to 40xc2x0 C.
The subsequent hydrogenation step can take place by the conventional processes for hydrogenating olefinic double bonds (see J. March, Advanced organic Chemistry, 3rd ed., pages 691-708 and literature cited therein), preferably by catalytic hydrogenation with hydrogen on transition metal catalysts. Because of their enamine characteristics, the double bonds in the propene moiety of III display high reactivity which permits this double bond to be hydrogenated selectively in the presence of other, less reactive double bonds.
Another route to 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)propanes consists of reacting 1,3-diamines of the formula IV, where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 have the meanings stated above for I, with suitable lactones (see scheme II; OLac is the lactone corresponding to the relevant N-lactamyl radical (N-Lac)).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,880 describes this procedure for the example of the preparation of 1,3-bis-(N-pyrrolidonyl)pentane. The procedure indicated therein can be applied to the preparation of the compounds of the formula I according to the invention.
Another possibility for preparing compounds of the formula I starts from 1,3-functionalized compounds of the formula V where X and Y, which can be identical or different, are suitable leaving groups, eg. halide, tosylate, brosylate or trifluoromethane-sulfonate, and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 have the abovementioned meanings. Compounds of this type are reacted with suitable N-lactamyl anions to give the 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)propanes of the formula I (scheme III). The particular lactamyl anions (NLac)xe2x88x92 are obtainable as a rule by treating the lactams (N-NLac) with suitable bases such as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alcoholates, alkali metal hydrides or amides. The reaction of the compounds V with the anions of the lactams can be carried out by conventional methods for N-alkylation of amides (cf. J. March, Advanced organic Chemistry, 3rd ed., pages 377 et seq. and literature cited therein). It is moreover possible for the 1,3-difunctionalized compounds V to be reacted either with the lactams in the presence of a base or else with the anions of the lactams which have been previously generated. If X and Y differ in reactivity, it is possible, especially in the latter case, to obtain compounds of the formula I with different lactamyl radicals.
Suitable 1,3-difunctionalized compounds are starting materials frequently employed in organic synthesis and can be obtained, for example, starting from aldoles by modification of the functional groups by known processes or starting from cyclopropanes by halo-genating cleavage of the cyclopropane unit.
The present invention also relates to 1,3-bis(N-lactamyl)propanes of the formula Ia
where (NLac) and (NLacxe2x80x2) identical or different and are N-lactamyl radicals.
The N-lactamyl radicals in the abovementioned compounds are preferably derived from, in particular, unsubstituted pyrrolidones, piperidones, xcex4- or xcex5-caprolactam, tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-ones or 4-oxazolidinones. Pyrrolidone, piperidone or xcex5-caprolactam particularly preferred. (NLac) and NLacxe2x80x2) preferably have the same meaning.
The N-lactamyl radicals preferably represent pyrrolidone. However, interesting compounds are also produced if at least one of the, and in particular both, N-lactamyl radicals, which may be identical or different, have a ring with at least 6 members.
The use according to the invention of the 1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl)-propanes of the formula I as solvents extends to all pharmaceutical preparations which are known to the skilled worker and in which the active ingredient(s) is (or are) used in dissolved form. Formulations of these types can be administered orally, ophthalmologically, rectally, parenterally, (for example by the intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal, intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, intraarterial, intracardiac, intraspinal, intrasynovial-routes etc.), intraarticularly, topically, nasally or buccally. Suitable presentations comprise capsules, for example soft gelatin capsules, embrocations, lotions, applications, creams, ointments, gels, drops, self-propellant formulations and spray formulations.
The compounds according to the invention are particularly employed for preparing pharmaceutical compositions for systemic and, in particular, parenteral, and topical, use. The compounds of the formula I are particularly suitable as solvents for injectable products, for example preparations for injection and infusion, and in the contents of capsules, for example soft gelatin capsules. Parenteral preparations which contain the compounds according to the invention in combination with polyvinylpyrrolidones have proven particularly advantageous. The polyvinylpyrrolidone content is preferably in the range from 1 to 70%, preferably 5 to 60%, of the total weight of the combination. It is possible on use of a combination of this type to produce parenteral preparations, in particular injectable products, with a long-lasting action.
In topical products, the compounds according to the invention are able to increase the rate of absorption of active ingredients.
The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions which contain at least one 1,3-bis(N-lactamyl)propane of the formula I. Besides these compounds according to the invention, the pharmaceutical composition contains at least one active ingredient with or without other conventional vehicles and/or ancillary substances.
The amount of active ingredient per dose unit and the concentration may vary within wide limits. The only condition is that they suffice to achieve the desired effect. It is also possible to employ combinations of active ingredients. Active ingredients for the purpose of the invention include vitamins and minerals, an d crop treatment agents and insecticides. Active ingredients for the purpose of the invention also include therapeutic peptides. Hydrophilic active ingredients are particularly suitable.
The solvents according to the invention can be used to dissolve the following active ingredients, for example:
Acebutolol, acetylcysteine, acetylsalicylic acid, acyclovir, alprazolam, alfacalcidol, allantoin, allopurinol, ambroxol, ambkacin, amiloride, aminoacetic acid, amiodarone, amitriptyline, amlodipine, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ascorbic acid, aspartame astemizole, atenolol, beclomethasone, benserazide, benzalkonium hydrochloride, benzocaine, benzoic acid, betamethasone, bezafibrate, biotin, biperiden, bisoprolol, bromazepam, bromhexine, bromocriptine, budesonide, bufexamac, buflomedil, buspirone, caffeine, camphor, captopril, carbamazepine, carbidopa, carboplatin, cefachlor, cefalexin, cefadroxil, cefazolin, cefixime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, selegiline, choramphenicol, chlorhexidine, chlorpheniramine, chlortalidone, choline, cyclosporin, cilastatin, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, cisapride, cisplatin, clarithromycin, clavulan acid, clomipramine, clonazepam, clonidine, clotrimazole, codeine, cholestyramine, cromoglycic acid, cyanocobalamin, cyproterone, desogestrel, dexamethasone, dexpanthenol, dextromethorphan, dextropropoxiphen, diazepam, diclofenac, digoxin, dihydrocodeine, dihydroergotamine, dihydroergotoxin, diltiazem, diphenhydramine, dipyridamole, dipyrone, disopyramide, domperidone, dopamine, doxycycline, enalapril, ephedrine, epinephrine, ergocalciferol, ergotamine, erythromycin, estradiol, ethinylestradiolms etoposide, Eucalyptus globulus, famotidine, felodipine, fenofibrate, fenoterol, fentanyl, flavin-mononucleotide, fluconazole, flunarizine, fluorouracil, fluoxetine, flurbiprofen, furosemide, gallopamil, gemfibrozil, gentamicin, Gingko biloba, glibenclamide, glipizide, clozapine, Glycyrrhiza glabra, griseofulvin, guaifenesin, haloperidol, heparin, hyaluronic acid, hydrochlorothiazide, hydrocodone, hydrocortisone, hydromorphone, ipratropium hydroxide, ibuprofen, imipenem, indomethacin, iohexol, iopamidol, isosorbide-dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, isotretinoin, ketotifen, ketoconazole, ketoprofen, ketorolac, labetalol, lactulose, lecithin, levocarnitine, levodopa, levoglutamid, levonorgestrel, levothyroxine, lidocaine, lipase, imipramine, lisinopril, loperamide, lorazepam, lovastatin, medroxy-progesterone, menthol, methotrexate, methyldopa, methyl-prednisolone, metoclopramide, metoprolol, miconazole, midazolam, minocycline, minoxidil, misoprostol, morphine, multivitamin mixtures and combinations and mineral salts, N-methylephedrine, naftidrofuryl, naproxen, neomycin, nicardipine, nicergoline, nicotinamide, nicotine, nicotinic acid, nifedipine, nimodipine, nitrazepam, nitrendipine, nizatidine, norethisterone, norfloxacin, norgestrel, nortriptyline, nystatin, ofloxacin, omeprazile, ondansetron, pancreatin, panthenol, pantothenic acid, paracetamol, penicillin G, penicillin V, phenobarbital, pentoxifylline, phenoxymethylpenicillin, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenytoin, piroxicam, polymyxin B, povidone iodine, pravastatin, prazepam, prazosin, prednisolone, prednisone, bromocriptine, propafenone, propranolol, proxyphylline, pseudoephedrine, pyridoxine, quinidine, ramipril, ranitidine, reserpine, retinol, riboflavin, rifampicin, rutoside, saccharin, salbutamol, salcatonin, salicylic acid, simvastatin, somatotropin, sotalol, spironolactone, sucralfate, sulbactam, sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, sulpiride, tamoxifen, tegafur, teprenone, terazosin, terbutaline, terfenadine, tetracycline, theophylline, thiamine, ticlopidine, timolol, tranexamic acid, tretinoin, triamcinolone acetonide, triamterene, trimethoprim, troxerutin, uracil, valproic acid, vancomycin, verapamil, vitamin E, folinic acid, zidovudine.
Preferred active ingredients are those which can be dissolved in particularly high concentration in the solvents according to the invention. These include acetylcysteine, acetylsalicylic acid, anipamilxc3x97HCl, phenylbutazone, captopril, esuprone, flecainide, nexopamil, nitrofurantoin, (+)-pseudoephedrinexc3x97HCl, selegilinexc3x97HCl, hydantoins such as 5,5-diphenylhydantoin, benzodiazepines such as diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, pyrazolone derivatives such as diphenylbutazone, aminophenazone, dimethyl-aminophenazone, carbamates such as meprobamate, barbiturates such as phenobarbital, pentobarbital, aminobarbital, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, oxytetracyclines, virustatics such as acyclovir, famcyclovir, and antimycotics such as ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole, sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfamoxole, sulfathiazine, steroids such as prednisolone, cyproterone acetate, hydroxyprogesteronecaproate, sulfonamide potentiators such as trimethoprim, non-steroidal antirheumatics (NSAR) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, mefenamic acid or theophylline. The fat-soluble vitamins A, E, K and their derivatives, such as vitamin A palmitate, acetate or propionate, vitamin E acetate or nicotinate, can be mixed in any ratio with the compounds according to the invention; the same applies to vitamin C. The lower viscosity is also advantageous, which often has a disadvantageous effect on use of oils or semisynthetic fatty acid esters. Also suitable are the xcex2-blocker class, Ca antagonists, ACE inhibitors, xcex1-blockers, H2 antagonists, lipid lowering agents, antihistamines, antiepilectics and NS psychopharmaceuticals.
Particular suitable are benzocaine, chloramphenicol, cyclosporin, clotrimazole, 5,5-diphenylhydantoin, fenofibrate, furosemide, is gallopamilxc3x97HCl, glibenclamide, hydrochlorothiazide, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, indometacin, naftidrofuryl, nifedipine, nitrendipine,. omeprazole, paracetamol, pentoxifylline, prazosin, propafenonexc3x97HCl, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfathiazole, sulindac, tolbutamide, tramadol and zotepine.
The choice of suitable vehicles and ancillary substances depends on the nature of the active ingredient and, in particular, of the formulations.
Examples of conventional vehicles or ancillary substances which are suitable for the purposes of the present invention are
solvents which are miscible with the solvents according to the invention, such as water, ethanol, glycerol, 1,2-propylene glycol, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, tetraglycol, dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol, neutral oils such as paraffin, olive oil, sesame oil, arachis oil, castor oil or mixtures of triclycerides of saturated vegetable fatty acids;
salts to adjust the tonicity in order preferably to obtain isotonic solutions;
buffers to adjust the pH in order to obtain, in particular, formulations with the physiological pH;
agents to increase the viscosity, eg. on topical use, such as polyethylene glycols, polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyacrylates and cellulose ethers;
stabilizers such as antioxidants to protect medicinal substances which are sensitive to oxidation, for example sulfite, sodium sulfoxylate, cysteine, ascorbic acid, xcex1-tocopherol or else compounds which complex heavy metal ions, such as EDTA disodium salts;
preservatives such as antimicrobial agents in bacteriostatic or fungistatic concentrations, for example phenylmercuric nitrate, thiomersal, benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, phenol, cresol or chlorobutanol;
masking flavors which are used, in particular, for oral preparations;
and other vehicles and ancillary substances which can conventionally be used for formulating the drugs according to the invention.
The cosmetic compositions are in the form of, in particular, creams, gels, ointments or solutions. The cosmetic compositions are formulated in a conventional way, for example as indicated above for topical pharmaceutical compositions.
The following examples describe the invention without restricting it:

1,3-bis-(N-lactamyl) propane and the pharmaceutical and cosmetic use thereof


A cleaning mechanism for removing residual marking particles and other debris from a dielectric member of a reproduction apparatus and polish the dielectric member and remove fine scratches therefrom. The cleaning mechanism includes a substantially cylindrical fiber brush rotatable about its longitudinal axis with the fibers of the brush in contact with the dielectric member. A housing encloses that portion of the fiber brush not in contact with the dielectric member. The housing defines a substantially cylindrical chamber with the inner wall thereof spaced from the outer extremes of the brush fibers. In this manner, residual marking particles and debris are allowed to collect between the fibers of the brush to an extent sufficient to enable the fiber brush, when loaded with such marking particles and debris, to polish the dielectric member and remove fine scratches as the fibers clean the dielectric member.

The present invention relates in general to cleaning mechanisms for reproduction apparatus, and more particularly to a housing arrangement for a fiber brush of a cleaning mechanism for a reproduction apparatus which enables the cleaning mechanism to remove residual marking particles and other debris from a dielectric member of a reproduction apparatus and polish the dielectric member and remove fine scratches therefrom.
In typical commercial electrostatographic reproduction apparatus (such as copier/duplicators, printers, or the like), a latent image charge pattern is formed on a uniformly charged charge-retentive or photo-conductive member having dielectric characteristics (hereinafter referred to as the dielectric member). Pigmented marking particles are attracted to the latent image charge pattern to develop such image on the dielectric member. A receiver sheet is then brought into contact with the dielectric member, and an electric field applied to transfer the marking particle developed image to the receiver sheet from the dielectric member. After transfer, the receiver sheet bearing the transferred image is transported away from the dielectric member, and the image is fixed (fused) to the receiver sheet by heat and pressure to form a permanent reproduction thereon. At the same time, the dielectric member is cleaned of any residual (non-transferred) marking particles, and dust or other unwanted particles, so that that portion of the dielectric member can be reused in the formation of additional reproductions.
Cleaning mechanisms for reproduction apparatus typically employ a fur brush rotating inside a housing communicating with a vacuum source. The housing is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the brush. As such the fibers of the brush, and any particles trapped therein, rub against the inside wall of the housing before the vacuum source removes the particles from the fibers. The friction action with the inside housing wall heats up the particles to a temperature where the marking particles at least partially melt and adhere to the housing wall. This debris becomes very brittle and abrasive as it continues to build up on the housing wall. The build up of the particles eventually causes fibers of the cleaning brush to become damaged (such as tearing the fibers out of the brush, for example) to the extent that they are no longer effective in efficiently cleaning the dielectric member. Therefore, debris remains on the dielectric member which eventually will show up as unacceptable artifacts in the reproductions. The hard crusty build up will also begin to chip off the housing wall and become lodged in the brush. These chips will then result in scratches in the surface of the dielectric member, which can become so deep as to also show up as unacceptable artifacts in the reproductions.
In other cleaning mechanisms for reproduction apparatus, the cleaning housing is larger in diameter than the diameter of the cleaning brush. However, such mechanisms utilize mechanical devices on the inside of the housings to contact the brush fibers to aid in dislodging the particle trapped by the fibers. These mechanical devices include flicker bars or protrusions extending radially inwardly from the housing wall. The action of these mechanical devices results in the same problems of fiber damage with the resultant unacceptable artifact generation in the reproductions.

Cleaning mechanism for a reproduction apparatus


A diffusion bonding furnace includes a pressure vessel having a top and a chamber. A press penetrates through an opening in the top of the pressure vessel, so that a first end of the press is disposed within the chamber. The opening in the top of the pressure vessel is sealed around the press to prevent leakage when the pressure vessel is at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. A moveable bolster is secured to the first end of the press and a moveable platen is attached to the moveable bolster.

In diffusion bonding or welding, the bonding occurs by operation of short-range interatomic forces. When the materials to be bonded are brought close together under proper conditions of pressure and temperature, a migration of the atoms at the interface between the materials occurs and a bond is formed.
In order to create a diffusion bond, the surfaces of the parts to be bonded must be clean of contaminants, such as oxygen, which hinder the formation of the bond. Thus, the bonding process is often carried out in an inert, a reducing, or a vacuum environment. The furnace environment is typically established using one of two methods. The first method utilizes a stationary, hard shell furnace which is sealed from the ambient atmosphere so that the furnace can be evacuated to a desired subatmospheric pressure. The furnace is filled with a suitable inert or reducing gas after evacuation. The second method involves encapsulating the parts to be bonded in a thin sheet metal container or retort. The retort is fabricated by fusion welding and is evacuated through a small tube welded to the retort.
Diffusion bonding is usually performed at a temperature equal to about one-half of the melting point of the material being bonded. The use of such an elevated temperature serves two functions. First, the rate of atomic transfer of contaminants away from the workpiece surface increases as the temperature increases. Second, an elevated temperature allows for moderate deformation of the faying surfaces to enhance contact therebetween. Heat is typically applied to the workpiece in stationary, hard shell furnaces by electrical resistance elements, although induction heating has also been employed. If the parts to be bonded are encapsulated in a retort, the entire assembly is heated, for example, by electrical resistance heaters surrounding the retort.
A number of techniques have been used to apply pressure or a load to the faying surfaces, thereby bringing the surfaces sufficiently close together to effectuate bonding. A load is often imposed on parts encapsulated in retorts by applying a positive gas pressure to the exterior of the evacuated retort. A load can also be applied to the workpiece by a hydraulic press with heated platens, by a rolling mill, or by a mechanical clamping device. When diffusion bonding is carried out in a stationary or hard shell furnace, pressure is applied to the workpiece by press platens contained within the chamber or by differential thermal constraint. The use of press platens is favored, however, since loading by differential thermal constraint requires the use of special jigs or fixtures made from materials that have a low coefficient of thermal expansion relative to the workpiece.
The previous methods for diffusion bonding suffer from disadvantages which make their use impractical under certain circumstances. The use of a retort suffers in that the retort is not reusable, the method is difficult to use on large workpieces, and there is a danger of explosion upon heating due to an increase in pressure of residual gases inside the retort. Likewise, the use of a stationary furnace has previously suffered from the inability to inexpensively maintain an adequate vacuum or inert environment and difficulty in effectively and uniformly heating the workpiece. Since those problems become more pronounced as the size of the furnace increases, the hot zones of the known stationary furnaces have been relatively small.
Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to have a diffusion bonding furnace that provides improved heating of the workpiece and an improved sealing mechanism to retain the inert, reducing, or vacuum environment in the furnace during operation. Additionally, the furnace should be capable of applying a high load to the workpiece, provide a relatively large hot zone, and be relatively easy and inexpensive to operate and maintain.

Diffusion bonding furnace having a novel press arrangement


A variable air circulation system for the cab enclosure of an off-highway vehicle is disclosed and described. The system provides for adjustment of the ratio between fresh air circulation and recirculation of cab air. Fresh air is introduced into the cab through a fresh air inlet having a fresh air filter therein. The air inlet leads to a circulation conduit. When a cab door is opened, a valve to the conduit is opened. When the door is closed, the air pulse created in the cab is effective, through the valve, to dislodge dust and dirt from the filter.

This invention relates in general to off-highway vehicles. It relates particularly to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system in an off-highway vehicle and, more particularly, to a purge control for the fresh air filter in the HVAC system for an off-highway vehicle.
Off-highway vehicles are often operated in extremely dusty environments. As a result, the HVAC systems for off-highway vehicle cabs must employ highly effective fresh air filters to remove dust and other particulate matter before it enters the cab. They frequently use what is known as fresh air filter purging to dislodge dust and other accumulated debris from the fresh air filter medium. Purging the filter causes dirt to be released from the inlet face of the filter medium, thus prolonging the filter service life.
Typically, an off-highway vehicle cab is equipped with one of two types of interior air recirculation systems. One is known as a fixed system and the other as a variable system.
In a variable system, the relative amounts of fresh air taken in and recirculated air can be varied, i.e., the ratio between fresh air circulation and recirculation of cab air can be adjusted. A variable recirculation system, in a minimum recirculation/maximum fresh air setting, provides the highest cab pressurization and the best dehumidification. When at the maximum recirculation/minimum fresh air setting, filter life is generally extended and the system provides the greatest potential heating and cooling. Modern cab heating and air conditioning systems equipped with Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) are capable of taking advantage of these characteristics and can automatically optimize the ratio of fresh air to recirculated air within the cab, depending on system settings made by the operator, cab temperature at the time and the ambient conditions encountered.
In a fixed system, no adjustment of the recirculation opening takes place. One type of fixed system is equipped with at least two blowers, one or more blowers dedicated to pressurizing the cab with outside air and one or more for recirculating air within the cab. A second type of fixed system utilizes one or more blowers, with each blower(s) both pressurizing the cab and recirculating the air within the cab.
In any of these systems, fresh air is introduced into the cab through a fresh air filter. In an effort to extend filter life, it is conventional to reverse the air flow direction through the fresh air filter to dislodge the accumulated dust and debris from the filter medium. One method of filter purging takes advantage of the air pressure pulse created inside the cab when the cab door is closed. The pressure pulse momentarily reverses the air flow through the filter, causing dust and dirt to be released from the filter.
With existing methods, the effectiveness of the purge is often less than ideal. Furthermore, the operator can experience some undesirable effects. The cabin pressure pulsation associated with the purge can be substantial and may cause operator discomfort. The same pulse also makes closing the cab door more difficult.
It would be a distinct advantage to provide a variable air circulation system that overcomes the above-noted shortcomings of the prior art.

Filter purge control for HVAC variable air circulation system


A pipeline strainer having a body with a straining element therein. One or more magnets are removably inserted into the straining element and configured to be removed from the body without causing liquid within the cavity to drain from the pipeline strainer. A drywell is used to house the magnets. The movement of withdrawing the magnets pulls metal particles along the outer surface of the drywell toward a debris drain.

Pipeline strainers are used for protecting pumps, compressors, turbines, meters, automatic valves, sprinkler heads, nozzles, steam traps, heat exchangers, meters, and other pipeline equipment. The pipeline strainer mechanically removes solids from a flowing fluid with a perforated, mesh, or wedge wire straining element. The solids are retained in the straining element, allowing the fluids to flow therethrough and be passed to downstream equipment. After a certain period of time, a drain in the pipeline strainer is opened to remove the retained debris in order to avoid excess pressure drop associated with the collection of solids in the straining element.
Recently, there has been an increase in the interest and use of pumps with motors formed from magnets. These pumps are believed to be very efficient and thus, desirable in many applications. However, while the pumps may be efficient, the magnets in the pump attract fine metal particles, such as iron oxides, that are in the water. The fine metal particles stick to the pump elements, such as the impellers, negatively impacting the pump's performance. These fine particles have always been present in the water but have not impacted the performance of non-magnetic pumps.
The pores in conventionally used straining elements are typically too large to efficiently remove these fine metal particles from the fluid. Accordingly, some pipeline strainers utilize magnets to attract the metal particles. While presumably effective for their intended purposes, some of these pipeline strainers do not allow for the magnets to be easily removed without taking the pipeline strainer offline. Additionally, others do not allow for the magnets to be removed in a quick and efficient manner.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a pipeline strainer that allows for magnetic particles to be easily collected and removed. It would also be desirable if such a pipeline strainer provided such a feature without requiring the pipeline strainer to be taken offline.


Methods and systems for enhancing sensor operation are provided. Aspects includes obtaining, by a primary sensor, primary sensor data associated with an electrical mechanical system, obtaining, by at least one secondary sensor, secondary sensor data associated with the electrical mechanical system, and analyzing the primary sensor data responsive to a determination of a predetermined state of the electrical mechanical system based on the secondary sensor data.

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to elevator systems and, more particularly, to a system for enhancing elevator sensing data utilizing a secondary sensor.
In elevator systems, downtime for maintenance and repair is a driver in total cost of ownership and also contributes to inconvenience to building tenants and customers. Prognostic health monitoring (PHM) and condition based maintenance (CBM) have been tools utilized for reducing downtime in elevator systems. However, these maintenance systems rely on sensor-derived data from the operation of an elevator. This sensor-derived data is most useful when tied to certain operations of the elevator or locations of the elevator within a hoistway.

Enhancing elevator sensor operation for improved maintenance


A hair device comprising a cone shaped form with a defined narrow neck near the top that curves in where an elastic band can be wrapped around to secure the hair in place. The hair conceals the device from all angles of the head and gives the impression of the hair standing on end without styling products. There are various decorative attachments that can be attached at the opening in the top or stuck into the holes on the body of the device to pin up loose hair and/or add styling flair.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a hair device and method for forming and holding hair on end in a decorated cone shape.
2. Background
Currently there are a number of solutions for decorative adornment of hair. Some of these solutions attempt to increase volume, hold, shape and extend hair in a raised hair up-do, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because the hair style achieved by existing devices creates an ordinary up hair-do or a beehive style, but does not offer maximum volume and height by using the entire head of hair at its full extended length. Additionally, there are more accessory variation and embellishment attachment options to be inserted all over the head of hair once styled. Other solutions attempt to lift, guide and hold hair up with a hair foundation through various molded comb and bristle brush methods, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because they are tubular in shape, not as easy to secure, require bristle brushes to hold locks of hair (not the full head) and don't result in the same sculpted, hourglass shape style. Still other solutions seek to hold a hair raising device on a user's head without hair pins and accommodate for a range of hair lengths, but these solutions also fail to meet industry needs because they work with foundations with holes over the body of the device that shape small sections of the hair to create a beehive-like style, which does not engage the entire head of hair or extend all the hair off the scalp to it's maximum vertical height based on the length of the user's hair.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a hair device and method for forming and holding hair on end in a decorated cone shape where the hair conceals the device and gives the impression that the hair is standing on end without styling products or hair pins. It would further be desirable to have a device that can be used to create a unique hair style. Still further, it would be desirable to have a device that provides the option of adding decorative adornments that can be worn as a hair style for festive events, seasonal occasions, costume parties or to enhance individual fashion and personal style.

Hair device and method for forming and holding hair


An optical disk device of the present invention has a main PC board carrying a semiconductor element and attached at the rear of a drawer to efficiently dissipate a heat generated from the semiconductor element. The drawer is formed of a material having good thermal conductivity. A thermal conductive member having good thermal conductivity is interposed between the IC desired to be dissipate heat and the drawer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical disk device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a slim type optical disk device for carrying a notebook-sized personal computer having features in a heat dissipating structure of a semiconductor element, such as a motor driver IC, for controlling the rotation of a disk motor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a drive system IC, such as a motor driver IC, for controlling the rotation of a disk motor carried in an optical disk device generates a large amount of heat. Accordingly, a cooling mechanism is provided in the optical disk device.
For example, as a cooling mechanism in a slim type optical disk device for carrying a notebook-sized personal computer, there is proposed an optical disk device of a heat dissipating structure using an external housing with which heat radiated from the driver IC is transmitted from the read face of a step part of the chassis to the whole chassis to cool the chassis by wind generated due to the rotation of a disk (for example, refer to Patent Document 1: Jpn. Pat. Appln. Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-11478).
The internal structure of the optical disk device has become complex due to recent high double speed and high frequency transmission. For example, a substrate carrying a driver IC, etc. is mounted at a sliding mechanical body (drawer) side. In such a structure, unlike a device disclosed in the patent document 1, there is a problem that a heat dissipation structure using an external housing so that a substrate carrying a semiconductor element is fixed to the external housing to radiate the heat of the driver IC of the semiconductor element, cannot be adopted.

Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Corporation


A light sensor includes first and second neighboring photodiodes that are separated from each other by a space. A light-absorbing material is positioned at a location which is vertically above the space between the neighboring photodiodes. A first multilayer interference filter includes a central portion located vertically above the first photodiode and a peripheral portion that at least partly extends to rest on top of and in contact with the light-absorbing material.

Light sensors where a first filter configured to pass a first wavelength range of light covers a first photodiode and a second filter configured to pass a second wavelength range of light covers a second photodiode, next to the first photodiode, are known.
When such a sensor receives light, the light crossing the first filter is intended to be captured or received by the first photodiode and the light crossing the second filter is intended to be captured or received by the second photodiode. Thus, the first and second photodiodes enable to separately measure the quantity of light received by the sensor, respectively in the first wavelength range and in the second wavelength range.
However, the light crossing the first filter may reach the second photodiode and/or the light crossing the second filter may reach the first photodiode, particularly according to the angle with which the light rays reach the sensor. Such a so-called crosstalk phenomenon raises an issue. Such a crosstalk issue also arises when the second photodiode is coated with no filter.
There is need to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of known light sensors, in particular all or part of the disadvantages associated with the crosstalk between neighboring photodiodes of the sensors.


Disclosed is a multi-airconditioner including a plurality of outdoor units and at least one indoor units in which refrigerant conduits connecting the outdoor units and the at least one indoor units are united in the form of two or three conduits. In the case of the multi-airconditioner for effecting either room-cooling or room-heating, each of the outdoor units and each of the indoor units have a liquefied refrigerant conduit and a gasified refrigerant conduit, which are connected with a single common liquefied refrigerant conduit and a single common gasified refrigerant conduit, respectively. In the case of the multi-conditioner for effecting simultaneous room-cooling and room-heating operation in which some of the indoor units are under room-cooling operation while the other indoor units are under room-heating operation, each outdoor unit and each indoor unit have a liquefied refrigerant conduit, a high-pressure gasified refrigerant conduit and a low-pressure gasified refrigerant conduit, and these liquefied refrigerant conduits, high-pressure gasified refrigerant conduits and low-pressure gasified refrigerant conduits are connected to a single common liquefied refrigerant conduit, a single common high-pressure gasified refrigerant conduit and a single common low-pressure gasified refrigerant conduit, respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-airconditioner including a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units and, more particularly, it relates to uniting of refrigerant conveying conduits which connect the outdoor units and the indoor units of the multi-airconditioner.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a multi-airconditioner including a plurality of outdoor units, a plurality of indoor units and refrigerant conveying conduits therebetween, it has been heretofore required to provide a plurality of refrigerant conveying conduits for every group of the indoor units connected with each outdoor unit. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 56-49856 discloses an example of the multi-airconditioner of this kind.
In the conventional multi-airconditioner of this kind, the total number of the coolant conveying conduits connected between the outdoor units and the indoor units, as a whole, is equal to the sum of the conduits contained in the respective groups. Therefore, as the number of the outdoor units increases, the number of the conduits increases accordingly. The increase of the number of the conduits gives rise to several inconvencences. For example, the piping work becomes complicated and the cost of the piping work is increased, depending upon the increase of the number of conduits used. Available space in a building is decreased owing to increase of volume of a shaft required for piping.


A composite base of the present invention includes a sintered base and a base surface flattening layer disposed on the sintered base, and the base surface flattening layer has a surface RMS roughness of not more than 1.0 nm. A composite substrate of the present invention includes the composite base and a semiconductor crystal layer disposed on a side of the composite base where the base surface flattening layer is located, and a difference between a thermal expansion coefficient of the sintered base and a thermal expansion coefficient of the semiconductor crystal layer is not more than 4.5×10−6K−1. Thereby, a composite substrate in which a semiconductor crystal layer is attached to a sintered base, and a composite base suitably used for that composite substrate are provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composite substrate suitably used for a semiconductor device, and a composite base suitably used for that composite substrate.
2. Description of the Background Art
Composite substrates in which a semiconductor crystal layer is attached to a different composition base having a chemical composition different from that of the semiconductor crystal layer have been proposed to efficiently manufacture semiconductor devices with excellent properties.
For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-165798 discloses a method of manufacturing a gallium nitride single crystal substrate by attaching a single crystal sapphire substrate to a base to fabricate a sapphire composite substrate and epitaxially growing a gallium nitride single crystal on a sapphire surface of the sapphire composite substrate.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Composite base including sintered base and base surface flattening layer, and composite substrate including that composite base and semiconductor crystalline layer


An electrical power system for an engine powered at least in part by a battery having a battery voltage and including a fuel injector and at least one ionization sensor includes at least one common power supply connected to the fuel injector and the ionization sensor and supplying a voltage higher than the battery voltage for operation of the fuel injector and the ionization sensor at least during an ionization sensing period after spark discharge.

Various types of spark-ignition, compression-ignition, and combination internal combustion engines use direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber to reduce fuel consumption and feedgas emissions. These may include direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) engines fueled by gasoline or gasoline/alcohol mixtures, compression-ignition engines fueled by diesel fuel, or combination engines fueled by gasoline or other fuels that may operate in a spark-ignition mode and a compression-ignition mode, sometimes referred to as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode, for example. A high-voltage power supply may be provided to generate the current required for desired performance of the fuel injectors for these applications, with representative voltages in the range of 60V or more compared to the nominal battery voltage of 12V or 24V, for example.
Manufacturers continue to improve control of internal combustion engines to enhance fuel economy and performance while reducing feedgas emissions using more sophisticated sensing and processing hardware and software. To improve control of the combustion process, ionization current sensing (or ion sense) uses a bias voltage applied across a sensor positioned within the combustion chamber to generate a current signal indicative of the combustion quality and timing. The bias voltage for reliable ion current signals often exceeds the voltage available directly from the vehicle battery so that a boost circuit or high voltage power supply is used to provide a bias voltage in the range of 85V or more, for example. Some spark-ignition engines provide the high-voltage supply by switching the ignition coil or using the ignition coil to charge a capacitor during the spark generation and then discharge the capacitor to provide the bias voltage during the ion sense period. While suitable for some applications, these systems do not provide a bias voltage for ion sense when no spark is generated, such as during compression-ignition mode in HCCI engines, for example.

Internal combustion engine having common power source for ion current sensing and fuel injectors


New and/or alternative approaches to determine mass flow using a flow measurement device in a pulsatile flow context. The flow measurement device is configured to generate a delta-pressure measurement. A semi-physical valve model is generated for the flow measurement device, and the delta-pressure measurement is then is isolated using the model. A discharge coefficient map is determined for the flow measurement device by testing using sets of operating parameters for a system. The operating parameters of the system are then used to determine the discharge coefficient for use in estimating mass flow with the semi-physical valve model. The resultant estimated mass flow can be used to control the system, and a Factor of Effective Area estimate generated using the valve model can be used to determine the status of the flow measurement device and identify or predict a need for maintenance.

Engine performance can be enhanced by compressing intake air which is fed into the engine. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a turbocharger 220 operates using power obtained from a turbine 224 placed in the exhaust airstream of the engine 210 to drive a compressor 222 in the intake airstream. A supercharger obtains power using the mechanical output of the engine to drive a compressor in the intake airstream. Electric motor and other drive systems may be used as well to drive a compressor in the intake airstream.
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) shown at 230 in FIG. 2 is included in some such systems for various reasons. An EGR 230 may provide additional mass flow to the intake airstream with gasses that, having already been expelled from the engine, are inert to further combustion. In diesel engines, for example, the use of EGR 230 can reduce emissions of environmentally harmful nitrogen oxides. The EGR 230 is operated using an EGR valve, which is actuated to control the quantity of recirculating exhaust gas.
The EGR valve and other actuators associated with the engine are controlled by an engine control unit (ECU) 250. The ECU 250 can use a variety of control methodologies (proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, model predictive control (MPC) or other control methods) to optimize engine performance, using operational, environmental and/or other factors. The control system may manage EGR valve position by determining mass flow characteristics of the exhaust gas as it is recirculated and/or the mass flow of air entering the engine.
Mass flow can be measured using, for example, orifice plates, Venturi tubes, flow nozzles, or other flow obstructing structures. By monitoring pressure on either side of an obstruction, the flow through the obstruction can be measured using equations that apply Bernoulli and other principles to measured values. For example, ISO 5167 describes and provides parameters for measuring mass flow rate in a systematic format.
However, the ISO 5167 standard and many other applications of Bernoulli's principle to measuring mass flow call for a steady state measurement. In the context of engine control, mass flow is pulsatile, rather than steady. Even with an engine operating at a steady state in terms of load and speed, perturbation of the mass flow takes place; changes in engine operating conditions can introduce significant errors. Direct application of various equations derived from known from steady-state formulae to pulsatile and otherwise varying flow results in spikes in the calculated results, requiring additional handling of the calculated results and/or leading to sub-optimal control.
New and alternative methods and systems capable of identifying and/or characterizing mass flow are desired to aid in optimized EGR use. Such solutions may find broader applicability outside of the EGR context.
Overview
The present inventors have identified a need for a solution to the problem of estimating mass flow in a pulsatile and/or variable environment.
A first illustrative, non-limiting example takes the form of a method of controlling an engine using a mass-flow computation, the engine having an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and a flow measurement device in fluid communication with the EGR valve, the flow measurement device providing a delta pressure parameter as an output, the method comprising: operating the engine using at least a first operating parameter; measuring the delta pressure parameter from the flow measurement device; determining a discharge coefficient using at least the first operating parameter of the engine and a discharge coefficient map; estimating mass flow from the delta pressure parameter using a measurement equation which incorporates the determined discharge coefficient for the flow measurement device; and adjusting EGR valve position to control engine performance using the estimated mass flow.
Additionally or alternatively, the step of estimating mass flow is performed by providing the delta pressure parameter to a discrete time extended Kalman filter configured to generate the mass flow estimate.
Additionally or alternatively, the step of estimating mass flow further includes generating at least a factor of effective area (FEA) estimate, wherein the FEA estimate is indicative of a state of the flow measurement device, the method further comprising: observing a plurality of FEA estimates from the discrete time extended Kalman filter; determining an FEA degradation curve for the flow measurement device; and predicting a time to service of the flow measurement device.
Additionally or alternatively, the step of estimating mass flow further includes generating at least a factor of effective area (FEA) estimate, wherein the FEA estimate is indicative of a state of the flow measurement device, the method further comprising: determining whether the FEA estimate has crossed a maintenance threshold; and if the FEA estimate has crossed the maintenance threshold, announcing a need for maintenance.
Additionally or alternatively, the announced need for maintenance identifies the flow measurement device.
Additionally or alternatively, the Kalman filter also takes as an input at least the first operating parameter of the engine.
Additionally or alternatively, the engine is operated using the first operating parameter and a second operating parameter, the discharge coefficient is determined using both the first and second operating parameters, and the first and second operating parameters are intake manifold pressure and engine speed.
Additionally or alternatively, the flow measurement device is one of a Venturi meter, an orifice plate, or a flow nozzle.
Still further examples take the form of an engine comprising a configurable controller adapted to perform a method as in any of the preceding examples, an exhaust output, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve configured to controllably recirculate exhaust gas from the exhaust output to the air intake, and a flow measurement device configured to monitor air flow through the EGR valve. In some such examples, the flow measurement device is one of a Venturi meter, an orifice plate, or a flow nozzle.
A second illustrative and non-limiting example takes the form of a method of configuring a controller for an engine, the engine having an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and a flow measurement device in fluid communication with the EGR, comprising: constructing a semi-physical valve model that approximates a physics-based mass flow equation for the flow measurement device as a polynomial; isolating a delta pressure variable from the semi-physical valve model to generate a measurement equation, the measurement equation including a discharge coefficient; testing mass flow through a test measurement device and calculating the discharge coefficient for each of plurality of steady state pulsatile flow conditions, each steady state pulsatile flow condition representing an operating state for the engine; interpolating a discharge coefficient map as a variable dependent on one or more operating parameters for the engine; and configuring the controller to use the measurement equation and the discharge coefficient map to estimate mass flow through the EGR valve and to control the EGR using the estimated mass flow.
Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to use the measurement equation and the discharge coefficient map by: operating the engine using at least a first operating parameter; measuring the delta pressure parameter from the flow measurement device; determining a discharge coefficient using at least the first operating parameter and a discharge coefficient map; estimating mass flow from the delta pressure parameter using a measurement equation which incorporates the determined discharge coefficient for the flow measurement device; and adjusting EGR valve position to control engine performance using the estimated mass flow.
Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to use the measurement equation and the discharge coefficient map by: operating the engine; measuring a delta pressure variable from the flow measurement device; providing the delta pressure variable to a discrete time extended Kalman filter to estimate mass flow using the measurement equation and the discharge coefficient map, wherein the extended Kalman filter is configured to generate a factor of effective area (FEA) estimate, the FEA estimate being indicative of a state of the flow measurement device; determining an FEA degradation curve for the flow measurement device using the FEA estimate; and predicting a time to necessary maintenance of the flow measuring device using the FEA degradation curve.
Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to use the measurement equation and the discharge coefficient map by: operating the engine; measuring a delta pressure variable from the flow measurement device; providing the delta pressure variable to a discrete time extended Kalman filter to estimate mass flow using the measurement equation and the discharge coefficient map, wherein the extended Kalman filter is configured to generate a factor of effective area (FEA) estimate, the FEA estimate being indicative of a state of the flow measurement device; determining whether maintenance of the flow measurement device is necessary using the FEA estimate.
Still further examples take the form of an engine comprising a controller that has been configured using any of the preceding examples, an exhaust output, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve configured to controllably recirculate exhaust gas from the exhaust output to the air intake, and a flow measurement device configured to monitor air flow through the EGR valve. In some such examples, the flow measurement device is one of a Venturi meter, an orifice plate, or a flow nozzle.
Another illustrative and non-limiting example takes the form of a configurable controller for an engine, the engine having an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and a flow measurement device in fluid communication with the EGR, the EGR valve configured to selectively allow exhaust gas to recirculate to an intake manifold of the engine, and the flow measurement device configured to provide a delta-pressure measurement, the configurable controller configured to perform the following: operating the engine using at least a first operating parameter; measuring the delta pressure parameter from the flow measurement device; determining a discharge coefficient using at least the first operating parameter of the engine and a discharge coefficient map; estimating mass flow from the delta pressure parameter using a measurement equation which incorporates the determined discharge coefficient for the flow measurement device; and adjusting EGR valve position to control engine performance using the estimated mass flow.
Additionally or alternatively, the configurable controller may be further configured such that the step of estimating mass flow is performed by providing the delta pressure parameter to a discrete time extended Kalman filter configured to generate the mass flow estimate.
Additionally or alternatively, the configurable controller may be further configured such that the step of estimating mass flow further includes generating at least a factor of effective area (FEA) estimate, wherein the FEA estimate is indicative of a state of the flow measurement device, and the configurable controller is also configured to perform the following: observing a plurality of FEA estimates from the discrete time extended Kalman filter; determining an FEA degradation curve for the flow measurement device; and predicting a time to service of the flow measurement device.
Additionally or alternatively, the configurable controller may be further configured such that the step of estimating mass flow further includes generating at least a factor of effective area (FEA) estimate, wherein the FEA estimate is indicative of a state of the flow measurement device, and the configurable controller is also configured to perform the following: determining whether the FEA estimate has crossed a maintenance threshold; and if the FEA estimate has crossed the maintenance threshold, announcing a need for maintenance.
Additionally or alternatively, the configurable controller may be further configured such that the announced need for maintenance identifies the flow measurement device.
Additionally or alternatively, the configurable controller may be further configured such that the Kalman filter also takes as an input at least the first operating parameter of the engine.
Additionally or alternatively, the configurable controller may be configured to: operate the engine using the first operating parameter and a second operating parameter; and determine the discharge coefficient determined using both the first and second operating parameters; wherein the first and second operating parameters are intake manifold pressure and engine speed.
Still further examples take the form of an engine comprising the configurable controller of any of the preceding examples, an exhaust output, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve configured to controllably recirculate exhaust gas from the exhaust output to the air intake, and a flow measurement device configured to monitor air flow through the EGR valve. In some such examples, the flow measurement device is one of a Venturi meter, an orifice plate, or a flow nozzle.
This overview provides an introduction to the subject matter herein. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation. The detailed description is included to provide further details and examples.

Mass flow measurement system using adaptive calibration and sensor diagnostics


A method and apparatus for connecting to a secondary enhanced NodeB. A transceiver configured to receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from a Master enhanced NodeB (MeNB). The RRC message comprises a dedicated random access resources configuration for the UE to perform random access to a cell associated with a Secondary enhanced NodeB (SeNB) for a purpose of an addition of the SeNB, and an identification of the cell to which the random access is to be performed. Responsive to receiving the RRC message, command the Media Access Control (MAC) to trigger the random access for the addition of the SeNB to the cell with the identification indicated in the RRC message with the random access resources indicated in the RRC message. The MeNB is an eNB which the UE connects to initially and which acts as mobility anchor.

Small cells using low power nodes are considered promising to cope with mobile traffic explosion, such as for hotspot deployments in indoor and outdoor scenarios. A low-power node generally means a node whose transmission power is lower than macro node, for example, Pico and Femto nodes. Small cell enhancements can have additional functionalities for enhanced performance in hotspot areas for indoor and outdoor using low power nodes. Small cell enhancement can target both with and without macro coverage, both outdoor and indoor small cell deployments and both ideal and non-ideal backhaul. Both sparse and dense small cell deployments can be considered.

Methods and apparatus for inter-eNB carrier aggregation


A steam turbine having a low-pressure inner housing NDIG and a high-pressure inner housing HDIG within a steam turbine outer housing, a reheater downstream of the HDIG and upstream of the NDIG wherein the first steam inlet section of the HDIG faces the second steam inlet section of the NDIG, a process steam deflection section for deflecting process steam out of the first steam outlet section into a gap between an inner wall of the steam turbine outer housing and an outer wall of the HDIG and of the NDIG, a high-pressure sealing shell for sealing the upstream end-section of the HDIG, a low-pressure sealing shell for sealing the upstream end-section of the NDIG, the high-pressure sealing shell located adjacent to the low-pressure sealing shell, wherein process steam can be drawn from the HDIG and conveyed to a region between the high- and low-pressure sealing shells.

In steam power plants, water vapor is used as working medium for the operation of steam turbines. The water vapor is warmed in a steam boiler and flows as process steam via pipelines into the steam turbine. In the steam turbine, the thermal energy previously contained in the working medium is converted into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is commonly used to operate a generator which converts the generated mechanical power into electrical power. Alternatively, the kinetic energy may also be utilized for driving machines, for example pumps. The expanded and cooled process steam flows into a condenser, where it condenses as a result of heat transfer in a heat exchanger, and is fed as water back to the steam boiler in order to be heated.
Conventional steam turbines have at least one high-pressure part and at least one low-pressure part, which are also referred to as high-pressure stage and low-pressure stage respectively. In the low-pressure part, the temperature of the process steam falls significantly, which can result in partial condensation of the process steam. Here, the low-pressure part is highly sensitive with regard to the moisture content of the process steam. If the process steam reaches the low-pressure part of the steam turbine with a moisture content of approximately 8 to 10%, measures must be implemented which reduce the moisture content of the process steam upstream of the inlet into the low-pressure part to an admissible level.
In order to increase the efficiency of a steam power plant, the process steam is, before it enters the low-pressure part, fed for so-called intermediate superheating. In the intermediate superheating process, the process steam is heated again such that the moisture content falls. During this intermediate superheating, the entire steam mass flow is extracted from the steam turbine downstream of the high-pressure part, fed for intermediate superheating, and heated approximately to the temperature of the fresh steam. The process steam is subsequently fed to the low-pressure part. Without such intermediate superheating, it would be necessary for the steam turbine to be stopped, because condensed water droplets could strike the rotating turbine blades and would cause damage as a result of droplet erosion on the turbine blades.
In the case of multi-stage steam turbines, at least one medium-pressure stage is used in addition to a high-pressure stage and a low-pressure stage. Here, such intermediate superheating of the process steam is performed in each case between the individual turbine stages. This leads to increased efficiency, because mechanical energy can be generated in the turbine stages more efficiently by means of the superheated water vapor.
In the implementation of intermediate superheating systems in steam turbines, the material and the outer wall, in particular between the individual turbine stages, are subject to high loading. At the first turbine stage, the relatively cold water vapor is extracted and fed to the intermediate superheater, and the heated process steam is fed to the second turbine stage. Here, high temperature differences arise in the outer wall in the transition region between the first turbine stage and the second turbine stage. Since the end of the first turbine stage, from which the cold process steam is extracted, and the beginning of the second turbine stage, in which the hot process steam is fed from the intermediate superheater, lie close together, high thermal stresses arise there in the outer wall. This can lead to leaks or to cracks in the outer wall. Furthermore, there is the risk that wet steam parameters prevail during the extraction of the cold process steam from the first turbine stage, and condensate thus forms on the inner wall of the outer housing. The condensate additionally cools the inner side of the outer wall. The thermal stress at the outer wall is thus increased. In order that the superheated process steam does not cause damaging thermal stresses, the superheated process steam is cooled in order to reduce the thermal stress. This is conventionally performed in upstream inflow housings. These additional inflow housings can however lead to energy losses.
In the case of a single-shell or single-housing steam turbine with intermediate superheating, greatly superheated process steam is conducted into the turbine at two locations. Here, the steam turbine outer housing in particular is subjected to high thermal loading by the occurring temperatures and pressures.
The occurring required parameters however often lie above the possible parameters of single-shell turbine housings. The applicant's patent application DE 10 2017 211 295, which was not published before the priority date of the present patent application, therefore proposes a steam turbine and a method for operating such a steam turbine, which substantially overcome the disadvantages.
The steam turbine has a steam turbine outer housing. Furthermore, the steam turbine has a high-pressure inner housing with a first process steam inlet section and with a first process steam outlet section for conducting process steam through the high-pressure inner housing from the first process steam inlet section to the first process steam outlet section in a first process steam expansion device. Furthermore, the steam turbine has a low-pressure inner housing with a second process steam inlet section and with a second process steam outlet section for conducting process steam through the low-pressure inner housing from the second process steam inlet section to the second process steam outlet section in a second process steam expansion direction. Furthermore, the steam turbine has an intermediate superheater which is arranged downstream of the high-pressure inner housing and downstream of the low-pressure inner housing, wherein the high-pressure inner housing and the low-pressure inner housing are arranged within the steam turbine outer housing.
The high-pressure inner housing and the low-pressure inner housing are arranged such that the first steam inlet section of the high-pressure inner housing faces toward the second steam inlet section of the low-pressure inner housing. The statement that the first steam inlet section of the high-pressure inner housing faces toward the second steam inlet section of the low-pressure inner housing is to be understood to mean that the first steam inlet section of the high-pressure inner housing points or is oriented in the opposite direction, or substantially in the opposite direction, to the second steam inlet section of the low-pressure inner housing. Correspondingly, the first process steam expansion direction runs counter or substantially counter to the second process steam expansion direction.
The high-pressure inner housing and the low-pressure inner housing are thus arranged such that a process steam flow direction through the high-pressure inner housing runs oppositely, in particular oppositely by 180°, to a process steam flow direction through the low-pressure inner housing.
Using such a steam turbine, superheated process steam in the form of fresh steam can be fed into the high-pressure inner housing, which is turned counter to a steam direction, and expanded to the pressure and temperature level of so-called cold intermediate superheating. After the process steam has emerged from the high-pressure inner housing, the process steam can be fed to the intermediate superheater. Process steam from the intermediate superheater, which has undergone intermediate superheating, can then flow into the low-pressure inner housing, which faces in a main flow direction, and can expand there to condensation pressure in the steam turbine.
The low-pressure inner housing is to be understood to mean an inner housing in which, at least on average, a lower pressure prevails or is generated than in the high-pressure inner housing. That is to say, the low-pressure inner housing can also be understood in particular to mean a medium-pressure inner housing.
The process steam is to be understood to mean steam, in particular water vapor, which flows through components of the steam turbine during the operation of the steam turbine.
By means of the arrangement of the high-pressure inner housing and of the low-pressure inner housing, excitatory forces in the low-pressure inner housing can be minimized, because only the pressure difference from the intermediate superheating acts. Process steam can, for further expansion, be conducted directly into the next component, for example a further low-pressure inner housing, and does not first need to be diverted.
An expansion direction is to be understood to mean a direction in which the process steam primarily moves or is conducted. That is to say, if the process steam moves for example from left to right in a steam turbine section, this is to be understood, in simplified terms, to mean a linear expansion direction to the right. Furthermore, in the present case, an expansion direction is to be understood to mean a pressure direction from a high-pressure region into a low-pressure region or into a pressure region with a lower pressure than in the high-pressure region. Correspondingly, an upstream steam turbine section is to be understood to mean a section which is arranged counter to the expansion direction.
The fact that the high-pressure inner housing is initially traversed by the cold steam that is being conducted for intermediate superheating, and is flowed through subsequently by the hot steam passing from the intermediate superheating process, still constitutes a major challenge. Furthermore, there is the possibility, which must be prevented, of the cold steam conducted for intermediate superheating being drawn into the low-pressure inner housing owing to the pressure loss in the intermediate superheating process. The present invention seeks to eliminate these disadvantages of the prior art.

Steam turbine and method for operating same


An apparatus and methods for use are provided, where the apparatus includes: (a) a filter, and (b) a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the frame includes a first support and a second support extending between the first end and the second end, wherein at least the first support and the second support of the frame are coupled to at least a portion of a periphery of the filter, wherein the frame and the filter together define a lumen, wherein the frame has shape memory and is movable between a first position in which the lumen has a first diameter and a second position in which the lumen has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

Cardiovascular surgery has traditionally been performed with open surgical techniques. These techniques typically involve invasive procedures to surgically excise diseased tissue before sewing in an artificial replacement, which may often require prolonged clamping to halt blood flow through the diseased segment. These open surgical techniques can only be performed on relatively healthy patients and often result in relatively long recovery periods. Recently, minimally invasive techniques have been developed and used with endovascular or catheter-directed methodologies. However, minimally invasive techniques can create a new set of complications that need to be dealt with, such as embolus formation.
In several diseased states, the cardiovascular system may develop thrombus buildup. One area where thrombus buildup is troublesome is the aortic arch. If blood flow from the heart is not hemodynamically normal, it can result in thrombus deposition throughout the arch. This can be a result of aortic valve stenosis creating regurgitation and subsequent turbulent flow in the aortic arch. Alternatively, it could be caused by aneurysmal dilation which causes slower than normal velocities as well as regions along the curvature of the bulge where recirculating zones and stagnation develop, which lead to further thrombus formation.
In order to repair the large cardiovascular structures near the heart, relatively large catheter systems often need to be advanced across the aortic arch. These larger catheter systems are relatively stiff, so they may require additional force to advance around the curvature of the arch. The relative stiffness of the catheter may bias the catheter toward the outer curvature of the arch, and the resulting forces generated can break emboli free when the catheter is advanced through thrombotic regions.
Once broken free, there are three main sets of outlets through which such emboli may travel: the great vessels, the visceral branch vessels, or the distal/lower extremities. Emboli travelling to the distal extremities can be marginally problematic. Emboli travelling through the great vessels to the arms can also be marginally problematic. But emboli travelling through the great vessels to the brain could result in a stroke. Further, emboli travelling to the branch vessels of the visceral segment could be very problematic as well, because emboli can cause bowel ischemia which can be deadly. As the size and number of emboli increase, they become more problematic.


A pressure sensor for measuring pressures in combustion chambers of internal combustion engines includes a sensor housing with a longitudinal axis and an interior space, a measuring element in the interior space, and a rotation-symmetrically designed membrane with a peripheral edge section connected with an end of the sensor housing at the pressure chamber side to seal off the interior space of the sensor housing on the pressure chamber side. The membrane has a flexible annular membrane segment and a central plunger that interacts with the measuring element and the flexible annular membrane segment. The annular membrane segment connects the plunger with the peripheral edge section. The annular membrane segment is designed as a convex circular arc of constant material thickness on the pressure chamber side.

Pressure sensors for measuring pressures in pressure chambers, more particularly in combustion chambers of internal combustion engines, typically comprise a hollow cylindrical sensor housing in which a measuring element is located. On the pressure chamber or combustion chamber side the sensor housing is sealed off with a heat-resistant, flexible membrane which separates the combustion chamber from the internal space of the sensor. The membrane directly or indirectly transmits the pressure prevailing in the combustion chamber to the measuring element.
One problem which occurs in the case of all known pressure sensors for combustion chambers or pressure chambers with high and rapid temperature fluctuations is what is known as thermal shock, Thermal expansion and mechanical stresses on the sensor and more particularly in the membrane caused by temperature changes in the pressure chamber can result in measuring errors of varying magnitude, e.g. due to membrane deformation, which arithmetically can only be corrected with difficulty. Known membranes which have been optimised with regard to thermal shock are of a thin-walled, flat design and therefore only have a limited service life. Although a thicker embodiment can increase the service life of the membrane, this results in greater rigidity and therefore deeper sensor sensitivity. At the same time a thicker design of known membranes brings about poorer behaviour of the sensor in terms of thermal shock.
In US20040231425, which by this reference is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes, pressure sensors with different forms of membrane are described. In order to reduce measuring errors due to material expansion it is proposed to provide the membrane between the plunger and the fastening edge with a folded or undulating segment. Upward and downward movements of the plunger due to thermal expansion are intended to be reduced in that the segment has one area facing upwards and one area facing downwards. The material in the case of these membranes is usually of uniform thickness or is at a maximum centrally in the area of the plunger.
From WO2010040239 a membrane for pressure sensors is known which comprises an outer edge and an inner plunger. The outer edge and the inner plunger are connected by means of an elastic segment. Similarly to US20040231425, the elastic segment has an area facing upwards and an area facing downwards. In order to reduce measuring errors as a result of thermal expansion it was further proposed to vary the material thickness of the elastic segment in such a way that it has the thinnest point in the middle, from which the material thickness steadily increases on both sides. This results in a flexible membrane which can better compensate for the thermal expansion. However, a drawback is that with an increasingly thin membrane its strength and thereby its service life decrease.

Pressure sensor with a membrane applied on a pressure chamber side and use thereof


The present invention relates to a method, system, network element and computer program product for transmitting a data stream in a point-to-multipoint mode from a source entity to a plurality of users in a predetermined area of a cellular network, said predetermined area comprising a plurality of sub-areas. A predetermined, recurring time period is allocated to transmission of localized data specified for users of individual ones of said plurality of sub-areas, and a transmission capacity of the data stream is divided using said predetermined, recurring time period among adjacent sub-areas. Localized data is then transmitted during the predetermined, recurring time period using a divided transmission capacity allocated to the respective sub-area. Thereby, combination of global and local broadcast or multicast content is enabled in a broadcast system by avoiding overlapping of transmissions with different content at cell edges.

The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) specified by the third generation partnership project (3GPP) shall offer appealing multimedia services. When many users want to receive the same multimedia services at the same time, like news services, even high bandwidth UMTS radio resources might run into shortage. Efficiency of resource allocation can be improved when many radio channels transfer data in parallel to different users within the same radio cell. A resource and therefore cost efficient delivery of multimedia services to a large number of users in parallel is given by broadcast or multicast services. As an example, 3GPP defined a Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) which shares network resources, specifically radio resources, when transferring data to many users in parallel. MBMS is an Internet Protocol (IP) datacast type of service that can be offered via existing cellular networks, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or UMTS networks. The infrastructure gives the possibility to use an uplink channel for interactions between the service and the user. This is however not a straight forward issue in usual broadcast networks, as for example conventional digital television is only a one-way (unidirectional) system.
In general, a broadcast service can be generalized to mean a unidirectional point-to-multipoint service in which data is transmitted from a single source to multiple terminals, e.g. user equipment (UE) in third generation terminology, in the associated broadcast service area. In other words, broadcast services can be called push-type services. On the other hand, a multicast service can be defined as a unidirectional point-to-multipoint service in which data is transmitted from a single source to a multicast group in the associated multicast service area. Only the users that are subscribed to the specific multicast service and have joined the multicast group associated with the service can receive the multicast services. As a difference, a broadcast service can be received without separate indication from the customers. In practice, multicast users need a return channel for the interaction procedures in order to be able to subscribe to the desired services.
MBMS thus can be defined as a unidirectional point-to-multipoint service in which data is transmitted from a single source entity to a group of users in a specific area. As its name indicates, MBMS has two modes in practice: broadcast mode and multicast mode.
In 3GPP a working assumption for the downlink multiple access technology has been taken and it has been agreed to use Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) based technology in the downlink. OFDM is also being used for systems like Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) and DVB-Handheld (DVB-H). The use of OFDM is well suited in DVB for receiving the same synchronized content from different synchronized transmitters to enable coherent combination of the content.
In UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), MBMS supports two different combining schemes, soft combining for cases where the content is identical, and selection combining when the content is—at least partly—cell specific or not synchronized. In case broadcast services are going to use an OFDM carrier separate from that of the dedicated services, the common MBMS services can be broadcast synchronously in neighbouring or adjacent cells, so that data reception is also possible at cell edges.
However, some broadcast data may be cell specific, localized broadcast data which should be also received at the cell edge. If the neighbour or adjacent cells are broadcasting localized MBMS data independent of each other, it is highly probable that data reception is hardly possible at the cell edge except in case the transmitted data is the same in the neighbouring or adjacent cells. A terminal device in a typical network environment at the cell edge would receive signals from more than one cell and the outcome of the signal combination would be erroneous, as the OFDM receiver cannot cope with signals having different content and being sent in the same time or frequency resource. A normal radio resource management (RRM) functionality is not valid, as the base station does not know the location and path loss of each user for MBMS and consequently the regular interference control means for normal packet data, where different users are given different resources depending on whether they need large power level or not, is not applicable at all for the MBMS case.
One solution to this problem has been suggested in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) based systems, where a Rake type receiver with cell specific scrambling is provided to demodulate rather easily control information having different content by allocating a finger to the cell and not using any combination of signals from neighbouring cells or multipath propagation.

Point-to-multipoint transmission of localized data