A novel variation of Michelson's interferometer uses tilt- and shear-compensation optics to allow various mirror motions to produce variation of path difference. The tilt-compensation mechanism consists of two complementary reflections from a single plane mirror to produce a beam having a constant angle of propagation, typically the same as the input beam. Using a retroreflector to invert the image of the single plane mirror before the second reflection produces the complementary reflections. A particularly efficient embodiment of the present invention uses a balanced disk-shaped mirror to effect very rapid variation of path difference by nutation or precession. Other advantages of tilt-compensation include photometric stability. This interferometer has applications in spectrometry, spectral imaging and metrology.

Two important applications of interferometers are metrology and spectrometry. Spectrometry includes many types of measurements of wavelength and amplitude, as well as spectral imaging. One important commercial application of interferometers is spectroscopic measurements in the infrared spectral region. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers are versatile and powerful tools for measuring infrared spectra. They have dominated the marketplace and the experimental literature of vibrational spectroscopy for almost three decades. Their success results largely from the well-known multiplex, throughput and registration advantages of interferometric spectrometry. Many aspects of the art of interferometry have been compiled. See, for example, P. R. Griffiths and J. A. de Haseth, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry, (New York: John Wiley and sons, 1986).
In the usual rapid-scan mode of operation of FT-IR spectrometers, a collimated beam of radiation is intensity modulated by scanning one of the interferometer mirrors to produce a constant optical velocity on the order of 0.06 to 6 cm/s. The resulting modulated radiation intensity (an interferogram), possibly modified by interaction with a sample, is recorded from the output by an infrared detector. If a system under study varies with time, the time-scale of the spectral changes determines whether or not conventional rapid-scan FT-IR spectrometry may be used for the measurement. Typical FT-IR spectrometers require between 40 ms and 1 s to sweep an interferogram to 4-cm.sup.-1 resolution. If the spectral information varies with frequency components lower than the scan rate, the time-scale of the spectral variations is longer than the time-scale of the spectral measurement, i.e., the system is varying slowly with time. Under these conditions, the conventional rapid-scan mode of operation of FT-IR spectrometers may be conveniently used to generate a time-resolved sequence of spectra (interferograms). By increasing the scan rate of the interferometer mirror, the time required for spectral measurement can be shortened to increase the range of application.
One of the fundamental limitations, however, of conventional FT-IR instruments is the rate at which a spectrum (i.e., interferogram) can be scanned. For all commercial FT-IR instruments, the limitation arises principally from the linear motor used to drive interferometer scanning, together with the mass of the moving mirror assembly. The shortest possible scan time in most systems operating at 4-cm.sup.-1 resolution is approximately 40 ms. Under these conditions, the time required to turn around the mirror is comparable to the data acquisition time, i.e., the duty cycle efficiency is low, and drops further if the scan rate is increased.
Limited scan rates have been tolerated for so long for a number of reasons. As noted above, in conventional instruments the interferometer mirror is translated by a voice coil drive. The mirror sweep encodes the radiation intensity so that all wavelengths can be measured simultaneously (the Fellgett advantage). A Fourier transform is then necessary to decode the interferogram and recover the spectrum. In step-scan operation the time-dependence of the encoding is essentially removed by stopping the mirror, thus simplifying a variety of time-resolved spectroscopic measurements. The step-scan and stroboscopic approaches are applicable only to processes that can be repeated many times. These approaches are not suitable for real-time measurements.
An alternate approach uses very-rapid-scan operation in which the mirror is moved very quickly, so that a system under study remains in a nearly constant state for the duration of one scan. This approach has the added benefits of producing data in real time and avoiding susceptibility to low-frequency noise sources that adversely affect step-scan and stroboscopic FT-IR measurements.
The force developed by a voice coil mirror drive is the product of the magnetic field strength, the length of the winding, and the current in the winding. For a conventional FT-IR system the maximum force that can be developed is on the order of 1 or 2 N. The mass of the moving mirror and the moving portion of the bearing can be taken to be 30 g, but in some systems these have a mass greater than 500 g. A typical FT-IR system is barely capable of driving the mirror through a distance suitable for phase modulation at 1 kHz. This distance is only a few fringes of the reference laser, much less than the 4000 fringe sweep required for 4-cm.sup.-1 resolution. Individual systems may vary in mass, voltage and other details of their designs, but such differences do not matter much. At low frequencies, voice coil response drops as 1/f.sup.2 for purely mechanical reasons. At higher frequencies, the coil inductance becomes significant and the response drops as 1/f.sup.3. The acceleration that is required for measuring a 4-cm.sup.-1 spectrum in 1 ms can be readily derived and is about 12,500 m/s.sup.2. To achieve this acceleration a force of about 375 N must be applied to a 30 g mirror, with a resulting optical velocity of 250 cm/s. It might be possible to gain a factor of 100 in voltage (with a substantial high-voltage power supply and amplifier), and a factor of 10 in magnetic field strength, but there are fewer, if any, mirror/bearing assemblies that would withstand forces of this magnitude. Even if such an assembly could be constructed, the reaction force would tend to cause unacceptable disturbances to other optical components.
Moving a mirror with the velocities and accelerations suggested above would permit a very-rapid-scan operation to combine many of the advantages of conventional FT-IR with the advantages of step-scan operation. Such a system would have application to both repeatable and non-repeatable events on the millisecond time-scale. This approach would fail for transients which are too fast, and is generally not suitable for photoacoustic or photothermal measurements which are dependent on the modulation (Fourier) frequencies of the spectral multiplexing. The modulation frequencies produced are proportional to the velocity of mirror travel. An optical retardation velocity appropriate for use with a pyroelectric detector is about 0.3 cm/s, corresponding to a modulation frequency of 5 kHz for reference laser radiation at 15,804 cm.sup.-1. At this speed a single 4-cm.sup.-1 scan requires 840 ms. For a mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) detector, a much higher optical velocity, typically 6 cm/s, produces better results. The reference laser is then modulated at 100 kHz, but the scan is still 42 ms. If a 4-cm.sup.-1 interferogram is scanned at constant velocity in 1 ms, the optical velocity will be about 250 cm/s and the laser will be modulated at 4 MHz. This is 1000 times higher scan rate than is appropriate for a TGS detector, and a million times higher than is commonly used in step-scan measurements. The Fourier frequencies for the mid-infrared will be in the range from 100 kHz to 1 MHz under these conditions. As the mirror velocity changes, the dynamic range of the interferogram also changes. The amplitude of the optical interference signal remains constant, independent of scan velocity. If the detector response is flat to the highest frequency present, then the electronic interferogram amplitude is also independent of scan speed. More of the detector noise is passed as the detector bandwidth is opened to accommodate a broader range of modulation frequencies. The net result is that the SNR per scan goes down as the square root of the scan time, while the SNR per measurement time remains constant. Analog-to-digital converters that can sample with sufficient resolution to allow interferogram recording out to 100 MHz (were it possible to scan a mirror that rapidly) have been available for some time.
A rotary motion can be a better approach to generating rapid path difference variation. There is, however, an apparent symmetry mismatch between rotating optical elements and the nominally planar wavefronts in a Michelson interferometer. To reach a speed of 1 ms per scan, the rotating element will probably have to spin at 30,000 rpm. Under a stress of up to 50,000 g's they would have to be flat to approximately 250 nm, a tenth-wave of 2.5 .mu.m radiation. In spite of the apparent symmetry mismatch, numerous rotating interferometer designs have been proposed and demonstrated. Each of these designs exhibits some tradeoffs. Dybwad's design, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,530, uses a rotating prism to vary optical path difference. It has the advantages of simplicity, compactness, and generation of 4 scans per revolution. Disadvantages include a duty cycle well below 100% because of the limited range of angle that produces useful modulation, and dispersion in the prism which distorts the wave number axis. There may be cause for concern about the mechanical strength of suitable IR-transparent prism materials spinning at high speeds. The airflow around the flat surfaces may cause unacceptable drag and turbulence if the system is not evacuated.
Another approach to the symmetry problem is to use optical components of circular or spherical symmetry. M. Bottema and H. J. Bolle, in the Aspen Int. Conf. on Fourier Spectroscopy, have described a confocal interferometer design. 1970 (G. A. Vanasse, A. T. Stair, and D. J. Baker, eds. ), AFCRL-71-0019, p. 293 (1971). This design permits only a minute range of retardation. The wave fronts approaching the detector are converging such that the foci from the two arms of the interferometer will only match sufficiently well to produce useful interference for a very limited range of retardation. However, the spherical symmetry of the reflectors allows a large divergence angle in the input beam. Such spherical symmetry might allow the reflector to be a portion of a toroid that is rotated about its center. A confocal design described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,219, by Smith, allows for a much larger range of retardation. The convergence rate of the wave fronts is compensated by a varying focal length in the rotating reflector. This design has a more compact size and a larger acceptance angle. It is, however, quite difficult to fabricate a mirror of the required figure. A second drawback of this design is that the mirror figure is a compromise between compensating the focal length for path variation and the slope of the surface required for varying the path difference.
Another approach to generating path difference by rotating optical elements is the use of spinning cube-corner retroreflectors mounted off axis such that the shear varies with rotation angle. Each shear distance produces a unique path difference. Any beam impinging on the reflector will be reflected antiparallel to the incident beam regardless of the rotation angle or shear offset. A series of designs are disclosed by Tank, et al. One appears in U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,207. A variety of related configurations have been published, including the one in U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,235. Some of these designs utilize multiple spinning retroreflectors to increase the rate of change and maximum excursion of path difference. The advantages of these designs include intrinsic tilt- and shear-compensation. Problems with this approach include the fact that off-axis spinning of retroreflectors is inherently unbalanced, and above about 6000 rpm distortion of the retroreflectors becomes significant. Furthermore, large retroreflectors are fairly expensive.
The literature holds deeper insight. Kauppinen's paper, J. Kauppinen, I. K. Salomaa, and J. O. Partanen, Applied Optics vol. 34, p. 6081 (1995)!, discusses a series of related interferometers using the same approach to solve the symmetry problem: complementary reflections from two separate flat mirrors in each arm of the interferometer insure that a final reflection from a plane mirror is at normal incidence. This sends the beam exactly back to the beamsplitter via the inverse of its original path. Perkin-Elmer's Dynascan design is a variant of this general approach. Kauppinen's paper was particularly valuable because it showed enough variations on this theme to allow the common features to be extracted. It also clearly showed that exotic surfaces are not required to solve the symmetry problem, i.e., convert rotation to planar retardation. Kauppinen has proposed and demonstrated a variant which also uses planar reflectors with rotational motion. It is optically equivalent to both Perkin-Elmer's and Brierley's designs (vide infra), but with the advantage that it is particularly compact and resistant to deformation by mechanical and thermal stresses. None of these designs are intended for complete rotation.
Another variation on this theme is Brierley's U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,502. Brierley's design uses two parallel plane mirrors on a rotating platform. Although Brierley specifically excluded the case of complete rotation in his patent claims, the duty cycle for measuring 4-cm.sup.-1 interferograms using complete rotation of his apparatus is estimated to be 6%. Further, such a design would be difficult to balance for spinning, suffer serious distortion and have to be evacuated because the large flat surfaces would impede rotation in air.
In Brierley, the axis of rotation is a line coming straight out of the drawing. In FIG. 6 of Tank's disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,529, the rotation axis is a vertical line in the plane of the paper. As a consequence, the maximum retardation is set by the tilt of the reflector assembly when it is fixed to the rotating shaft. Again, two separate reflectors are used to make the complementary reflections. The problem with this general design by Tank is that alignment between two fairly large spinning mirrors must be maintained to 0.5 arcseconds. The retardation and optical velocity vary sinusoidally with rotation angle. The resulting variations in the modulation frequencies are not a problem if the delays in the infrared and laser channels are matched A. S. Zachor, Applied Optics vol. 16, p. 1412 (1977), A. S. Zachor and S. M. Aaaronson, Aplied Optics vol. 18, p. 1345 (1977)!. Another approach is disclosed in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,529. This design also uses two separate reflecting surfaces but transforms the problem of aligning two separate rotating reflectors into a problem of polishing two sides of the same parallel disk. However, this design has the disadvantage of adding folding mirrors. It may be easier to adjust the alignment of several static mirrors than the alignment of even one spinning mirror. Tank places an aperture in the center of the disk that makes it more difficult to mount and spin the disk. However, in compensation, Tank has a considerable advantage over a solid disk design which uses both sides of the disk. Because the beam can pass through the center of the disk, the path length is greatly reduced, and consequently a larger beam divergence can be tolerated.
One disadvantage of using the tilted disk of Tank to precess or nutate two parallel surfaces is that the tilt produces a strong bending moment in a centrifugal field. Finite element modeling of a beryllium disk of 1.25-cm thickness and 10-cm diameter tilted 1 degree relative to the shaft results in a deflection of approximately 600 nm. For an aluminum disk of equal dimension, the deflection would be about 6 times greater or nearly 3600 nm. It is desirable to maintain flatness to better than 250 nm for mid-infrared interferometry.
Several types of tilt-compensation optics are known. The most common approach in commercial interferometers is the use of feedback control to provide active tilt-compensation. The tilt of a fixed plane mirror is varied to compensate for tilt of a moving plane mirror. Nicolet and Digilab currently practice this method. A second commercial approach is the use of cube-corner retroreflectors. The simplest use of a cube-corner retroreflector provides tilt- but not shear-compensation. Mattson, Bomem and Oriel currently manufacture interferometers that incorporate cube-corner retroreflectors. Passive tilt compensation has also appeared numerous times in the prior art. Steel's design W. H. Steel, Aspen Int. Conf. On Fourier Spectroscopy, 1970 (G. A. Vanasse, A. T. Stair, and D. J. Baker, eds.), AFCRL-71-0019, p. 43 (1971)! also uses a cube-corner retroreflector. Another well-known general method is the use of cat's eye retroreflectors. Perhaps because of expense, cat's eye retroreflectors have appeared only in instruments intended for high-resolution measurements. Tilt compensation is important because tilt compromises photometric accuracy and modulation efficiency, particularly when large path differences or short wavelengths such as the near-infrared, visible or ultraviolet spectral range are used.
It is an objective of the present invention to tilt- and shear-compensate an interferometer. It is also an objective of the present invention to allow rapid variation of the path difference of an interferometer. It is also an objective of the present invention to measure multiple spectra rapidly, especially in a Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. It is also an objective of the present invention to measure one or more spectra rapidly with relatively high resolution. It is also an objective of the present invention to measure complete spectra faster than possible with most present spectrometers and especially FT-IR spectrometers.
The present invention contemplates a spectrometer having a source of a beam of radiant energy, a beamsplitter for dividing the beam of radiant energy into at least first and second energy beams, a first return mirror for reflecting the first beam of radiant energy back to the beamsplitter. A moving mirror receives the second energy beam from the beamsplitter and is capable of moving with some projection along the path of the second energy beam. The moving mirror has a planar optical surface that reflects the second energy beam. A retroreflector receives the second energy beam from the moving mirror and produces a reflection that is complementary at least in part of the second energy beam. A second return mirror returns the second beam of energy to the beamsplitter along a path that is antiparallel to at least a part of the path taken by the second energy beam from the beamsplitter. The second return mirror reflects the second beam of energy to the retroreflector, to the planar optical surface of the moving mirror and to the beamsplitter. The beamsplitter combines at least a part of each of the first and second energy beams to form a combined beam so as to facilitate transmitting the combined beam to a detector of the spectrometer.
The spectrometer of the present invention can use a retroreflector made from a cube-corner reflector, a lateral-transfer retroreflector, a roof reflector, or any other equivalent reflecting means. It is preferred that the retroreflector inverts the energy beam from the moving mirror. Path length variation can be achieved by rotating the moving mirror about an axis of rotation, by pivoting the mirror about a pivoting axis, by sliding the mirror, by translating the mirror, or by any equivalent means for displacing the mirror to create the path length variation needed for the interferometic effect needed for obtaining spectroscopic or metrologic measurements.
It is a feature of the present invention that the path length of an interferometer can change fast by moving a single mirror through any combination of tilting, rotating, oscillating, precessing, nutating or translating motions without disturbing the optical alignment of the spectrometer. The mirrors that control the optical alignment of the interferometer remain fixed. The moving mirror of the present invention has the ability to move fast without disturbing the accuracy of its interferometric effect. The present invention can measure spectra rapidly. Thus, the present invention provides an elegantly simple and economical way to spectroscopically analyze ephemeral, transient phenomena--even ones that before have been difficult, or even impossible, to measure economically.
One feature of the present invention is that the moving mirror can be a relatively simple, flat mirror. If moved by rotation, structural dynamics favor having the moving mirror in the shape of a disk-shaped, approximately flat, planar mirror. In this way the moving mirror can be made lighter and more resistant to deformation under the acceleration of motion. Further, fabrication and mounting of the moving mirror can be simplified by requiring optical access to only one side of the moving mirror. The two sides of the moving mirror need not be parallel, and only one side requires an optical finish. Moreover, the side of the moving mirror that does not have an optical finish can be contoured to better enable the moving mirror to withstand the dynamic stresses induced by rapid motion.
One of the preferred embodiments of the present invention uses complementary reflections from a single plane mirror to cancel angular variation, caused by tilt, of a beam reflecting from that surface. This feature enables the present invention to achieve rapid scan rates in a mechanically simple and economical spectrometer.
All of these objectives, features and advantages of the present invention, and more, are illustrated below in the drawings and detailed description that follows.


A method and apparatus for coupling laser energy into an optical fiber employs a laser with a concave reflector and a planar reflector, a plano-convex focusing lens and an optical fiber array. A divergent laser beam is emitted from the laser and is focused to a beam waist by the plano-convex lens. Within the beam waist exists a soft focal plane wherein the laser energy is relatively homogeneous across the beam's cross section. An optical fiber array is placed within the beam waist such that the soft focal plane substantially matches the size and shape of the proximal end of the optical fiber array. Thus, laser energy is coupled to the optical fiber array at the soft focal plane within the beam waist at a fluence level below the fluence damage threshold of the optical fiber array and in a relatively homogeneous fashion across the cross section of the optical fiber array.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the coupling of laser energy into a proximal end of an optical fiber array including one or more Optical fibers. More Particularly, this invention relates to launching a soft-focused laser beam into the fiber array at the beam waist.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, laser energy is coupled into an optical fiber array by passing energy from a laser through one or more lenses. The laser creates a collimated beam of light and the lenses focus the beam to a sharp spot or point. The optical fiber array is placed within the beam a short distance in front of or behind the focal point such that the cross sectional area of the beam substantially matches the cross sectional area of the ends of the fibers.
The amount of energy that can be coupled from a particular laser beam into a particular optical fiber of an array is dependent on the fluence-damage-threshold of the fiber. For optimal coupling, the fluence of the laser beam must be less than the fluence-damage-threshold of the optical fiber. If the fluence of the laser beam is higher than the fluence-damage-threshold of the fiber, the fiber will be burned or destroyed.
In an ideal situation a laser beam distributes a uniform fluence across the incident end of the optical fiber array. Actual laser beams, however, do not distribute a uniform fluence across a cross section of the beam. This results in burnt or destroyed spots at the input end of the fiber array.
Focusing of a laser beam can, for example, be accomplished by a plano-convex lens. The plano-convex lens converges a collimated beam that passes through it into an infinitesimally small spot or focal point. The focal point contains substantially all the energy projected by the laser and can potentially damage the end of the optical fiber should the fiber end be positioned at the focal point. Because of this potential damage, the end of the optical fiber array is generally restricted from placement at the focal point in high energy coupling systems.
U.S. Pat. No. (USP) 4,732,448 to Goldenberg teaches the technique of focusing a laser beam in front of a fiber optic array. Even when the end of the fiber array is positioned away from the focal point of a focused laser beam, laser energy may be unevenly distributed across the input area of the optical fiber. In other words, the result can be nonuniform transmission of laser energy through different cross sectional parts of the optical fiber array.
Furthermore, laser beams, such as those from transverse electric discharge lasers like excimer lasers, are rectangular in cross sectional shape and not conducive to being coupled to a traditionally circular or hexagonal fiber array configuration. Coupling of the rectangular laser beam into the non-rectangular array will result in energy loss due to overspill of the beam beyond the optical fiber array.
Various apparatus and methods have been attempted to solve the above efficiency draining problems related to the coupling of laser energy into an optical fiber array's proximal end, the mismatching of the beam fluence levels to the fluence-damage-threshold of the fiber, the uneven distribution of laser energy over a cross section of a fiber, and the difficulty of matching a rectangular shaped laser beam to a circular or hexagonal optical fiber array configuration.
An apparatus for homogenization of laser beam fluence levels at the incident end of an optical fiber can permit laser energy-coupling with less damage to an optical fiber. Such an apparatus and method can increase the amount of laser energy coupled to an optical fiber without the optical fiber being subjected to fluence levels greater than the damage threshold of the fiber.
The problem of uneven laser energy distribution across the cross section of an optical fiber array end has been remedied in various ways. These remedies include beam homogenizers, aspheric lenses, afocal doublets, apparatus for focusing a laser into a focal line in order to couple the line into fibers arranged in a linear configuration, and an apparatus using a meniscus lens containing a spherical aberration.
A beam homogenizer folds the side lobes of an incident laser beam back into the central portion of the beam creating a homogeneous beam of uniform intensity across its energy profile. U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,694 to Liu teaches a method of homogenizing a laser beam using symmetrical mirror pairs located along the axis of the laser beam. The first set of mirrors separates the side lobes of the beam from the center of the beam and the second set of mirrors folds the beam imaging each side lobe to the opposite side of the central axis from where it originated. The resultant-superimposed beam is more uniformly distributed across its cross section than the original beam. The patent teaches that a trapezoidal prism may also be employed. See also, Roy J. Bruno et al., "Laser Beam Shaping for Maximum Uniformity and Minimum Loss", Lasers & Applications, April 1987, pp. 91-94.
Aspheric lenses are also used to homogenize a beam cross section or profile and are described in D. Shafer, Gaussian to Flat-Top Intensity Distributing Lens, Optics and Laser Technology, June 1982, pg. 159. An aspheric plate, usually having a conic surface of revolution about the lens axis, modifies an incoming laser beam so that the intensity of the beam becomes uniform across the beam profile. A second plate modifies the light waves eliminating spherical aberration without modifying the uniformly distributed energy profile. The result is an unaberrated substantially uniform distribution of laser energy across the profile of the beam.
Afocal doublets, another known method of homogenizing the energy distribution of a laser beam, comprise closely spaced positive and negative lens focusing elements. D. Shafer, Gaussian to Flat-Top Intensity Distributing Lens, Optics and Laser Technology, June 1982, pg. 159. In a typical arrangement, the lenses are bent to introduce large amounts of spherical aberration. A laser beam is passed through the first element. Paraxial rays remain essentially unaffected, but other rays will encounter a great amount of uncorrected spherical aberration. The paraxial rays remain collimated in space between the first and second elements, but the rays that encountered the spherical aberration converge between the lens elements. When the rays reach the second lens, the converging rays are contained in a smaller area increasing the fluence of the periphery of the beam. Meanwhile, the energy of the centrally located collimated rays remains unchanged. The second element of the doublet has an equal and opposite spherical aberration with respect to the first element. The second element recollimates the energy beam such that the result is a collimated substantially uniform energy distribution across the beam profile.
An apparatus to focus a laser beam into a focal line then couple the line into fibers arranged in a linear array is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,964 to Donnelly. The focusing of the laser into a finite line homogenizes the beam such that fluence 37 spikes" do not damage the individual fibers arranged linearly.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,794 to Holzman teaches another technique of homogenizing the fluence of a laser beam at the incident end of an optical fiber array which includes the use of a meniscus lens. A spherical aberration located in the central area of the lens blurs the focal point and reduces the peak fluence levels at the incident end of the optical fiber array. The focal point formed by the meniscus lens consists of laser energy originating from the outer portions of the beam profile folded into the inner portion of the profile. This creates a uniform distribution of energy within the focal spot. It should be noted that the power coupling efficiency is reduced due to the aberration at the center of the meniscus lens.
All the above methods for alleviating the problem of uneven energy distribution across a beam profile requires the laser beam energy to be focused either to a focal point, line, or a blurred focal point. With the focal point or focal line, the beam is focused either just in front of or just behind the proximal end of the fibers. A maximum homogeneous energy fluence transfer from beam to fiber is difficult to acquire in this configuration because of the geometry of the light rays. Furthermore, if the beam is focused to a blurred focal point, the power coupling efficiency is reduced. In conclusion, it should be noted that maximum laser fluence energy coupling is difficult to achieve due to alignment and maintenance requirements of all the above mentioned laser, lens, and optical fiber end configurations.
In all the techniques, except the apparatus that focuses laser energy into a line, there is the additional problem of manipulating the naturally rectangular shaped laser beam into a circular or hexagonal shaped beam to accommodate a circular or hexagonal optical fiber array. One method used for adjusting the shape of the laser beam is to pass the beam through a spatial filter prior to its impingement upon the optical fiber. The spatial filter rounds or shapes the beam by blocking the peripheral portions of the rectangular beam. Unfortunately, this technique results in significant beam energy loss prior to coupling with the optical fiber end. Thus, a coupling system is desired wherein the shape of the fiber optic cable closely matches the rectangular shape of the laser beam.
A known method for intentionally limiting the energy of a laser beam prior to impingement upon an optical fiber array includes the use of an intensity adjusting device. An intensity adjusting device blocks predetermined portions of the laser beam in order to decrease its total energy. If an intensity adjustment device is used to limit laser energy in any of the above described methods and apparatus, a silhouette of the device may be focused onto the proximal end of the optical fiber array resulting in further nonuniform fluence across the proximal surface of the fiber end. Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus which can vary a laser beam's total energy prior to the beam's impingement on the proximal end of an optical fiber array by using an intensity adjustment device, and still have a homogeneous laser energy fluence across the cross section of the optical fiber array's end.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,527 to Johnson, Jr. and 5,100,231 to Sasnett et al. both teach an apparatus that uses a laser beam waist, but make no mention of using the beam waist to focus laser energy homogeneously into a fiber optic array. Instead, Johnson Jr. and Sasnett teach how to find a laser beam waist and measure its mode quality.
The following patents are related to the use of a laser apparatus having a concave reflector: U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,588; 4,723,247; 5,101,415; 4,884,281; 4,554,666 and 4,151,487. Furthermore, the following U.S. patents discuss laser cavity design and laser beam optical configurations: 5,084,884; 5,079,445; 5,078,491; 5,070,505; 5,064,284; 5,063,569; 5,042,047; 4,942,586, and 4,426,707.

Apparatus and method for soft focusing energy into an optical fiber array


The present invention relates to a spacer at connecting devices which are adapted to connect discharge devices (2) to packages (3) with liquid products (4), preferably foodstuff products, for discharging the products (4) from the packages (3). The spacer (19) is provided on a connecting means (26) and is adapted to be located in the package (3) in order to, during emptying of the package, keep wall portions thereof at a distance from a connecting device (1) such that the wall portions do not prevent or substantially obstruct emptying of the package (3). The spacer (19) has resilient properties and can be pressed into a space (28) in a tube member (23) and spring back to a normal shape (NF).

The connecting device is adapted to permit products to flow therethrough from the package to the discharge device. The connecting device comprises a tube member which is provided on a first wall portion of the walls of the package and it also comprises a connecting means which can be fixed to the tube member. The spacer is provided on the connecting means and is adapted to be located in the package in order to, during emptying of said package, keep wall portions thereof at a distance from the connecting device such that said wall portions do not prevent or substantially obstruct emptying of the package.
The measure to fix the connecting means with the spacer to the tube member is circumstantial, time consuming and might result in that a part of the content of the package flows out. This depends on that the spacer is rigid and thereby prevents location of the package on a support and pressing of the connecting means onto the tube member from above by means of the support. Instead, one have to lift or raise the tube member and thereby a part of the package, retain or hold on to the tube member and then press the connecting means onto the tube member when said tube member is held in the raised position.


A secure manner for issuing travellers cheques and other instruments is provided which overcomes many of the shortcomings associated with known devices. In particular, the present invention provides a device which permits an issuer of prepaid instruments to securely provide credit, replacement, or reimbursement to a purchaser who has lost or had stolen a prepaid instrument.

Travellers cheques have been used around the world for over 100 years. In the United States alone, more than $25 billion dollars are spent each year by consumers purchasing travellers cheques.
A travellers cheque is typically issued for a particular country in that country's currency. For example, a travellers cheque issued for use in the United States would typically be issued bearing a "USA" or "United States" designation and issued in denominations of $20, $50, $100, and the like. Similarly, travellers cheques issued for use in other countries would carry that country's designation and be issued in convenient round denominations of that country's currency.
Travellers cheques are intended to be signed by the purchaser at the time of purchase, for example on the front of the travellers cheque. When the purchaser desires to use the travellers cheque at a later time to pay for goods or services, the consumer again signs the travellers cheque so that the merchant accepting the travellers cheque can compare the two signatures. If the two signatures match, the merchant may presume that the person cashing the travellers cheque was the same person who purchased the travellers cheque. However, if the signatures do not match, the merchant may refuse the travellers cheques, reasoning that any sufficient lack of correspondence between the two signatures suggests that the person attempting to use the travellers cheque is not the rightful owner.
The popularity of travellers cheques is in large measure due to the ease with which refunds may be obtained in the event the cheques are lost or stolen. Typically, travellers cheques are purchased in a preassembled booklet which includes the travellers cheque or cheques and a purchase agreement sometimes referred to as a Purchase Agreement Form (PAF). In particular, the PAF sets forth the procedures for obtaining a refund or replacement for lost or stolen travellers cheques.
In order to obtain a refund for lost or stolen travellers cheques, a purchaser must generally satisfy, in some measure, a number of "before loss" requirements and a number of "after loss" requirements. Typical before loss requirements include: (i) the travelers cheque must be signed at or near the time of purchase by the purchaser; (ii) the travellers cheques must not have been countersigned (i.e. signed a second time) by the purchaser, which should only be performed at the time the cheques are cashed; (iii) the cheque has not been given to another person voluntarily; (iv) the cheque has not been used in violation of law; and (v) the cheque has not been seized by a court or government action. Typical after loss requirements include: (i) immediate notification to the issuer of the loss or theft of the cheque; (ii) informing the issuer of all relevant facts surrounding the loss or theft of the cheque and informing the police if asked to do so by the issuer; (iii) completion of appropriate refund forms in due course; (iv) assisting the issuer in any investigation; and perhaps most importantly, (v) the consumer seeking a refund or replacement must be able to identify the cheques, for example by informing the issuer of the serial numbers of the lost cheques.
The greatest difficulty in complying with the foregoing requirements generally surrounds the consumer's ability to report the serial numbers of the stolen travellers cheques. Although some prepackaged travellers cheque booklets provide a convenient place to record serial numbers, the average person's tendency is to retain the list of serial numbers in the booklet with the travellers cheques. Hence, if the travellers cheques are lost or stolen, the list of serial numbers is typically lost or stolen as well. A substantial percentage of travellers cheque purchasers simply do not record the serial numbers on a separate piece of paper and maintain that document separate and apart from the travellers cheques in a manner which provides ready access to the serial numbers when they are needed to report a loss.
If a consumer is unable to identify the serial numbers of lost or stolen travellers cheques, many issuers will deny a refund or replacement unless alternate evidence of a convincing nature is supplied tending to prove that the cheques were in fact lost or stolen. However, customer relations issues arise when the truthfulness of the consumer's assertion that his travellers cheques had been lost or stolen is questioned.
An alternate strategy is to provide refunds or replacements even if a consumer is unable to recite the serial numbers of the lost cheques. While this enhances customer relations and facilitates good will for the issuer, the resulting fraud and abuse is concomitantly high.
A system and method is thus needed which overcomes the shortcomings of refunding and replacing lost or stolen travelers cheques.

American Express Travel Related Services


A mounting board of a camera module of a mobile phone is screwed to an outer cover through cushions formed of rubber, sponge or the like. A solid state imaging device and an optical unit of the camera module are contained in an opening formed in the outer cover and do not contact the outer cover. The mounting board is connected to a main substrate through a flexible board. Accordingly, even if the mobile phone is dropped down, the camera module is prevented from breakage by the vibration or the shock applied to the mobile phone, because the vibration and the shock are not transmitted to the camera module directly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement of an image capture apparatus which captures subject images with a solid state imaging device.
2. Description Related to the Prior Art
A mobile phone which incorporates a digital camera so as to easily capture images is in widespread use. For example, U.S. patent application Publication 2003/0112364 discloses a camera module, which is formed such that a solid state imaging device, an optical unit incorporating an image taking optical system and a mounting board having a control circuit thereon are preassembled as a unit, for being easily incorporated in a small electronic apparatus such as a mobile phone.
The solid state imaging device comprises a bare chip obtained such that a light receiving portion and electrode pads are formed on a semiconductor substrate made of silicon, a package for containing the bare chip, and a cover glass for sealing an opening of the package without blocking incidence of light toward the light receiving portion. The bare chip and the package are connected by wire bonding. In the camera module, the solid state imaging device is soldered on the mounting board, and the optical unit is fixed on the package or the mounting board with adhesive.
As a packaging method to downsize the solid state imaging device, a wafer-level chip size package (hereinafter WLCSP) is known. In the WLCSP, a semiconductor device is obtained by dicing a wafer after packaging in a semiconductor wafer process. The WLCSP can drastically reduce the size of a solid state imaging device in comparison with the conventional ceramic packaging.
However, the mobile phone is often handled more roughly than a digital camera and so on, therefore hard vibration and impacts are frequently applied to the mobile phone. The traditional camera module is attached to a frame of the mobile phone. An outer cover of the mobile phone is also attached to the frame, therefore when the mobile phone is dropped down, the impact is transmitted to the camera module from the outer cover through the frame. In the traditional camera module, such an impact often breaks the attachment of the optical unit or solder between the solid state imaging device and the mounting board.
In addition, the solid state imaging device of WLCSP type is very small, and so is the attachment area between the solid state imaging device and the optical unit. Therefore, there is a problem that the attachment strength is insufficient to endure the vibration or the impact on the mobile phone.


A chemically inducible, heat-shock inducible and general-purpose plant gene promoter sequence, and expression cassettes, plant cells and plants containing the sequence.

In many instances in the genetic engineering of plants in which a gene is inserted into the genome of a plant, it is desirable to be able to control expression of the gene. In other instances, it is desirable to be able to modify the expression of a gene which is native to the genome.
For example, in the creation of male sterility for the purpose of hybridizing crops, it is possible to select a gene which is normally required for pollen formation and inactivate that gene by insert a normally inactive promoter into the control sequences for the gene, so that the gene is "turned off" and the plant becomes male sterile, i.e., incapable of producing pollen. This system is disclosed in the copending application of Albertsen et al., Ser. No. 07/537,183, Filed Jun. 12, 1990. In order to reproduce plants of the modified genotype, it would be necessary to activate the promoter, desirably by some exogenous stimulus. Accordingly, a continuing need exists for promoters which are responsive to external stimuli such as non-phytotoxic chemicals.
In other instances it is desirable to place the expression of a gene under the control of a promoter which is responsive to unusual environmental conditions, such as drought and heat shock.


A bottom connector for the tendon of a tension leg platform uses a latch ring with an outer profile to engage a mating profile in a receptacle on the sea floor. The latch ring moves radially within a housing, relative to the receptacle, between an engaged position and a retracted position. The latch ring engages the receptacle by lowering the connector into the receptacle below the mating profile and then lifting it until the latch ring locks into the receptacle. The latch ring disengages the receptacle by lowering the connector beyond a recess located below the mating profile and then lifting the connector out of the receptacle. As the connector is lifted above the recess, a retaining ring is actuated by the recess to retain the latch ring in its retracted position.

The bottom connector of a tension leg platform (TLP) tendon connects the lower end of the tendon to an anchor template or pile on the sea floor in order to transfer tendon loads into the anchor structure.
There are two primary types of bottom connectors. Side entry bottom connectors are installed into a tendon bottom receptacle by inserting the connector through a slot in the side of the receptacle. Vertical entry bottom connectors are inserted downward through the top of the receptacle.
Typically, vertical entry bottom connectors are large and expensive to manufacture. Some prior art versions require rotation to engage and disengage the receptacle. Other versions require landing on a shoulder within the receptacle to release the connector. These latter devices have the additional, potential disadvantage of subjecting the tendons of the TLP to compressive forces.

Vertical stab tendon bottom connector and method for securing and releasing the same


This collapsible rope storage and cleat apparatus having a folding cleat shaft for easy removal of stored cordage provides a method of storing or tying off a rope to mount surface in a manner that is both simple in its construction and operation and which eliminates the problems associated with the use of standard tie off cleats.

The present invention relates to an improvement in the devices employed to store or tie off ropes in work shops, boats, and other similar applications. More specifically, to a cleat or rope storage device which has the capability of being collapsed when not in use or expanded when needed thereby providing a secure point at which to store or tie off rope that does not suffer from the limitations common in the cleats or other similar apparatuses in use today.
The use of cleats for gathering, storing, or tying off ropes is common in many applications. Cleats offer a way to secure a rope in a designated location and manner that allows for their storage and quick and easy removal. It is these characteristics that makes the use of cleats so prevalent in many applications including the boating industry for such purposes as the storing of unused rope, securing ropes, or other similar purposes. However, this discussion should not be interpreted as limiting its scope to the specific content as the characteristics described herein apply equally as well in all possible applications that employ the use of rope storage or tie off cleats.
While storage or tie off cleats work well in their intended purpose, they do suffer from short comings. The most obvious of these stems from the fact that, due to their intended purpose, they are necessarily objects that extend into an area where they may come into contact with unintended objects. Additionally, the nature of their intended use also requires that they be constructed of a strong and durable material such as a metal and are thus capable of causing damage to property and even injury. This circumstance is also exacerbated due to the fact that cleats are also often constructed with relatively sharp edges or protruding elements. Finally, the devices in common use today do not provide an adequate amount of space to allow for the storage of long length of rope.
As a result of these circumstances, there have been many efforts to provide a storage or tie off cleat apparatus that overcomes these problems. The most common of these consist of cleat apparatuses which are designed in a manner that allows them to be retracted below the surface on which they are being employed. These cleat apparatuses generally consist of a base which is fixedly attached to the desired surface, a well which extends below the surface, and a cleat member that is capable of being extended above the surface for use or retracted into the well when not in use. The cleat member is generally spring loaded in such a manner so that pressure placed on its upper surface will either force it into and lock it within the well or release it and allow the spring tension to force it up above the employed surface. These systems offer a means of providing a mechanism for storing or tying off a rope while avoiding the problems that unused cleats pose.
While the retractable cleats described provide a solution for the problems described above, they also suffer deficiencies that affect their overall performance. The first of these is that their manner of construction is relatively complex and therefore subject to failure. Not only does this complexity create the potential for problems in and of itself, but it also creates opportunities for apparatus failure due to debris interfering with the function of their more sensitive components. Additionally, the complex nature of their construction also drives the cost of these tie off cleats to a level that makes the implementation difficult for some of the public. This is an especially significant problem in boating applications requiring the use of a large number of cleats. Finally, these devices also are typically of such a small storage capacity that they do not provide a means of storing longer than average lengths of rope.
Therefore, from the foregoing discussion it can be seen that it would be desirable to provide a tie off cleat apparatus which is capable of being collapsed when not in use and expanded when needed. Additionally, it can be seen that it would be desirable to provide such a storage or tie off cleat apparatus that does not suffer from the complexity and cost problems which are common to those offered by the prior art.

Collapsible rope storage and cleat apparatus


The embodiments of present invention provide method for imparting tone-controlled colors into colorless crystals such as gemstones or decorative objects by coating a atomically mixed thin film comprising of a color causing reagent and a toner material onto the surface of colorless gemstones or transparent crystals and subjecting them to a heat treatment to produce colors of desired shades in the crystals. The method employed is radiation-free, eco-friendly and avoid the use of any hazardous material. The method highlights that controlling the amount of toner material could easily control the shade of color induced by the colorant material. The coating of atomically mixed single film onto the surface of crystals results in reduction of diffusion time significantly at a reasonable temperature, to impart colors to crystals such as gemstones and colorless decorative objects.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to method for imparting colors and to control tone/shade of the imparted colors to colorless gemstones or decorative objects to obtain a desired shade of colors in the crystals. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods wherein tone of the imparted colors in colorless gems or crystals can be controlled. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to radiation-free, environment-friendly methods by which colored gemstones/crystals of desired color-tone can be produced.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of colored crystals are used in ornaments and decorative items. In recent years, the gems studded apparels are also becoming popular. Thus among minerals, the gem-crystals constitute an important class of mineral. About 2000 kinds of gem-minerals are available in nature, out of which around 100 are most popular. The cost and market demands of such minerals largely depend on their properties such as color, shine, transparency etc. and their over all appearance. The mother-earth provides both colored and colorless minerals. However, proportionately, colored crystals of the natural minerals such as gemstones are not available in large quantities compared to colorless ones. Therefore, the market demand of colored crystals is not met by the natural re-sources. Further, most of the colored gem minerals provided by the nature do not have aesthetically pleasing appearance. Therefore, a number of techniques have been invented to enhance their properties and to impart pleasing colors in colorless crystals.
Based on the scientific knowledge of color causing phenomena in natural gem crystals, a variety of techniques have been developed in the art to enhance the aesthetic properties of the colorless or paler gem minerals. The techniques such as electron, neutron, cobalt-60 irradiation, heat treatments, coating of multi layer, diffusion etc. have been developed to impart colors to transparent crystals particularly, colorless gem minerals.
For irradiation, Gamma reactors or Linear accelerators are employed to induce colors in colorless gems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,055, U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,869, U.S. Pat. No. 2,945,793 and many more describe different techniques to produce radiation treated colored gems. For intense color or for inducing colors in large size crystals a high dose with very high energy gamma rays are needed (U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,909). Radiation technique is widely used to produce colored gemstones for the past 50 years or so.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,250 describes a technique of multi layer coating of refractive materials on colorless gems. Starcke et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,826) also claimed a similar coating technique to improve colors of transparent materials. The coated crystals appear colored due to optical interference effect caused by reflection of light at interfaces of the deposited layers. A Japanese Patent JP60119506A2 also describes this method to produce color filters. To produce colored appearance in gemstones a technique based on joining a colored stone to a colorless gem has been described in Meisnner's patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,060. This patent teaches to produce colored composite gemstones. This approach has been followed in Signity America Ltd patent (WO 2007/123600 A1) to produce multiplet gemstones wherein a translucent printed image is embedded in between flat surfaces of two stones to obtain a composite, esthetically pleasant gem for use in jewelry. Thus instead of a colored piece as used in Meissner's technique, a custom image is inserted between two stones to produce a composite gem in Signity invention.
In recent past a technique based on diffusion evolved to impart colors to gem stones. Though the phenomenon of diffusion was known much earlier, however, the technique matured only after invention of semiconductor transistor in 1947. Semiconductor technologists developed a number of methods such as thermal diffusion, chemical vapour deposition (CVD), physical vapour deposition (PVD), ion-implantation etc. to accomplish diffusion in semiconductors to fabricate integrated circuit chips. Carr et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,529 are probably, the first ones to apply diffusion technique to enhance gems. Their subsequent patents U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,596 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,726, claim production of red, pink and blue colors in corundum by heating in powder of oxides of chromium, titanium, ferric and aluminium. Japanese Pat. No. 115998 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,690,630 also describe powder process to impart blue color in sapphire. Subsequently, it was recognized that diffusion of cobalt in sapphire is the cause of its blue coloration (Kane et al. Gems & Gemology, Summer 1990, 115-133). However, Shanon reported cobalt in blue colored minerals as early as in 1923 (American Mineralogist, vol. 8, No. 4, pp 147-148). In this technique colorless crystals in contact with powder of a color-causing reagent are heated at a temperature above 1300 degree Celsius to produce colors in them. Richard Pollak also applied the powder technique of Carr et. al to enhance color of topaz, quartz, garnet and chrysoberyl by heating them in fine powder of cobalt and cobalt oxide. U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,918 of Pollak employs a treatment temperature in the range of 900 degree Celsius to 1250 degree Celsius, which he further improved to 825 degree Celsius to 1050 degree Celsius according to his U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,031, U.S. Patent Appl. No. 20020174682 and WO 98/48944. However, in all these inventions a long treatment time between 3 hours to 200 hours is employed. According to U.S. Patent Appl. No. 20020128145, Pollak succeeded further in his efforts to reduce the treatment temperature range to 700 degree Celsius up to about 1000 degree Celsius but for a time period in the range of about 3 hours up to about 600 hours. The increase in treatment time according to this patent is understandable as those of skill in the art recognize that at low temperatures, long diffusion times are required to accomplish a process.
In a recent patent Gupta et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,422 B2) invented a technique to impart colors to gem minerals by diffusion. This patent employs coating of thin film of a colorant reagent followed by a heat treatment to produce colored gems. The technique provides better control on color intensity and significant improvement in treatment times to produce diffused colored gems. This thin film process claims a number of advantages over the powder methods.
Recently, Swarovski & Co. patent, (AT 411 464 B, 26, Jan. 2004) and Rauch et. al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,640 B2, April 2006) report a technique wherein instead of use of powders of metal and metal oxides of Pollak's inventions discussed above, a sieve plate primarily made of cobalt and cobalt oxide (or iron oxide or vanadium oxide) with Aluminum oxide as an additive, has been employed to impart colors to gems. Their US patent, U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,640 B2 is English version of Oesterreich patent AT 411 464 B. However, the hitherto known processes of the mentioned inventions suffer from a number of drawbacks. Irradiation methods are limited in terms of cost, safety, efficacy and the like. Further, the radiated crystals are likely to loose their color in case they encounter exposure to a high temperature in their use. Though irradiation is a widely used technique for gems coloring and enhancement but one major concern of the radiation process is that the irradiated crystals (also named as "Nuked Stones") stay radio-active for up to a year or more. Geiger Mueller Counter is used to measure the reminiscent radiations in the irradiated gems. U.S. safe limit of reminiscent radiation is 1 nano-curie/gm and that of Asian is 2 nano-curie/gm. A 50 nano-curie emission from the stones is believed to cause skin cancer and destroy white blood cells.
A major disadvantage of multi layers coating technique is that this does not induce any color into the crystals. The crystals appear colored because of reflection and interference of light by the layers deposited on surface of the crystal. Further, exposure of these crystals to high temperature or to acids treatment during their use in ornament making or any other such use the coated crystals are likely to result in loss or change of their colors.
The techniques to produce composite gemstones as reported in U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,060 gives a product, which only appears colored, or a gem containing an image. This technique is also labor intensive and is not time effective.
As readily recognized by those of skill in the art of diffusion, that diffusion constant of an element is a strong function of temperature. Therefore, under generally recognized diffusion principles, one would not expect invention methods to work during the average human life at the moderate temperature. This can obviously be noted in Pollak's U.S. Patent Application No. 20020128145, that the reduction in diffusion temperature to 700 degree Celsius in this invention, the diffusion time has increased enormously to 600 hours. Such a long exposure to heat is not only expensive but also likely to cause damage to crystals body/surface. Further, such a long treatment time is similar to long cooling periods required for radiation treated gems and is one of the vital concerns for commercial production. The other major drawbacks associated with powder diffusion process are: additional thermal load of powder/s to the furnace; uneven coloration and color patches on the surface of the treated stones; occurrence of surface damages due to sticking of powder particles at high temperature; two step heating; acid cleaning and/or polishing after heat treatment to remove powder particles that get adhered to the treated stones; risk of surface damage in post cleaning of treated stones and safety precautions against handling of acids and nano sized powders. In a powder process, stones are buried in a powder of coloring reagent. Also to control color intensity, powder/s of diluting agent such as oxides of magnesium, aluminium etc. is also mixed with the colorant. Since an extremely small quantity of colorant is used for imparting color to stones, the diluting powder/s adds to thermal mass and take up a very great deal of furnace space. The uneven coloration or color patches in powder process is inherent as the surface of a crystal buried in colorant powder is not uniformly in contact with the powder particles. Further, the finite size (even powder particles are of nanometer in size) of powder particles inherently, result in some finite gap between two adjacent particles contacting the crystal surface. At such gaps the diffusion of colorant atoms is much less compared to that at contacting points on the stone surface. This therefore, leads to a non-uniform diffusion and thereby uneven coloration or color patches in the finished products. It is very well realized by those of expert in art that at high temperatures the powder particles stick a solid surface of the crystals and therefore, some cleaning or polishing treatment is always needed to regain the shine of the treated gems. Other economic concerns in Pollack's powder process are: two steps of heating (first with colorant powder and second with neutral powder), and cleaning of individual stones after heating with powder. All these drawbacks make the powder methods expensive and time consuming. The most important technical shortcoming of a powder process is that there is no intimate contact between the crystal and atoms of diffusing reagent. This necessitates either a higher temperature or a longer time for diffusion of atoms from the power into the host crystal. Perhaps this is why hundreds of heating hours are employed in Pollak's methods. Further, safety precautions to handle acids and particularly, finely divided particles are also other limitations of the powder processes. Threats posed by recently developed nano-materials to human health and environment has now become a major global concern.
Ref.(http:/news.nanoapex.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3592) is offering research projects to study safety aspects for handling nano-material powders. The similar drawbacks of powder process have also been highlighted in the Rauch et al. patent U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,640 B2.
The Rauch et al. patent is a powder process as for preparation of a sieve plate powders are used. Also during conditioning of the sieve plate, a neutral powder is used to prepare the protective layer. Preparation of stone holding plate i.e. the sieve plate is a ceramic technology as metallic oxides are involved in this During heat treatment for conditioning of the plate in this method, cobalt atoms diffuse into the protective layer, which subsequently acts as a diffusion source for coloring the gemstones. Thus during treatment the colorant atoms are indeed in the vicinity of polished surface of the stones. The most important draw back of the process is that it is specific to gemstone shape and size. We know that in gem industries an enormous number of sizes and shapes are involved. To impart colors to all types of gems one has to prepare a large number of such sieve plates. Even if largest sized recesses are made in a plate to also treat smaller size stones, different plates are required for different shapes of gems. Further, the large size holes and spacing between them occupies more furnace space. The large sieve sized plates also reduce the number of stones for treatment per unit space of the furnace. It is evident from the claimed method that only the diffusion process is responsible for induction of colors in gems placed on the plate. It is well known through semiconductor technology that for diffusion to occur efficiently, the diffusing impurity has to be available in atomic form. And for this reason all diffusion processes in established semiconductor technology use impurities either in liquid or gaseous state or a solid source having high vapour pressure at a diffusion temperature. Metal/metal oxide plate used in Rauch et al process act as source of diffusing atoms for the stones in contact with the sieve body or the protective layer. Therefore, like in a powder process, in this method also there is no intimate contact between the gemstone surface and the coloring material. In this case also, the finite size of aluminium oxide powder used on the plate to provide a protective layer introduces a finite gap between the diffusing source and stones. This therefore is likely to lead to high treatment temperature or longer periods to diffusion to occur into the stones. In brief, this process involves cumbersome ceramic technology for preparation of sieve plates and incorporates most of the drawbacks of powder methods. Thin film based processes are backbone of modern semiconductor industries because these are highly reliable and reproducible. It is not appropriate to compare thin film based methods to ceramic technology at least in term of cleanliness and contamination.
Gupta et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,422 B2) invention uses colorant reagent in thin film form thus this does not add to the furnace load, thin film makes intimate contact to the crystal surface for efficient diffusion of coloring atoms in the crystal body, color intensity is controlled by thickness of the deposited film, no post cleaning is needed as all colorant material is consumed in imparting color to the stones and only one heating cycle for diffusion of the colorant atoms into gemstone is required. However, treatment cycle (heating time and temperature) of Gupta et al. process also employs temperature as high as 1200 degree Celsius and diffusion time as large as 10 hours.
When solid crystals are subjected to high temperatures and for a long duration at a particular temperature, they are likely to get damaged or break due to thermal effects. In powder processes of gem enhancement, Carr et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,529) employed 1750 degree Celsius. Pollak's invention succeeded in achieving the treatment temperature in the range of 700 degree Celsius to 1000 degree Celsius according to U. S. Pat. No. 20020128145. However, the treatment time increased form about 100 hours of Carr et al. methods to 600 hours in Pollak's processes. Gupta et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,422 B2) claimed gems enhancement at a temperature in the range of 700 to 1200 degree Celsius for a treatment time in the range between 30 minutes to 10 hours.
For the past 8 years our research is particularly focused on this aspect of the crystals coloration and the present invention is the result of that. We know that according to general theory of diffusion in solids, there is a limit on reduction of diffusion temperature as diffusion constant of an element is strongly temperature dependent. So if the temperature is reduced below a particular limit, the general theory of diffusion predicts that the diffusion process take very long time to get completed. Therefore, from practical point of view particularly, for production purpose a technology employing very low diffusion temperature is not advisable. For example, 600 hours of a treatment cycle according to U. S. Pat. No. 20020128145 needs 25 days to complete a treatment cycle and this may not be suitable to a production platform.
In Pollak's processes there are two major aspects that govern the treatment cycle. First, despite the use of finally divided powder (U. S. Pat. Appl. No. 20020174682 A1) there is always a finite gap between particles and also between particles and the stone surface. Since the in-diffusing atoms of the powder material require to travel this gap before they actually diffuse into the crystal, the long diffusion time is therefore necessary for completion of the treatment in a powder based diffusion process. Second important aspect that has been overlooked in the invented powder processes is related to use of compound/oxide as colorant reagent. The diffusion is an atomic process and for a diffusion to occur the compound/oxide molecules need to be broken into atoms to initiate the diffusion. The general chemical principles suggest that breaking of bonds require some specific amount of energy and thus more thermal energy is needed in case a compound/oxide is used as a diffusion source. Therefore, high temperatures or long diffusion times are inevitable in powder processes technology. In Gupta et al. processes, two or more layers (one over the other) of coloring materials are employed to produce different colors in gems. So even if a coloring material is not a compound, atoms of second layer material have to either travel through the thickness of first layer or have to wait till first layer is completely consumed in the crystal. This necessitates employment of longer diffusion time compared to a single layer process to accomplish the process.
Hence there is need to develop a method for imparting colors and to control tone/shade of the imparted colors to colorless gemstones or decorative objects to obtain a desired shade of colors in these crystals wherein optimum treatment cycle (heating time and temperature) is employed. There is a further need to develop a method wherein tone of the imparted colors in colorless gems or crystals can be controlled.

Method to produce tone-controlled colors in colorless crystals


Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including: a reception portion configured to receive audio video content; a trigger extraction portion configured to extract trigger information for operating an application program transmitted along with the audio video content and executed in interlocked relation to the audio video content; a table acquisition portion configured to acquire a correspondence table for associating the trigger information with commands for controlling the operation of the application program; a command determination portion configured such that, based on the acquired correspondence table, the command determination portion determines the commands associated with the extracted trigger information; and a control portion configured to control the operation of the application program in response to the determined commands.

This technology relates to a reception apparatus, a reception method, a program, and an information processing system. More particularly, this technology relates to a reception apparatus, a reception method, a program, and an information processing system for providing application programs executed in interlocked relation to AV (audio video) content such as digital TV (television) programs.
As a service expected to gain widespread acceptance, the reception apparatus for receiving digital TV broadcast signals may acquire from a server on the Internet application programs to be executed in interlocked relation to digital TV programs and execute the application programs thus acquired. Technological studies are now underway to implement such a hybrid service combining broadcasting with communication (e.g., see Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-245653).

Reception apparatus, reception method, program, and information processing system


In the present invention, a seatbelt device is provided with: a seat state determination unit that determines the state of a seat; a movable support section that supports a seatbelt within a range of possible movement on a seat back; a movement mechanism that, with a motor, moves the movable support section within the range of possible movement; and a motor control unit that controls the motor in accordance with the usage state of the seat determined by the seat state determination unit. Due to this configuration, the position of the seatbelt is made optimal for an occupant, and the comfort of the occupant is thus improved.

In recent years, a vehicle in which a disposition (position or direction) of a seat is changed freely has been examined in order to improve the comfort in a vehicle compartment for a vehicle occupant. If a support part (anchor) that supports a seat belt is provided on and attached to a floor panel or a pillar of the vehicle, it is difficult to change the disposition of the seat. Thus, in a case where the disposition of the seat can be changed freely, it is preferable to use a seat belt device in which all of the support parts are provided on, and attached to the seat.
International Publication No. WO 2007/052437 discloses a vehicle occupant restraint device including an air belt that expands in the occurrence of a collision. In this occupant restraint device, a support part of a seat belt and the air belt can move with a seat in a front-rear direction.


A steerable introducer has a proximal end and a distal end, and includes a steerable sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. The steerable sheath includes an outer layer extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath, and an inner liner disposed within the outer layer and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath. A first pair of pull wires is disposed between the inner liner and the outer layer, and extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath. A second pair of pull wires is disposed between the inner liner and the outer layer and extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath.

Steerable medical shafts such as steerable introducers are often used for the delivery of medical devices, such as catheters, to a target site. Typically, the sheath of the steerable introducer is manipulated through the patient's vasculature and to the intended site, for example, a site within the patient's heart or other organ, with a medical device, such as a catheter, within a lumen of the sheath. The medical device, or a portion thereof, is advanced out of the sheath for use at the target site.
Steerable sheaths for steerable introducers are typically steered in a single plane by use of a pair of pull wires embedded in the sheath on opposite sides of the sheath. In some known sheaths, the pull wires extend parallel to each other in a straight line from a proximal end of the sheath near the handle of the steerable introducer to a distal end of the sheath. The pull wires are fixedly coupled to the sheath at the distal end of the sheath. Pulling one of the pull wires toward the proximal end of the sheath shortens that pull wire, causing a deflectable portion of the distal end of the sheath to deflect within a single plane in the direction of the shortened wire. Pulling the other pull wire toward the proximal end of the sheath shortens the other pull wire, causing the deflectable portion of the distal end of the sheath to deflect within the same plane in the direction of the shortened wire.

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, CARDIOLOGY DIVISION, INC.


A method and system for determining the lateral position of an edge of a web are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of optical transmitters, a plurality of optical receivers, a plurality of ultrasonic transmitters, a plurality of ultrasonic receivers, and a controller. The controller is used to determine which type of transmitter and receiver should be used in conjunction with the specific web to be processed. The controller activates certain optical transmitters and determines the amount of optical occlusion that results from the web being between the optical transmitters and receivers. The controller also activates certain ultrasonic transmitters and determines the amount of sound occlusion that results from the web passing between the ultrasonic transmitters and receivers. The type of transmitter/receiver that results in the most occlusion can then be selected to determine the position of the edge of the web. Once selected, only one type of transmitter/receiver is preferably used at a given time to determine the position of the edge of the web, and position the web accordingly. A compensation beam can also be used to further enhance the accuracy of the determination of the web's position.

Many different types of materials including fabric, paper, films, foils, and the like are formed into what is commonly known as a web. In the production, processing, or treatment of a web, the web is often moving as it progresses from one operation, such as cutting, slitting, printing, and the like, to the next operation. It is important to be able to accurately determine the position of the web as it moves so that it can be properly aligned for the various operations.
One commonly known technique for determining the position of a moving web involves detecting the position of the physical edge of the web using an ultrasonic edge detector. Another commonly known technique for determining the position of a moving web involves detecting the position of the physical edge of the web using a light-based edge detector. Despite the advantages of these types of detectors, there are shortcomings associated with both of them. Ultrasonic detectors are only effective for determining the position of certain types of materials. While ultrasonic detectors work well with many types of materials, and in particular, materials that are transparent or translucent such as thin paper sheets or transparent plastic, they do not work well with other materials, such as non-woven fabric and mesh. Similarly, while light-based detectors work well with certain types of materials, they do not work well with other types of materials, mainly those that are transparent or translucent. Thus, each of the ultrasonic and light based detectors works well with some types of materials, but neither works well with all types of materials.
In addition, the determination of which detector type is best suited for a given application is made by a person whose decision may or may not be based upon the actual performance of the different types of detectors and whose decision may or may not result in the selection of the optimum detector for a given application.
Further, in order to switch from one type of detector to another, a person is required to physically remove the existing detectors and replace them with another type of detector. This process is time consuming and labor intensive.
A system and method for determining the position of an edge of a web that overcome these deficiencies are needed.

Method and system for detecting the position of an edge of a web


An insertion shape detecting probe includes shape detecting elements for generating or detecting magnetic field or magnetic; signal lines connected to the shape detecting elements; supporting members that support the shape detecting elements; inner sheaths into which the signal lines and the supporting members are inserted; and an outer sheath into which the inner sheaths, the shape detecting elements, and at least one portion of the supporting members are inserted. The inner sheaths are each formed from a multiple-lumen tube that has a first lumen formed at a substantially central portion of each inner sheath and second lumens formed around an exterior periphery portion of the first lumen, and the supporting members are elongated wire rods one portion of which is arranged along exterior peripheries of the shape detecting elements in an axial direction and other portion runs through the second lumens.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an insertion shape detecting probe, and more particularly to an insertion shape detecting probe that is either inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope or secured to the insertion portion of the endoscope, to detect an insertion shape of an endoscope insertion portion.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, an endoscope has been widely used in a medical field and an industrial field. Particularly, an endoscope with a flexible insertion portion allows examination of organs deep inside a body cavity with the insertion portion inserted into a curved body cavity without incising a patient body, and allows treatments and operations such as removal of polyps, if necessary, with a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope.
However, manipulative skills are required to smoothly insert an elongated insertion portion of an endoscope into the curved body cavity from, for example, the anus to examine inside a lower alimentary tract. This is because the operator is uncertain about where a distal end of the insertion portion is in the body cavity and what state the insertion portion is in.
The insertion state of the insertion portion of the endoscope may be determined from the location of the distal end of the insertion portion and the bending state of the insertion portion through X-ray radioscopy for detecting the shape of the endoscope in insertion, where the insertion portion includes an X-ray radiopaque portion. However, an endoscope shape detection apparatus using X-ray is large, so that such an apparatus which emits X-ray requires a large examination room.
Further, such an endoscope examination requires the operator to operate the endoscope as well as the X-ray apparatus, placing an additional burden on the operator. Hence, it is not necessarily preferable to detect the insertion state of the endoscope insertion portion by X-ray.
For this reason, conventionally, apparatuses described in the following, for example, as disclosed in JP-A No. 2003-047586 (KOKAI), are proposed. One conventional apparatus includes plural elements which transmit electromagnetic wave, ultrasonic wave, and the like, in an insertion portion of an endoscope; and an external detector which receives a signal transmitted from a transmitting element of the insertion portion, to display an insertion portion shape on a monitor of the detector during insertion of the insertion portion. Another conventional apparatus includes an insertion shape detecting probe which has a magnetic field detecting element, to display an insertion portion shape on a monitor of a detector during insertion of an insertion portion by inserting the insertion portion into a body cavity with the insertion shape detecting probe inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel provided in an endoscope.
The insertion shape detecting probe that is disclosed in JP-A No. 2003-047586 (KOKAI) includes an elongated core wire that, plural inner sheaths, a connecting-and-securing unit, and an outer sheath. Plural shape detecting elements from which signal lines are extended are secured on the core wire at predetermined intervals. Each inner sheath is arranged at the proximal end portion side of each shape detecting element that is secured on the core wire, and the core wire and the signal lines run through the inner sheaths. The connecting-and-securing unit covers and integrally connects each shape detecting element and each inner sheath that is adjacent to each shape detecting element. The plural shape detecting elements that are integrated with the core wire and the plural inner sheaths are inserted inside the outer sheath. Then, the insertion shape detecting probe detects the endoscope insertion portion shape with high accuracy by inserting the insertion shape detecting probe into the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope and arranging the insertion shape detecting probe therein.
Here, in the insertion shape detecting probe according to JP-A No. 2003-047586 (KOKAI), the plural shape detecting elements (coils) are secured on the elongated core wire with the predetermined intervals, the plural inner sheaths through which the core wire and the signal lines (lead lines) that are extended from each shape detecting element run are arranged at the proximal end portion side of each shape detecting element, and the connecting-and-securing unit covers and integrally connects each shape detecting element and each inner sheath that is adjacent thereto. Consequently, each shape detecting element, each inner sheath, and the signal lines are linearly arranged; therefore, improvement in assembliability and miniaturization of the insertion shape detecting probe is realized.


A site marker delivery system is provided that may be used in combination with a tissue cutting device for marking a biopsy site. The system includes a tube attached to a hub. A push-rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The push-rod is advanced forward through the lumen of the tube causing a marker seated within the tube to be deployed at a biopsy site.

In the field of breast cancer, stereotactically guided and percutaneous biopsy procedures have increased in frequency as well as in accuracy as modern imaging techniques allow the physician to locate lesions with ever increasing precision. However, for a given biopsy procedure, a subsequent examination of the biopsy site is very often desirable.
For example, in those cases where the lesion is found to be benign, a follow-up examination of the biopsy site may be conducted at a later time. Where the lesion is found to be malignant, the physician may want to place additional site markers to help guide the surgeon to the malignancy.
A number of procedures and devices for marking and locating particular tissue locations are known in the prior art. For example, location wire guides are well known for locating lesions, particularly in the breast. One such known device includes a tubular introducer needle and an attached wire guide, which has at its distal end, a helical coil configuration for locking into position about the targeted lesion. The needle is introduced into the breast and guided to the lesion site using an imaging system of a known type, for example, X-Ray, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at which time the helical coil at the distant end is deployed about the lesion. Then, the needle may be removed from the wire guide, which remains locked in position distally about the lesion for guiding a surgeon down the wire to the lesion site during subsequent surgery. While such a location system is effective, it is obviously intended and designed to be only temporary, and is removed once the surgery or other procedure has been completed.
It is also known to employ biocompatible dyes or stains to mark breast lesions. First, a syringe containing the colorant is guided to the detection lesion, using an imaging system. Later, during the extraction procedure, the surgeon harvests a tissue sample from the stained tissue. However, while such staining techniques can be effective, it is difficult to precisely localize the stain. Also, the stains are difficult to detect fluoroscopically and may not always be permanent.
Additionally, it is known to implant markers directly into a patient's body using an invasive surgical technique. This enables a practitioner to later return to the site of the graft by identifying the rings, for evaluation purposes.
Each of the above systems and methods for marking a biopsy site has disadvantages associated with effectiveness, accuracy, and invasive surgical techniques. Accordingly, what is needed is a site marker delivery system for delivering a marker to a biopsy site, and deploying the marker at the site effectively, accurately, and without the need for additional invasive surgical procedures.

Contreras Guerrero de Stavropoulos et al.


The invention relates to the treatment of autoimmune diseases and disorders, in particular myasthenia gravis, by administration of effector-function-deficient antibodies, wherein said effector-function-deficient antibodies are capable of competing with one or more of the auto-antibodies involved in mediating the antibody-mediated auto-immune disease or disorder for binding to a target auto-antigen.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal muscles of the body. The most common cause of MG is the presence of auto-antibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) of the muscle.
AChR is a pentameric, transmembrane protein composed of five subunits in a stoichiometry of α2, β, γ, and δ. In adults, the receptor γ subunit is replaced by the ε-subunit. AChR are located at high density in the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). After binding of acetylcholine (ACh), released by the nerve terminal, AChR facilitate the depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane, leading to the contraction of muscle fibers. Anti-AChR antibodies induce a loss of AChR, leading to an impaired neuromuscular transmission. This results in fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness that worsens with use, and improves with rest. If the concentration of AChR is very low, the effects can also be measured by electrophysiology, showing a decrementing response of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) after repetitive nerve stimulation.
Anti-AChR antibodies of all IgG subclasses have been found in MG patients, but the only isotype that is always present is IgG1 (Rodgaard, A. et al., Clin Exp Immunol 67, 82 (1987)). Pathogenic mechanisms include: damage of the NMJ by focal lysis of the postsynaptic membrane due to complement activation, cross-linking of AChRs, which leads to increased internalization and degradation of the receptors (antigenic modulation) (Heinemann, S. et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 74, 3090 (1977)) and Kao, I. et al., Science 196, 527 (1977), inhibition of or ion channel function (Lang, B. et al., J Neuroimmunol 19, 141 (1988)) and blocking of the ACh binding site (Almon, R R. et al., Science 186, 55 (1974)). The extracellular domain of the α subunits contains the main immunogenic region (MIR), to which a major part of the pathogenic MG antibodies is directed (Tzartos, S J et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 77, 755 (1980), Tzartos, S J et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 79, 188 (1982) and Tzartos, S J. et al., Immunol Rev 163, 89 (1998). Anti-MIR antibodies are also very effective in antigenic modulation.
The effects of auto-antibodies directed to the proteins of the NMJ can be studied in an animal model of MG, termed experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). The original experimental model, which led to the discovery of the cause of MG, is the immunization of rabbits with the AChR from the electric organ of Electrophorus electricus which induced a chronic EAMG (Patrick, J. et al., Science 180, 871 (1973). Subsequently, the similarity to human MG was demonstrated by immunising rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with repeated doses of Torpedo californica AChR (Tarrab-Hazdai, R. et al., Nature 256, 128 (1975)). Electromyography showed a decreased action potential after repetitive nerve stimulation, confirming impaired neuromuscular transmission. In a rodent chronic EAMG model, a sub-population of antibodies against the Torpedo or Electrophorus AChR that cross-react with the AChR of the immunised animal were identified as the cause of the damage to the NMJ, leading to a long-lasting disease (Lindstrom, J M. et al., Ann N Y Acad Sci 274, 254 (1976). Sera from MG patients, AChR-immunised animals and monoclonal anti-AChR antibodies have also been shown to induce MG symptoms when injected in naïve animals (passive transfer EAMG) (Toyka, K V et al., Science 190, 397 (1975), Toyka, K V et al., N Engl J Med 296, 125 (1977) and Lindstrom, J M et al., J Exp Med 144, 739 (1976)). Passive transfer causes a reversible muscular weakness that lasts for several days.
Several specific immunotherapy approaches have been tested in EAMG models, including anti-idiotypic Abs, mAb-competing peptide, tolerance induction, and elimination of AChR-specific T cells by genetically engineered antigen-presenting cells (Souroujon, M C et al., Neurology 36, 622 (1986), Verschuuren, J J et al., J Immunol 146, 941 (1991), Luo, G X et al., J Immunol Methods 251, 177 (2001), Wang, Z Y et al., J Neuroimmunol 44, 209 (1993), Im, S H et al., Faseb J 15, 2140 (2001), Wu, J M et al., Cell Immunol 208, 137 (2001)). None of these approaches have lead to an efficient MG therapy so far.
An alternative approach is the direct blocking of the auto-antibody binding sites of the AChR. This approach is feasible since a large fraction of the circulating autoantibodies in MG patients is directed against the MIR. It has been shown that a patient derived anti-AChR Fab-637 is capable of blocking the binding of serum derived polyclonal anti-AChR antibody derived from various unrelated MG patients to human AChR in vitro (Graus, Y F et al., J Immunol 158, 1919 (1997)). As anti-MIR Fab fragments do not have intrinsic properties to induce loss of functional AChR, since they do not activate complement, induce antigenic modulation or functionally inhibit the AChR, anti-MIR Fab fragments have been successfully used to prevent passive transfer of EAMG in rats and mice (Loutrari, H. et al., Eur J Immunol 22, 2449 (1992), Toyka, K V. et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 43, 836 (1980) and Papanastasiou, D K et al., J Neuroimmunol 104, 124 (2000). Human anti-human AChR Fab fragments have been cloned and their ability to block MG serum Abs explored (Rey, E. et al., Clin Immunol 96, 269 (2000), Farrar, J. et al., Int Immunol 9, 1311 (1997), Protopapadakis, E. et al., Eur J Immunol 35, 1960 (2005) and Stassen, M H et al., J Neuroimmunol 135, 56 (2003). However, no further in vivo proof of concept was obtained and Fab molecules are unsuitable for treatment of patients, inter alia due to their short half-life.
In general, five methods of treatment are currently used in MG (Sieb, J P, Curr Opin Pharmacol 5, 303 (2005): 1) Enhancement of neuromuscular transmission using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine, prolonging the action of acetyl choline, which helps improve neuromuscular transmission and increase muscle strength, 2) immunosuppression, using drugs such as prednisone, cyclosporine, and azathioprine, aiming to suppress the production of auto-antibodies, 3) thymectomy, 4) elimination of auto-antibodies by plasma exchange, and 5) modulation of the autoimmune response by intravenous immunoglobulins.
However, none of these methods of treatment is very efficacious or specific and thus, there is a need for improved methods for treating myasthenia gravis and other auto-immune diseases.

Use of effector-function-deficient antibodies for treatment of auto-immune diseases