A trading system wherein each client and a trader respectively have a metadata generating portion for describing character string type parameters of each operation with metadata including a service type and a service type context which is supplementary information of the service type individually or all together, and a metadata interpreting portion for interpreting the metadata in its entirety. The client requesting a registration, an export, or an import to the trader can include authentication information and authority information in the metadata, whereby an authentication processing portion of the trader performs an authentication processing based on the authentication information and the authority information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a trading system and in particular to a trading system which supports dynamic communications between software units called objects in a distributed object oriented environment based on the CORBA method.
The CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) method is a standard architecture of the distributed object oriented environment which is provided by OMG (Object Management Group) for realizing the distributed object oriented environment. Equipments of the distributed object oriented environment are to be presented by each vendor according to this standard.
In the distributed object oriented environment in conformity to the CORBA method, processing requests can be transferred between objects and the processings can be realized by the cooperation of the objects without worrying about the differences of architectures and operating systems of computers or of programming languages.
Requests/responses between clients and servers in the CORBA method are mediated by an object request broker (ORB). In the CORBA method, functions such as naming service or trader service which are generally required in a distributed object environment are defined besides the broker. Efficiency in construction of the distributed system can be further improved by using such services as common facilities.
In the CORBA method, a concept corresponding to an object in the object oriented method is called an interface and a concept corresponding to a method is called an operation, so that a client is required to obtain an interface reference (a reference type for object in C++) in order to call a server.
When an operation in an interface reference is called, a corresponding method in a remote server is called automatically. Namely, for the processing of the CORBA method, the interface reference of a desirable server to be called should be obtained in the first place. In the CORBA method, for clients to obtain interface references, several common facilities are supposed as mentioned above. The naming service is a service in which the server name and the server entity correspond to each other, e.g. a service corresponding to searching a telephone number of a person to be called in white pages. On the other hand, the trader service corresponds to a service for searching a telephone number of a person to be called in yellow pages, which is expected as a trading system where the server name and the server entity need not correspond to each other.
2. Description of the Related Art
Such a trading system corresponds to a broker ORB shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, comprises a plurality of clients 4 and 5 and a trader 1 as shown in FIG. 31B, and performs (1) service type registration processing and (2) service import/export processing as described below:
a) A client 3, which may be any client, requesting the registration of a service type gives a service type name and its super type name, a property definition which defines a property name, type, and mode, and an interface name to the trader 1, thereby requesting the registration of a new service type.
a) The server client 4 which is called an exporter gives the service type name, a property value, and its own interface reference to the trader 1, thereby requesting the registration of the service. In response, the trader 1 maintains the correspondence between the service type and the interface reference of the server.
b) The client 5 which is called an importer gives a necessary service type name, a constraint, and the like to the trader 1, thereby requesting the offer of service information. The trader 1 selects services which conform to the service type, conditions of the constraint, and the like.
c) The trader 1 returns the information of a service group selected in the procedure b) to the client 5.
d) The client 5 uses the interface reference received from the trader 1 to call an object of the server 4.
Processings between the trader 1 and its clients (hereinafter collectively referred to with a symbol xe2x80x9c7xe2x80x9d) will now be described referring to FIG. 32.
For each type of the above-mentioned service type registration processing (1) and service import/export processing (2), and the like, the trader 1 comprises an interface 11 and a processing portion 12. The service type information saved by the trader 1 is saved in a service type repository 13 in the trader 1, and the service information is saved in a service offer repository 14 in the trader 1.
Receiving a processing request from the client 7 at the corresponding portion within the interface 11, the trader 1 transfers the processing to the corresponding portion of the processing portion 12. Each processing portion 12 takes out suitable information from the service type repository 13, the service offer repository 14, or an interface repository 6 which is located outside of the trader 1 to perform the processing. The processing result is returned to the client 7 of the trader 1 through the interface 11.
Next, details of internal processing of such a trading system will be described below:
When newly registering a service type, the service type registration requesting client 3 calls a service type registration interface 131 of the trader 1.
Extracts from a CORBA.IDL definition for the service type registration are given as follows:
IncarnationNumber add_type (
in CosTrading::ServiceTypeName name,
in Identifier if_name,
in PropStructSeq props,
in ServiceTypeNameSeq super_types
):
Having received a registration request from the service type registration interface 131, a service type registration processing portion 132 takes out super type information corresponding to a super type name in the registration request from a service type repository 13. The processing portion 132 also takes out interface definition information of the service in the registration request from the interface repository 6 which is located outside of the trader 1.
The trader 1 examines the correspondence between a super type-sub type relationship in the service type repository 13 and a successional relationship of the interface definition in the interface repository 6, confirms the validity in case both relationship correspond mutually, and saves a new service type in the service type repository 13.
When the processing ends normally, the service type registration interface 131 allots an incarnation number to the registration processing and returns the processing to the service type registration requesting client 3.
(2.1) Service Export Processing (see FIG. 33B)
In the export processing of a service, the exporter 4 calls an export interface 141 of the trader 1. Extracts from a CORBA.IDL definition for this are given as follows:
OfferId export (
in Object reference,
in ServiceTypeName type,
in PropertySeq properties
);
Having received an export processing request from the export interface 141, an export processing portion 142 takes out service type information designated in the request from the service type repository 13. If a property type in a parameter coincides with the property type in a service type definition and if a property value of an mandatory mode is given in the export processing request, the request is valid, so that the trader 1 stores the service in a service offer repository 14.
When the processing ends normally, the export interface 141 returns an offer ID to the exporter 4.
(2.2) Service Import Processing (see FIG. 33C)
In the import processing of a service, the importer 5 calls an import interface 151 of the trader 1. Extracts from a CORBA.IDL definition for this are given as follows:
void query (
in ServiceTypeName type,
in Constraint constr,
in Preference pref,
in PolicySeq policies,
in SpecifiedProps desired_props,
in unsigned long how_many,
out OfferSeq offers,
out OfferIterator offer_itr,
out PolicyNameSeq limits_applied
);
Having received an import processing request form the import interface 151, an import processing portion 152 takes out service type information designated in the request from the service type repository 13, and performs the processing according to the following procedures (see FIG. 34).
1) Extract the service type name designated in the import processing request and service information of the sub type from the service offer repository 14.
2) Calculate a constraint expression in the import processing request based on the property value of each service and select the services for which the expression value becomes true as an import processing object.
3) Sort the services to be import-processed based on a preference in the import processing request.
4) Return a number of services to the importer as designated by a policy parameter in the import processing request.
By applying this trading system to the distributed object oriented environment, the flexibility between the clients and the server is increased and the efficiency in system designing, mounting, and operation is improved. However, there still remain problems as under-mentioned:
[1] Collision of Service Type Names
A service type name in a trader must be unique. Therefore, when a registration processing of a service type in the trader is tried, there are cases where the names collide. For example, a communication service xe2x80x9cAsynchronous Transfer Modexe2x80x9d and a financial service xe2x80x9cAutomatic Teller Machinexe2x80x9d cannot be registered the same name xe2x80x9cATMxe2x80x9d, so that they must have different names.
Also, in the export processing of a service offer, the trader does not know in what intention the exporter classified its own service into the service type, that is, whether the xe2x80x9cATMxe2x80x9d means the xe2x80x9cAsynchronous Transfer Modexe2x80x9d or the xe2x80x9cAutomatic Teller Machinexe2x80x9d. In the import processing, the trader cannot know the meaning of the service type name designated by the importer.
On the other hand, there is a link or the like as means for the cooperative operation of a plurality of traders. In the presence of a link, the import processing request is transferred accordingly, but contradictions are caused unless the meanings of the service types and the services are in conformity among the traders.
For example, if the service type xe2x80x9cATMxe2x80x9d is used as meaning the xe2x80x9cAsynchronous Transfer Modexe2x80x9d in a trader while as meaning the xe2x80x9cAutomatic Teller Machinexe2x80x9d in another trader, the mixed services of different meanings are to be offered to the importer.
[2] Client Authentication by Trader
A trader receives export processing requests from various exporters to construct a service offer repository. Also, it receives service type registration requests from various clients to construct a service type repository.
A trader is an object forming a basis of the distributed environment so that the information in a trader must not be rewritten illegally or carelessly. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate such an authentication means that a certain service type can only be registered from a certain object into an interface between a trader and its client which is closely linked with the functions of the trader.
[3] Import Processing Authority
For security reasons and the like, there are cases where an exporter desires to make the service available only from limited clients (importers). In such cases, the trader can even offer the whereabouts of the service to the importer as usual and perform some kind of authentication processing between the server and the client. However, in order not to inform the importer of the existence of the server carelessly, it is preferable to be able to designate for the trader the range where the service can be opened to public at the time of the export processing.
However, in the existing trading system, it is not possible to designate a range where the service can be opened to public at the time of the export processing nor to indicate the authority indicating the service which enables the import processing by the importer.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a trading system which avoids the collision of service type names or enables a client authentication by a trader or authority assignment for import processing.
[1] Collision of Service Type Names
This problem is caused by the fact that there is no means for indicating the contents of service type/service offer in more detail than the service type name and the property in the form recognizable by the trader. The trader only determines the coincidence/non-coincidence (agreement/disagreement) at the time of export processing/import processing with regard to the service type name as a mere character string and does not judge the meaning of the service type name. In order to deal with this problem, it is necessary to describe the meaning of the service type in a machine-recognizable and extensible form.
[2] Client Authentication by Trader
This problem is caused by the fact that there is no procedures for indicating information related to such a client of the trader as an import processing requestor or a service type registration processing requester. This problem can be dealt with by installing a mechanism for the client of the trader to affix signature information to the processing request in order to indicate that the request has been issued by a proper client and a mechanism for the trader to decrypt the signature information and to compare the information with the authority information.
[3] Import Processing Authority
This problem is also caused by the fact that there is no procedures for indicating the information related to such a client of the trader as the import processing requestor or the service type registration processing requester. This problem can be dealt with by installing a mechanism for indicating the identity of the importer to the trader. In order to perform an efficient authentication, an authentication procedure by a challenge-response procedure is required.
Means for realizing the above-mentioned viewpoints will be described hereafter, respectively.
[1] Context-based Trading Processing
An arrangement of the present invention according to claim 1 is shown in FIG. 1A. The client 7 of the trader 1, which may be a service type context registration requesting client, a service type registration requesting client, an exporter, an importer, or the like, individually describes, at a metadata generating portion 75, a character string type parameter of an operation made at a request processing portion 71 with metadata including a service type and a service type context which is a supplementary or generic information of the service type and transfers the same to the trader 1 through an interface 72.
In the trader 1 which receives the processing request from the client 7, the interface 11, as stated in claim 8, can be the one common to the prior art trader. However, a metadata interpreting portion 15 which interprets the received processing request as a metadata, or data describing data, and extracts the character string type parameter of the operation, and a metadata generating portion 16 which transforms the processing result at a processing portion 12 into metadata are provided between the interface 11 and the processing portion 12
Also, as a database to which the processing portion 12 refers, there are the service type repository 13, within the trader 1, which saves the service type information including the service type context and the service offer repository 14 which saves the information of the export-processed service existing as stated in claims 10 and 11. Moreover, there is an interface repository 6 existing outside of the trader 1, as stated in claim 12, which is a database for saving a service interface definition required for examining the conformity of the service type.
On the side of the client of the trader 1, a metadata interpreting portion 76 which interprets the response received from the trader 1 as a metadata is provided between the request processing portion 71 which requests the processing to the trader 1 and the trader interface 72 which interfaces with the trader besides the above-mentioned metadata generating portion 75.
An arrangement of the present invention according to claim 2 is shown in FIG. 1B. The difference from FIG. 1A is that the interfaces of the trader 1 are made a common interface 17.
Namely, in the client 7, contents of the request processing are transformed all together into a metadata description at the metadata generating portion 75 and transferred to the trader 1 through the interface 72. In the trader 1, the processing request is received at the common interface 17 and the whole processing request is interpreted as a metadata at the metadata interpreting portion 15.
After the interpretation, the processing is dispatched to each part of the processing portion 12 according to the contents, or the parameters, of the processing request which are contained in the metadata description. The processing result is returned to the client 7 after being transformed into a metadata form at the metadata generating portion 16.
In FIG. 1B, as an arrangement corresponding to claims 3-7, an authentication processing portion 18 is provided, as shown by dotted lines, which is called as required from each part of the processing portion 12 to perform an authentication processing.
Effects of the present invention having such compositions will now be described.
In each claim, the service type context is defined as supplementary information, or generic information, of the service type in order to avoid the collision of service type names and the confusion of concepts indicated by the service types. A name space of the service type name is divided according to the service type context. If the service type contexts are different, the service type names do not collide. A schematic example of the information within the service type repository 13 in which the service type name space is structured by the service type context is shown in FIG. 2A, which will be described as follows:
(1) Service Type Structure (see FIG. 2A)
The name space of the service type (abbreviated as SvcType shown) name composed of the service type name is divided according to the service type contexts into contexts such as X, Z, and X.Y.
An inclusive relationship can be set between service type contexts. In this example, the context X includes the context X.Y.
A default context 130 which includes the whole set of service types is defined. The default context 130 includes all of the service type contexts directly or indirectly. In this example, the default context 130 directly includes SvcTypes A, D, and E.
As long as the service type contexts are different, a plurality of service types having the same name can exist. In this example, the SvcType A exists in the default context 130, the service type contexts X.Y and Z.
How to handle the service type contexts in the trader will now be described.
A trading processing flow based on the service type context is shown in FIG. 4. Namely, the client 7 which requests the processing to the trader 1 adds the service type context name which is the supplementary information of the service type name as a service type name parameter within the processing request and transforms the same into the metadata description at the metadata generating portion 75. The metadata-described parameter is transferred to the trader 1 with other parameters through the interface 72.
Having received the processing request at the interface portion 11 (step S1), the trader 1 interprets the metadata-described parameters at the metadata interpreting portion 15 (step S2), and transfers the request to each part of the processing portion 12. After the processing is finished in each part of the processing portion 12 (step S3), the processing result is transformed into the metadata description at the metadata generating portion 16, and transferred to the origin of the processing request through the interface 11 (step S4).
Having received the processing result, the client 7 interprets the metadata-described parameters in the response at the metadata interpreting portion 76 and performs the processing according to the response result at the request processing portion 71.
The processings within the trader 1 based on the concept of the context will now be described.
(2) Service Type Context Registration Processing (see FIG. 2B)
In an initial state of the service type information within the service type repository 13 (see FIG. 2A), if the trader 1 receives a request with the default context 130 designated as a superior service type context to newly register a service type context W, the trader 1 generates the new service type context W, shown by a thick line, within the default context 130.
(3) Service Type Registration Processing (see FIG. 2C)
The case where the service type context X.Y is designated with FIG. 2B being made the initial state and a new service type E is registered under a super type A is considered.
The trader 1 retrieves the service type context X.Y and generates the new service type E as a sub type of the service type A if the existence of the service type A within the context X.Y is confirmed.
Although the service type A exists in the default context 130 and the context Z besides the context X.Y, the service type which assumes the super type can be uniquely determined since the concept of the context functions.
(4) Export Processing (see FIG. 2D)
The case where the service type context Z is designated with FIG. 2C being made the initial state and a new service is export-processed to a service type D is considered.
The trader 1 retrieves the service type context Z and registers a new service NSVC in the service type D if the existence of service type D within the context Z is confirmed. Although the service type D exists in the default context 130 besides the service type context Z, the service type of the new service can be uniquely determined since the concept of the context functions.
(5) Import Processing (see FIGS. 3A-D)
The case where the trader 1 receives an import processing request in the state of FIG. 2D is considered. According to the service type name in the import processing request and the service type context designation, the service type of the service which is the import processing object will be determined as follows:
In case the service type A is import-processed without a context designation, the service type A and its sub types, i.e. the service type D and the service type E, existing within the default context 130; the service type A and its sub type, i.e. the service type E, existing within the service type context X.Y included in the default context 130; and the service type A within the service type context Z correspond therewith (see FIG. 3A).
In case the service type A is import-processed by designating the service type context X, the service type A in the context X.Y within the service type context X and the service type E which is the sub type of the service type A correspond therewith (see FIG. 3B).
In case the service type E is import-processed by designating the service type context Z, there is no corresponding service type since the service type E does not exist within the service type context Z (see FIG. 3C).
In case the service type E is import processed by designating the default context, there is no context designation, so that the service type E in the default context 130, the service type E in the context X, and the service type E in the context X.Y correspond therewith (see FIG. 3D).
[2] Authentication of Trader""s Client
In the present invention according to claims 3-7, 11, and 13, an authentication of the trader""s client is performed. The client 7 of the trader 1 can set authority information in the service type context, the service type, and the service within the repository 13 possessed by the trader, and the client 7 must present in the processing request a signature coinciding with the authority.
(1) Authentication Processing Arrangement (see FIG. 5)
The authentication is performed at the times of the service type context registration, the service type registration, the service export, and the import processing.
The client 7 of the trader 1 transforms the authentication information indicating that it has the authority to make the processing request and the authority information to be set in the information generated as a result of the processing, such as the service type context, the service type, and the service, together with other parameters of the processing request, into a metadata form at the metadata generating portion 75, which is transferred to the trader 1 through the interface 72.
Having received the processing request from the client 7 through the common interface 17, the trader 1 interprets and extracts the above-mentioned authority information and authentication information at the metadata interpreting portion 15, and then determines at the authentication processing portion 18 with this authentication information whether or not the client 7 has the authority for the request.
If the authority is recognized, the trader 1 performs the ordinary processing at each part of the processing portion 12 and sets the authority information in the generated information, such as the service type context, the service type, and the service. The processing result is transformed into the metadata description at the metadata generating portion 16 and returned to the client 7 through the interface 17.
(2) Client Authentication Procedure (see FIG. 6)
The client 7 of the trader 1 can set the authority information in the service type context, the service type, and the service to be registered in trader 1. The authority information is described in metadata with other parameters and transferred to the trader (step S1). Setting the authority information enables restrictions such as not accepting the processing if an appropriate signature is not affixed in the following request from the client.
Having received the request from the client, the trader extracts the authority information at the metadata interpreting portion (step S1), and stores the same in the service type repository or the service offer repository as follows:
1) An authority information for restricting the client 7 capable of registering a subordinate service type context included in a new service type context is stored in the service type repository 13 with the context information (claims 3, 11).
2) An authority information for restricting the client 7 capable of performing the registration processing of a sub type under a new service type is stored in the service type repository 13 with the service type information (claims 4, 11).
3) An authority information restricting the client 7 capable of performing the registration processing of a new service type under a new service type context is stored in the service type repository 13 with the service type context information (claims 5, 11).
4) An authority information for restricting the client 7 capable of performing the export processing of a service as a service type is stored in the service type repository 13 with the service type information (claims 6, 11).
5) An authority information for restricting the client or importer acapable of performing the import processing of a service to be registered is stored in the service offer repository 14 with the service information (claims 7, 11, 13).
Namely, in the present invention according to claim 7, the authentication processing of the importer is performed based on the authority enabling the import processing of the service designated by the exporter (step S5). The exporter can set the authority information to the service to which the exporter itself has performed the export processing, while the importer must present in the import processing request the signature coinciding with this authority.
After having decided whether or not it is a valid processing request at each part of the processing portion 12 (steps S6, S3), the authority information for restricting the importer of the service is stored in the service offer repository 14 of the trader 1 as a result of the authentication (step S7).
(3) Importer Authentication Procedure
The authentication of the importer is performed according to a challenge-response procedure between the trader and the importer. The processing flow between the trader and the importer at the time of authentication is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which will be described herebelow referring to FIG. 8.
1) Having received the import processing request, the import processing portion 12 in the trader 1 requests the authentication processing portion 18 to generate the challenge information for authenticating the importer or the client 5 (step S8). The generated challenge information is transformed into the metadata description at the metadata generating portion 16 and transferred to the importer 5 for inquiry (step S9).
2) The importer 5 hashes or simply encrypts the received challenge information after encrypting the same with its own private key and responds to the trader 1 with the metadata-described information of the encryption method and the hash method.
3) Having received the response from the importer 5, the trader 15 compares the encrypted and hashed information with the challenge information at the authentication processing portion to perform the authentication (step S10), and returns the import processing result in the same way as the ordinary import processing if the response is found appropriate (step S11).
Thus, the trading system according to the present invention introduces a metadata description for the request parameter and the response parameter transferred between the trader and its client, thereby enabling the service type context of the service type, the authentication information, the authority information of the client, and the like to be described in a strict and extensible form.


It is important not to form the partial bump in the collision structural part, however the fixed core and the movable core are relatively inclined due to an accumulation of tolerances and therefore even if each collision structural part of the fixed core and the movable core in formed in a flat shape, the fixed core and the movable core are contacted with not the whole of the collision structural parts but a part of the collision structural parts at the moment of the collision. In a case in which the collision structural part is formed in a ring shape or an intermittent ring shape, the fixed core and the movable core are contacted with each other at outer peripheral parts. Thus, when the fixed core and the movable core are collided with each other, a high stress is applied to the outer peripheral parts contacted first. Accordingly, the shape of the outer peripheral parts of the collision structural parts is important, however since such a part, which is a tiny protruding shape, requires high processing accuracy, to reduce stress occurred during collision while keeping productivity is difficult. In the present invention, an R-shaped part and a flat part are provided in order from an outer peripheral side of a collision structural part. Further, the R-shaped part and the flat part are connected in a tangent manner.

In an electromagnetic type fuel injection valve used in an internal combustion engine, in particular, a cylinder injection system for vehicle using gasoline, in order to satisfy the regulation or the demand with respect to exhaust gas or fuel consumption, there has been an increasing market demand for injecting fuel into an engine cylinder at a higher pressure compared to a conventional way of injecting. It is because the injection speed of fuel is increased and frictional, resistance between air and fuel becomes larger as the fuel pressure becomes higher, and therefore the fuel is further atomized, as a result, a combustion property is improved.
The electromagnetic type fuel injection valve is formed as a solenoid type valve which opens the valve, by attracting movable core formed as a movable iron core by a magnetic attraction force toward a fixed core formed as a fixed iron core to be collided with each other. In order to inject fuel at a high fuel pressure, large force to be applied to a valve body against the fuel pressure is required for opening the valve. Thus, impact load applied to a collision structural part of the fixed core and the movable core becomes larger compared to a conventional valve. In order to reduce wear and deformation of the collision structural part due to the load in colliding, a surface treatment with high strength is applied to the collision structural part.
Further, the collision structural part is a part of a magnetic circuit for generating the magnetic attraction force. It is preferable that facing surfaces of the fixed core and the movable core are arranged to be close in order to increase the magnetic attraction force. On the other hand, in order to improve a response property, it is preferable to enlarge each facing surface of the fixed core and the movable core. It is because the response property is improved by decreasing squeezing force as adhering force of liquid and increasing a closing valve speed. Thus, as described in JP 2011-89432 A, it is preferable to form a projection with small width and height on the facing surface of the fixed core or the movable core which are provided as the collision structural part, and therefore high processing accuracy is required because of its small shape.
Here, a thickness of the surface treatment might be uneven. When a partial projection is formed because of variation in thickness of the collision structural part, a stress concentration is occurred and therefore the wear is promoted.
In particular, in a case in which electroplating is used as the surface treatment, since magnetic flux density is uneven due to a shape of an object to be electroplated, the thickness of the surface treatment is apt to become uneven. Accordingly, in a conventional technique as described in JP 2011-89432 A, a taper is formed in advance on a base material to be electroplated.
When the wear and the deformation of the collision structural part become large, a stroke of the valve body becomes larger, a passage section becomes larger. This configuration leads to an increase of an injection amount and a decrease of the fuel consumption and the combustion property.


Polyamines containing at least two nitrogen atoms monosubstituted with pendant arms capable of coordinating metal cations, or with precursors of such pendant arms, all nitrogen atoms of the polyamines except two being fully substituted and the remaining two bearing one H atom each, are cyclized by reaction with a bridging agent that contains two sites that each bear a reactive group capable of undergoing a nucleophilic attack by one of the two N-H groups on the polyamine. Unlike the prior art, cyclization occurs in preference over polymerization of the polyamine, even in reaction mixtures in which the polyamine is at high concentration. A process is also disclosed whereby linear polyamines in which the terminal amine groups are primary amines are substituted with methylenephosphonate ester groups, with one such substituent on each nitrogen atom of the polyamine. The process involves the use of a trialkyl or triaryl phosphite, and unlike the prior art, monosubstitutions at all nitrogen atoms are achieved in preference over disubstitutions at the terminal primary amines. Finally, a novel class of N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x3-tris(methylenephosphonate or methylephosphonic acid-substituted)-1,4,7-triazaheptanes are disclosed as new compositions of matter.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention resides in the field of alkylation reactions, cyclization reactions, and reactions involving substitutions at a nitrogen atom.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Cyclic polyamine chelators, which are cyclic amines whose nitrogen atoms have pendant arms attached thereto that are capable of coordinating metal cations, have a wide range of utility. Chelators of this type are disclosed by Lindoy, L. F., The Chemistry of Macrocyclic Ligand Complexes, University Press, Cambridge, 1989; and Bradshaw, J. S., et al., The Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1993, vol. 51. One use of these chelators is in the treatment of conditions caused by an excess of first transition series elements in the body. Iron overload anemias are examples of such conditions. See Rivkin, G., et al., Blood, vol. 90, no. 10, pp. 4180-4187 (Nov. 15, 1997). Another use is in altering the expression of enzymes containing first transition series metal cations as co-enzymes and by inhibiting replication of mammalian, parasitic, fungal, and bacterial cells and viruses. A disclosure of this use appears in Winchell, H. S., et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,573, issued Feb. 23, 1999. A further use is in the formation of complexes with radioisotopic or paramagnetic metal cations. These complexes are useful in diagnostic radioisotopic and magnetic resonance imaging, and disclosures of how these complexes are used in this manner uses are found in Winchell, H. S., et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,236,695, issued Aug. 17, 1993, 5,380,515, issued Jan. 10, 1995, 5,593,659, issued Jan. 14, 1997, and 5,409,689, issued Apr. 25, 1995.
Known methods for the synthesis of N-substituted cyclic polyamine begin with a laborious and costly multi-step synthesis of the unsubstituted cyclic polyamine. Additional steps are then performed to attach the chelating pendant arms to nitrogen atoms. These methods are disclosed by Parker, D., Aza Crowns in Macrocyclic Synthesis, Oxford Universtiy Press, Oxford, U. K., 1996, and by Wainwright, K. P., xe2x80x9cSynthetic and Structural Aspects of the Chemistry of Saturated Polyaza Macrocyclic Ligands Bearing Pendant Coordinating Groups Attached to Nitrogen,xe2x80x9d Coord. Chem. Rev. 1997, p. 166. As noted by Parker, the cyclization reactions when forming medium- and large-ring cyclic polyamines have an unfavorable entropy term to the overall free energy change. This makes it difficult to form cyclic polyaza compounds of medium and large ring sizes. To minimize this adverse thermodynamic effect and to inhibit the formation of undesired products, protective groups are typically added to the nitrogen groups of the linear starting materials. Another means of promoting the reaction is by template syntheses whereby the nitrogen groups that must be joined through a linkage to achieve the desired ring closure are placed in proximity to encourage them to react. A still further alternative is the use of reactive groups on the appropriate nitrogen atoms that are selective toward reaction with each other. In all of these reactions, polymerization competes with cyclization, and cyclization is typically the favored reaction only when the reactants are highly dilute.
The most common methods of forming the cyclic polyaza backbone are those that begin with a linear polyaza compound containing two primary amine groups and varying numbers of secondary amine groups, and proceed by adding one protective group to each of the nitrogen atoms of the linear compound, a typical protective group being p-toluene sulfonyl (xe2x80x9ctosylxe2x80x9d). The two amine groups that still contain a H atom (i.e., the amine groups that were originally primary amine groups) are then reacted with a bridging reagent containing two reactive groups capable of undergoing nucleophilic reactions. Examples of bridging groups that are used for this purpose are ditosylated diols, such as for example ditosylated ethylene glycol. The bridging reaction is performed under conditions that do not allow for quaternization of the protected secondary amine groups. The bridging reaction produces a cyclic polyamine backbone of the desired size in which one protective group (such as a tosyl group) is attached to each nitrogen atom in the cycle. Various side products are produced as well. The protected cyclic polyamine is purified and subjected to reactions to remove the protective groups. (When the protective groups are tosyl groups, for example, deprotection is achieved by heating the tosylated cyclic polyamines in strong acid at elevated temperatures.) The deprotected cyclic polyamine product is then purified from the reaction mixture, and additional reactions are performed to attach the desired pendant arms to the nitrogen groups, the pendant arms being groups that are capable of coordinating metal cations.
Template methods have been used in the preparation of a limited number of cyclic polyamines. One such polyamine is cyclam, and a description of its synthesis using a template method is offered by Barefield, E. K., et al., Inorg. Synth., vol. 16, p. 220 (1976). When metal cation (for example, nickel) is used as the template, the cation must be removed from the reaction mixture to obtain the free cyclic polyamine. The procedure for removing the metal cation often introduces contaminants that must themselves be removed before the cyclic polyamine can be reacted further in syntheses to generate the N-substituted cyclic polyamine chelator.
Cyclization can also be achieved by amide formation, since primary amines are typically favored over secondary amines in reactions between esters and amine groups to form amides. Thus, moderate yields of cyclic compounds containing two amide groups can be obtained in some cases by reacting a linear polyamine containing two primary amine groups with a bridging compound containing two ester groups. An example is the reaction between dipropylamine triamine with the diethyl ester of malonic acid, described by Helps, I. M., et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I (1989), 2079. This reaction can be followed by reduction of the amide bonds to form the desired amines. As in methods described above, cyclization competes with polymerization, and to achieve selectivity toward cyclization the reactants in these amide formation reactions are typically used in dilute concentrations. Even with dilute reaction mixtures, the yields of the cyclic diamides are often modest, and reduction of the amide bonds and subsequent purification of the desired cyclic polyamine may prove difficult.
A further synthesis route is based on the tendency of xcex1-chloroacetamides to favor reaction with secondary amines. In high dilution, therefore, one can produce certain cyclic diamides by reacting bis-xcex1-chloroacetamides with certain secondary amines. A disclosure of this reaction is offered by Krakowiak, K. E., et al., Synlett. (1993), 611. The resulting diamide is then reduced to obtain the desired cyclic polyamine. This synthesis can only produce cyclic polyamines containing four or more nitrogen groups, and as in the above-described methods, requires highly dilute reactants to favor cyclization over polymerization.
Difficulties also exist in syntheses of N-monoalkylated amines that still contain H atoms attached to one or more of the N atoms, and in which the alkyl substitution on each N atom is a pendant arm capable of coordinating metal cations. Iveson, P. B., et al., xe2x80x9cMonitoring the Moedritzer-Irani Synthesis of Aminoalkyl Phosphonates,xe2x80x9d Polyhedron, vol. 12, no. 19, pp. 2313-23 (1993) demonstrate that primary amines once substituted are disubstituted at a much greater rate than the initial substitution, thereby favoring disubstitution of the primary amine rather than monosubstitution. This difficulty is evidenced by the fact that there are no published reports of direct synthesis of either N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x3-tris(methylenephosphonic acid)-1,4,7-triazaheptane (in which each nitrogen is monosubstituted with a methylenephosphonate moiety) or its esterified products.
A novel process for the cyclization of polyamines has now been discovered that produces the cyclic product in high yield and at low cost, and is capable of doing so in concentrated solutions rather than dilute solutions. The polyamines that are addressed by this process are those in which all nitrogen atoms except two are fully substituted, the remaining two bearing only one H atom. Some or all of the nitrogen atoms are monosubstituted with pendant arms capable of coordinating metal cations, or with precursors that can be converted to such pendant arms by simple chemical reactions. The cyclization is performed by the use of a bridging agent containing two sites that each bear a reactive group capable of undergoing a nucleophilic attack by one of the N-H groups on the polyamines. When such nucleophilic attack is on an oxo group the intermediate formed is subsequently reduced to form the desired product. This invention also resides in a novel process for the introduction of no more than one methylenephosphonate ester groups as substituents on the nitrogen atoms of linear polyamines, by reacting the polyamines with a tri-substituted phosphite and a source of formaldehyde in the presence of water. The process results in the placement of one methylenephosphonate ester group on each primary and secondary nitrogen atom. The resulting methylenephosphonate ester-substituted linear polyamines can then be cyclized in accordance with the cyclization reaction described above, and hydrolysis of the some or all of the ester groups to acid groups can be performed either on the linear product or on the cyclic product. Still further, this invention resides in a novel class of N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x3-tris(methylene-phosphonate or methylenephosphonic acid-substituted)-1,4,7-triazaheptanes.
In the aspects of this invention that relate to the cyclization of polyamines, the starting polyamine has the formula
in which:
R1 and R5 are either the same or different and are substituents capable of coordinating metal cations, or precursors that are convertible to such substituents,
R2 and R4 either the same or different and are unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or alkylarylalkyl groups,
R3 is either:
(a) a pendant arm capable of coordinating a metal cation, a precursor convertible to such a pendant arm, or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or alkylarylalkyl group, or
(b) a divalent unsubstituted or substituted alkyl radical forming a cyclic group with either R2 or R4 and the N atom to which R3 is bonded, and
n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
When n is 2 or greater, the R3s may be the same or different, although still within the above definition of R3, and likewise the R4s may be the same or different, although still within the above definition of R4. For embodiments in which R3 falls within part (b) of its definition, the starting compound already bears a cyclic structure but still contains the two N-H groups available for the cyclization reaction of this invention.
The cyclic compound produced by the cyclization reaction of this invention has the formula
in which R6 is an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or alkylarylalkyl group.
Throughout this specification and claims, the term xe2x80x9calkylxe2x80x9d is used to denote any saturated hydrocarbyl group, branched, unbranched, or cyclic. Acyclic alkyl groups are preferred, and unbranched acyclic alkyl groups are particularly preferred. As the formulas indicate, alkyl groups in the definitions of R2, R4, and R6 are divalent alkyl groups, while those in the definitions of R3 are monovalent alkyl groups. In the definitions of R2, R4, and R6, preferred alkyl groups are C1-C6 alkyl, and the most preferred are C2-C4 alkyl. The term xe2x80x9carylxe2x80x9d is used to denote the phenyl group and fused aromatic hydrocarbyl groups such as naphthyl, and phenanthryl. The preferred aryl group is phenyl. The term xe2x80x9csubstitutedxe2x80x9d is used to denote substituents that are inert to the reaction.
While R3 is defined as either a pendant arm or a portion of an additional cyclic structure with the adjacent atoms, preferred R3s are pendant arms, and preferred pendant arms are alkyl phosphonic acids, dialkyl esters of alkyl phosphonic acids, diaryl esters of alkyl phosphonic acids, and alkyl aryl esters of alkyl phosphonic acids. The xe2x80x9calkylxe2x80x9d in the term xe2x80x9calkyl phosphonic acidxe2x80x9d denotes a divalent alkyl group the links the phosphorus atom to the nitrogen atom. Preferred divalent alkyl groups within this definition are C1-C4 alkyl, more preferred are C1-C2 alkyl, and the most preferred is the methylene group. On the ester portion of the group, the preferred groups are alkyl groups, particularly C1-C6 alkyl, and the most preferred are C1-C3 alkyl.
The bridging agent is a reactant having two reactive sites that will undergo a nucleophilic attack by the two N-H groups on the starting polyamine to place the R6 bridge in the location shown in the formula of the cyclized product. Nucleophilic reactions are well known among those skilled in synthetic chemistry, and the groups that will serve effectively in the nucleophilic reactions at the two reactive sites on the bridging agent will be readily apparent to the skilled organic chemist. Examples of these groups are oxo, alkyl or aryl halides, and p-toluene sulfonate. The term xe2x80x9coxoxe2x80x9d denotes an oxygen atom joined to a carbon atom on the bridging agent through a double bond, and bridging agents that contain oxo groups as the electrophiles are either aldehydes or ketones. Following nucleophilic attack on an oxo group the intermediate formed is reduced to form the desired product. The term xe2x80x9chalidexe2x80x9d denotes a halogen atom, of which fluoride, chloride, bromide, or iodide, with chloride and bromide are the most preferred. When the leaving groups are oxo groups, the reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of reducing agents, preferably hydrogen and an hydrogenation catalyst, examples of which are nickel, cobalt, copper, chromium, platinum, and palladium. A preferred hydrogenation catalyst is nickel. The residue of the bridging agent is defined by the definition given above for R6.
The temperature at which the reaction is conducted can vary widely and is not critical to this invention. In general, the formation of undesired products and the degradation of the desired product can be minimized if the reaction temperature is maintained below 120xc2x0 C. In the preferred practice of the cyclization reaction of the invention, the operating temperature is maintained within the range of about 20xc2x0 C. to about 70xc2x0 C. Likewise, the concentration of the reactants can vary and is not critical, although one advantage of the invention is that the reaction can be performed at concentrations higher than the processes of the prior art for forming the same products. Accordingly, in the preferred practice of this aspect of the invention, the concentration of the starting compound (i.e., the polyamine to be cyclized) is at least about 0.03 M, and most preferably from about 0.05 M to about 2.0 M.
The reaction can be performed either neat (i.e., in the absence of a solvent or in the presence of very little solvent) or in the presence of a solvent in significant amounts. When a solvent is used, protic solvents are preferred, and the most preferred among these are alcohols such as a C1-C4 alkyl alcohol.
In the aspects of this invention that relate to the incorporation of a methylenephosphonate ester into a linear polyamine, the starting material is a compound of the formula
in which R2, R4, and n are as defined above, a tri-substituted phosphite of the formula
in which R11, R12, and R13 are either the same or different and are each either alkyl or aryl, and a source of formaldehyde, the reaction being conducted in the presence of water. The terms xe2x80x9calkylxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9carylxe2x80x9d are used here in the same manner as set forth above. The product of the reaction is a compound having the formula
in which R1, R3, and R5 are methylenephosphonate ester groups of the formula
In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, R2 and R4 are each C1-C6 alkyl and most preferably C2-C4 alkyl. Likewise, in preferred embodiments, R11, R12, and R13 are each C1-C6 alkyl, and most preferably C1-C3 alkyl. Preferred values for n are 1 and 2.
The source of formaldehyde that is included among the reactants is any substance that will release formaldehyde for reaction with the polyamine and the tri-substituted phosphite in the reaction medium. Aqueous formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde are common sources of formaldehyde. Other sources of formaldehyde will be readily apparent to the skilled organic chemist. When aqueous formaldehyde is used the water associated with the formaldehyde may be a sufficient source of water in the reaction. When paraformaldehyde is used water must be introduced into the reaction from another source.
The conditions under which this reaction is conducted may vary and are not critical to this aspect of the invention. In the preferred practice of the invention, the reaction is conducted within operating conditions within certain ranges. The weight ratio of water to formaldehyde, for example, is preferably at least about 3:2. Likewise, the temperature at which the reaction is performed is preferably a maximum of about 40xc2x0 C., and most preferably within the range of from about 10xc2x0 C. to about 40xc2x0 C. The reaction may also be conducted in the additional presence of a protic solvent other than water. Preferred such solvents are alcohols such as a C1-C4 alkyl alcohol.
Once the methylenephosphonate esters are bonded to the nitrogen atoms, the product can either be cyclized by action of the bridging agent in accordance with the reaction described above, and then may be subjected to hydrolysis reactions. Alternatively, the linear compound can be directly hydrolyzed to convert any number of the ester groups to acid form. Hydrolysis is performed by conventional techniques well known to the skilled organic chemist. Hydrolysis can be achieved by treatment with either acid or base. Hydrolysis in base typically results in hydrolysis of one of the ester groups on each phosphonate moiety, while hydrolysis in acid typically hydrolyzes both ester groups on each phosphonate moiety.
The hydrolysis reaction is illustrated on the non-cyclized polyamine as follows:
The starting material is a compound of the formula
in which R2, R4, and n are as defined above. This compound is reacted with a tri-substituted phosphite of the formula
in which R11, R12, and R13 are as defined above, and a source of formaldehyde in the presence of water. This reaction yields an intermediate of the formula
in which R1, R3, and R5 are methylenephosphonate radicals of the formula
This intermediate is then hydrolyzed to convert R11 to H. Preferably, any R12 that is other than H is also converted to H.
New compositions of matter within the scope of this invention are the compounds having the formula
in which R21 and R22 are either the same or different, and are either H, alkyl, or aryl. The terms xe2x80x9calkylxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9carylxe2x80x9d are as defined above. A preferred class of compounds are those in which R21 and R22 are either H or C1-C6 alkyl, and a further preferred class are those in which R21 and R22 are either H or C1-C6 alkyl. A still further preferred class are those in which these groups are either H or ethyl. Specific examples are N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x3-tris(methylene-phosphonate diethyl ester)-1,4,7-triazaheptane (the above formula in which R21 and R22 are each ethyl), N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x3-tris(methylenephosphonate ethyl ester)-1,4,7-triazaheptane (the above formula in which R21 is H, and R22 is ethyl), and N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x3-tris(methylenephosphonic acid)-1,4,7-triazaheptane (the above formula in which R21 and R22 are each H). These compounds and all others within the scope of the generic formula shown above are synthesized by the methods disclosed in this specification, and are useful for each of the uses set forth above in the xe2x80x9cDescription of the Prior Artxe2x80x9d section of this specification.
The following examples are offered strictly for purposes of illustration.

Processes for synthesis of cyclic and linear polyamine chelators containing N-monosubstituted coordinating arms


A personal vehicle has a fore section and an aft section. The fore and aft sections each have a frame, a transaxle mounted to the frame, and a wheels attached to the transaxle. The wheels of the aft section are vertically articulated relative to the frame of the aft section. A seat is disposed on the frame of the fore section. A joystick and interface are mounted to the fore section. A motor is mounted to the frame of the aft section. A hydraulic system is operatively connected to the motor. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. A fender assembly is mounted to the fore and aft sections. A rollover structure is mounted to the fore and aft sections. The hydraulic systems controls the directional movement of the personal vehicle and includes a hydraulic pump, rotovalves, a null valve, a drive cylinder, and a steering cylinder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). More particularly, the present invention the relates to ATVs specially equipped for disabled persons.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are commonly used for recreation, such as in motor sports and hunting. ATVs are also used to transport small amounts of equipment and to traverse cumbersome terrain. ATVs are commonly powered by engines and have independent suspensions. ATVs are manufactured with two wheels, three wheels, and four wheels. A seat is usually mounted to the top of the ATV so that a person can drive the ATV. Driving an ATV usually requires the use of all limbs, including both arms and both legs. A driver of an ATV usually uses his or arms and legs so as to change the location of the body on the ATV so as to control the center of gravity of the ATV. A problem has arisen for potential drivers who are physically disabled in one way or another and cannot drive current ATVs due to their physical disability.
Many people throughout the world have physical disabilities that require them to use wheelchairs as a primary means of mobility. Although many types of wheelchairs exist, none have been found that allow a disabled person to traverse cumbersome terrain in the manner that an ATV allows a non-disabled person to do so. Thus, there is a need for a personal vehicle that allows a disabled person to traverse cumbersome terrain while meeting the needs and being specially configured so as to accommodate a disabled person.
Various patents have issued relating to personal vehicles. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0152427, published Jul. 5, 2007 to Olsen, discloses articulated wheel assemblies and an associated vehicle that has at least one offset connecting arm rotatably attached at one end to a payload platform. The arm is attached at the other end to a linear actuator. The payload platform can be a seat. The linear actuator is further connected to a wheel. A rotary actuator varies the linear actuator swing angle. The rotary actuator eccentrically rotates a hubless wheel. A linear actuator motor varies the length of the linear actuator. The assembly and vehicle also have a propulsion motor.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,209, issued on Oct. 19, 2004 to Hedeen, discloses a wheelchair motorizing apparatus that employs an articulated tread drive in combination with front support wheels and rear drive wheels. The tread drive is used to provide traction during the ascent or descent of stairs or the traversing of obstacles. The front support wheels are used to raise and lower the front of the wheelchair. The rear drive wheels are used to raise and lower the rear of the wheelchair in addition to providing drive traction and steering. A positioning mechanism integral with the tread drive acts to keep the treads in contact with the terrain or stairs.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,842, issued on Jul. 15, 2008 to Fontecchio et al., discloses a self-propelled wheelchair with independently driven wheels and dual support frames connected in an articulating relationship. A front frame supports a seat and a rearward extended pivot connector. A pair of front wheels and left and right front drive units are connected to the front frame. A rear frame includes a forwardly extended pivot joint. A rear support platform has a power source thereon. A pair of rear wheels and left and right rear drive units connect thereto. An articulating junction is formed by the front frame pivot connector attached to the rear frame pivot joint and provides articulation between the front frame and rear frame. A manually operable control unit includes computer circuitry in connection with each wheel drive unit. The manipulation of the control unit actuates each drive unit for control of rotational speed and direction of rotation for each wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,989, issued on Aug. 29, 2006 to Ohashi et al., discloses an articulated vehicle with a working device that has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shaft receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected to the port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second frames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,784, issued on May 10, 2005 to Troll, discloses a vehicle incorporating a power unit having a front portion, a rear portion and a power source. A drive wheel is disposed in the front of the power unit and connected to the power source. A brake pad is connected to the power unit beneath the power source and a handle bar extends back from the power unit. The vehicle includes a trailer unit that is disposed behind the power unit. The trailer unit has a two trailer wheels disposed on opposite sides of the trailer unit. A connecting joint connects the power unit to the trailer unit and allows the power unit and trailer unit to move with respect to one another about the horizontal pitch axis and/or vertical yaw axis.
International Publication No. WO2005/007453, published on Jan. 27, 2005 to Gorman, discloses an all terrain vehicle adapted preferably for use in fire-fighting and emergency rescue in remote areas or other areas normally inaccessible by conventional fire and rescue vehicles. The vehicle has front and rear units connected by an articulating joint to improve vehicle mobility and agility. The vehicle further preferably has at least one pump, at least one hose and nozzle, at least one storage reel for the hose or hoses, at least one fluid, and at least one foam and foam mixer.
International Publication No. WO99/08642, published on Feb. 25, 1995 to Prince, discloses a vehicle that is adapted to carry a wheelchair. The vehicle has a chassis on ground-engaging wheels. A floor pan is adapted to receive and unload a wheelchair.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,140, issued on Dec. 22, 1987 to Hatten, discloses a remote-controlled multi-axis all-terrain vehicle that has front and rear-lugged driving wheels. The front and rear wheels are steerable about a vertical axis and pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The vehicle is remotely controlled and includes a hydrostatic drive for the wheels of the vehicle. A level control system includes level sensing instruments and controls for automatically leveling the frame of the vehicle for up to 35° slopes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,046, issued on Mar. 28, 1978 to Stone, discloses an articulated vehicle having forward and rearward frame sections connected together for relative movement about a vertical axis during steering and for oscillation or twisting about a horizontal axis during movement on uneven terrain in which the drive train is supported in such a manner that the angles of displacement of universal connections between drive shafts are maintained at equal angles for all angles of articulation and oscillation.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2001/0033067, published on Oct. 25, 2001 to Vangsgard, discloses an articulating vehicle that includes a front axle operatively connected to a front frame and a rear axle is operatively connected to the rear frame. A torsional joint has an inner shaft member operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastic material is positioned between the inner member and outer member. The elastic material connects the inner and outer members so that the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ATV for disabled persons.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an ATV that can be used for work or recreation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an ATV that has a vertically articulated axle for traversing cumbersome terrain.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an ATV that has front and rear frames that pivot with respect to one another.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an ATV that can be controlled by a disabled person.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an ATV that automatically stops in the event that the disabled person loses control.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an ATV that can be driven by both disabled and non-disabled persons.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.


A manifold segment is provided for tangential flow filtration apparatus. The manifold segment includes a fluid feed conduit, a retentate conduit, a filtrate inlet and a filtrate outlet. An adaptor manifold is provided which directs filtrate from the manifold segment into a tangential flow filtration module and directs filtrate from the module into the manifold segment. Filtrate introduced into the tangential flow filtrate module reduces pressure drop across a filter layer in the module.

This invention relates to a manifold apparatus for a plurality of liquid filtration segments wherein filtration is effected by tangential flow of the liquid across a filter surface. More particularly, this invention relates to a manifold which permits stacking of a plurality of filtration modules wherein liquid is introduced and removed from the filtration module under conditions to provide improved separation of filtrate species from retentate species.
Prior to the present invention, liquids, primarily aqueous liquids, have been filtered by tangential flow modules wherein a plurality of filters are stacked between two manifolds, one at the bottom of the stack and one at the top of the stack. The filtration module stack comprises a collection of one or more filtration modules and associated intermodule gaskets. The filters are separated by appropriate screens and liquid-impervious layers to permit liquid flow, as well as filtrate and retentate flow into and from the stack. In addition, flow holes are provided through the layers within the stack. The holes are sealed appropriately to prevent admixture of filtrate with incoming liquid feed or retentate. The manifolds in each segment are designed so that filtrate is removed from both the top and bottom manifolds while incoming liquid is introduced into one manifold and retentate is removed from the second manifold. This manifold arrangement necessitates fittings to both manifolds in order to supply and remove liquid to and from the stack. This is undesirable since additional manipulative steps for removing and connecting the fittings are required when it is desirable to replace the filtration elements forming the stack.
A common problem encountered with the use of tangential flow filtration modules is the formation and growth of a retentate boundary layer on the filter surface adjacent the fluid inlet or inlets to the retentate surface of the filter. The formation of this layer reduces the efficiency of the filter and mitigates against fine separation of constituents in the fluid feed. This, in turn, results in undesirable retention of desired portions of the filtrate in the retentate. It is believed that a prime cause of the formation of the boundary layer is the relatively high pressure drop along the retentate side of the filter, resulting in high feed inlet pressure.
It has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,102 to provide a manifold for a plurality of filtration modules. However, this manifold arrangement is limited to only one manifold while avoiding the need for conduits external the manifold. That is, when more than one manifold is utilized, external connecting conduits are required.
It has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,542 to provide a manifold apparatus for tangential flow filtration modules which eliminates the need for conduits outside the manifold apparatus and the filtration modules to attain desired flow of fluid feed, filtrate and retentate. It has also been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,828 to provide a manifold apparatus for tangential flow modules at a central section within a stack of filtration modules in order to increase throughput rates of a fluid feed as compared to such an apparatus wherein a fluid is fed from an end of the stack of filtration modules.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a manifold for a plurality of tangential flow filtration modules which accommodates any number of a plurality of filtration modules and manifolds and which provides a means to control pressure drop across a filter layer within the filtration module. In addition, it would be desirable to provide such a manifold which does not require additional conduits outside the manifold apparatus.

Manifold apparatus for tangential flow filtration apparatus


A dynamic random access memory integrated circuit and method includes internal refresh control and an array configured to receive read and write access requests having priority over pending refresh requests, wherein refresh requests are queueable and retired on clock cycles not requiring an access of the array and complete in one clock cycle. No on-board cache memory is required. A method includes: determining within the circuit when one of the banks of the array requires a refresh, prioritizing read and write access requests over pending refresh requests, read access requests initiating an access to the array without determining whether data is available from outside the array, and retiring within a clock cycle one pending refresh request to a bank when that bank has pending refresh requests and does not also require an access of the array on that clock cycle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor memories, and particularly to architecture and organization of a dynamic random-access memory array having automatic internal refreshing of the memory array.
2. Description of Related Art
Semiconductor random-access memory devices or sub-systems using arrays of dynamic memory cells (e.g., 1-transistor/1-capacitor (1T/1C) cells) have consistently provided greater density and lower cost per bit than those using static memory cells (e.g., 6-transistor (6T) cells, or 4-transistor/2-resistor (4T/2R) cells). However, such dynamic random-access memory arrays have historically had lower operational frequencies and longer read access times when compared to static random-access memory arrays. Consequently, system designers have typically chosen dynamic memory arrays (e.g., commercially available dynamic random access memories, or DRAMs) when high density and low cost are required, such as for CPU main memory applications. Conversely, designers have typically chosen static memory arrays when the highest possible performance is required, such as for cache memory and high speed buffer applications. Examples of static memory array devices or sub-systems include commercially available static random access memories (SRAMs) and CPU-resident on-board cache memory sub-systems.
The reasons often cited for the lower performance of dynamic memory arrays include the destructive sensing of all memory cells common to the addressed word line (encountered in virtually all dynamic memory arrays) and the consequential need to restore data back into each sensed memory cell during the active cycle, the need to equilibrate bit lines and various other differential nodes and to precharge various circuit nodes between active cycles, and the requirement for periodic refreshing of all dynamic memory cells.
The need for ever-increasing memory performance at reasonable cost continues unabated. It is being driven by numerous advances toward higher frequency and higher speed applications. For example, the increasing bandwidth demands of computer networking and the internet, the increasing speeds of commercially available processors, and the proliferation of high-frequency wireless communication systems are all driving the need for higher performance memory sub-systems.
In addition to the increased speed requirements of memory systems, there is also an increasing need for low cost memory made possible by small memory cells. The smallest known read/write memory cell is the one transistor/one capacitor dynamic memory cell. Therefore, there is an unfilled need for memory devices that combine the cost advantages of the dynamic memory cell with the performance normally found in memories incorporating larger more expensive SRAM cells. In particular, a refreshing technique and method is needed that meets the goals for memory devices.

Integrated circuit random access memory capable of automatic internal refresh of memory array


Provided are monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind to CD47 of multiple mammalian species, block the binding of SIRPalpha and TSP1 to CD47, promote phagocytosis of susceptible cancer cells, and reverse TSP1 inhibition of nitric oxide signaling, as well as monoclonal antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that compete with the former for binding to CD47 and that exhibit similar biological activities. Also provided are combinations of any of the foregoing. Such antibody compounds are variously effective in 1) treating tissue ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in the setting of organ preservation and transplantation, pulmonary hypertension, sickle cell disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and other instances of surgery and/or trauma in which IRI is a component of pathogenesis; 2) in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; and 3) as anti-cancer agents for treating susceptible cancer cells, promoting their phagocytic uptake and clearance.

The present disclosure relates to antibodies that bind CD47, including that of humans and other mammalian species, and their use in treating conditions and disorders, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and cancers, mediated by this receptor.
CD47 is a cell surface receptor comprised of an extracellular IgV set domain, a 5 membrane spanning transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail that is alternatively spliced. Two ligands bind CD47: thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), and signal inhibitory receptor protein alpha (SIRPalpha). TSP1 binding to CD47 activates the heterotrimeric G protein Gi, which leads to suppression of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. In addition, the TSP1-CD47 pathway opposes the beneficial effects of the nitric oxide pathway in all vascular cells. The nitric oxide (NO) pathway consists of any of three nitric oxide synthase enzymes (NOS I, NOS II and NOS III) that generate bioactive gas NO using arginine as a substrate. NO can act within the cell in which it is produced, or in neighboring cells, to activate the enzyme soluble guanylyl cyclase that produces the messenger molecule cyclic GMP (cGMP). The proper functioning of the NO-cGMP pathway is essential for protecting the cardiovascular system against stresses including, but not limited to, those resulting from wounding, inflammation, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, ischemia, and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). In the context of these cellular stresses, the inhibition of the NO-cGMP pathway by the TSP1-CD47 system exacerbates the effects of stress. This is a particular problem in the cardiovascular system where both cGMP and cAMP play important protective roles. There are many cases in which ischemia and reperfusion injury cause or contribute to disease, trauma, and poor outcomes of surgical procedures.
SIRPalpha is expressed on hematopoietic cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells. When it engages CD47 on a potential phagocytic target cell, phagocytosis is slowed or prevented. The CD47-SIRPalpha interaction effectively sends a "don't eat me" signal to the phagocyte. Thus, blocking the SIRPalpha-CD47 interaction with a monoclonal antibody in this therapeutic context can provide an effective anti-cancer therapy by promoting, i.e., increasing, the uptake and clearance of cancer cells by the host's immune system by increasing phagocytosis, This mechanism is effective in leukemias, lymphomas and many types of solid tumors.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,236,313 contemplates antibodies that could be useful in the field of ischemia and blood flow to reverse and/or prevent tissue ischemia and related and associated tissue and cell damage, including antibodies that block CD47.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,101,719 discloses humanized antibodies that bind to CD47 for use in treating hematological disorders. Objects of the invention include humanized anti-CD47 antibodies and small antibody fragments exhibiting reduced antigenicity while retaining their CD47 binding activity and apoptosis-inducing activity. Such antibodies and small fragments are contemplated for use in treating hematological disorders such as various types of leukemias, malignant lymphoma, aplastic anemia, myeodysplastic syndromes, and polycythemia vera.
PCT International Publication WO 2011/143624 discloses chimeric and humanized anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies for use as reagents for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of diseases associated with CD47 in humans, particularly in cancer therapy, for example to increase phagocytosis of cancer cells expressing CD47. Preferred antibodies are non-activating, i.e., block ligand binding, but do not signal. Disclosed humanized B6H12 and 5F9 antibodies bound soluble human CD47; B6H12 also bound human CD47 on the surface of human CD47-transfected YB2/0 cells. Humanized B6H12 and 5F9 antibodies enabled phagocytosis of CFSE-labeled HL-60 cells by mouse bone marrow- or peripheral blood-derived macrophages in vitro, respectively. Humanized B6H12 utilized human VH-3-7 and VK3-11 frameworks.
U.S. 2013/0142786 discloses non-activating anti-CD47 antibodies that increase the phagocytosis of CD47 expressing cells.
PCT International Publication WO 2013/119714 discloses anti-CD47 antibodies that do not cause a significant level of hemagglutination of human red blood cells.
There exists a need for antibodies to human CD47 that selectively block the binding of TSP1 to CD47 to promote the beneficial effects of nitric oxide-cGMP signaling and cAMP signaling in the cardiovascular system in settings in which IRI plays a role in pathogenesis. These situations/diseases include organ transplantation, acute kidney injury, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, pulmonary hypertension, sickle cell disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, surgical resections and reconstructive surgery, reattachment of digits/body parts, skin grafting, and trauma. There is also a need for antibodies that block the binding of SIRPalpha to CD47, thus providing novel anti-cancer therapies.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An exercise apparatus is disclosed for exercising a user thereof. The apparatus includes a frame and an elongate beam having a first and a second end. The beam is pivotally secured to the frame about a first pivotal axis disposed between the first and the second end of the beam. A user operated arrangement having a first and a second extremity is connected to the beam between the first end of the beam and the first pivotal axis. The arrangement is such that in use of the apparatus, when the user is exercising, the user exerts a variable force through the user operated arrangement, the variable force being transmitted to the beam for pivoting the beam about the first pivotal axis. Weights are pivotally secured to the frame such that in use of the apparatus, movement of the weights from a first to a second disposition thereof is permitted. A linkage extends from a second end of the beam to the weights such that in use of the apparatus during the beginning of an exercise, the weights are disposed in the first disposition thereof so that a minimal force is required to maintain the weights from movement thereof to the second disposition. However, during further exercising movement of the user, a further force greater than the minimal force is required in order to counteract a tendency for the weights to move from the first to the second disposition thereof so that the variable force is required by the user during use of the apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for exercising a user thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus which enables a user thereof to apply a variable force during use of the apparatus.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
In a typical prior art exercise apparatus, the user thereof is required to exert a force to lift one or more weights through a series of exercise repetitions or cycles in order to exercise the user's muscles. Moreover, when the user has become exhausted by completing a certain number of lifting repititions (reps), the exercise is completed.
However, it has been discovered by the inventor of the subject invention that psychologically, if the user is able to begin the exercise sequence by lifting a comparitively small weight and then without stopping is able to increase the amount of weights lifted, such enables the user to continue such exercise so as to complete more repititions than is possible when lifting the heavier weight initially and through the entire exercising operation.
Furthermore, Applicant has discovered that when the user is unable to complete another lifting repitition, the user in fact is able to complete more lifting repititions if the weights are reduced.
Therefore, according to the present invention, the user is able to complete a more extended exercise than is possible with the prior art arrangements.
Therefore, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which permits a user thereof to initially lift a weight through one or more cycles and there after lift an increased weight through an additional number of cycles and subsequently completing a bonus exercise by lifting a reduced weight through yet a further number of cycles in order to complete the exercise.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that with regard to the range of motion of for example the user's arm during an exercise, the maximum stress is put on the relevant muscle wherever desired, preferably at a point where the muscle is somewhat extended and at its strongest point, then the stress diminishes to nothing as the muscle contracts.


A stove has a firebox for burning solid fuels such as wood or coal, an opening in a side wall communicating with the firebox, a window housing surrounding the wall opening and protruding laterally from the stove, a transparent window pane mounted in the window housing in alignment with the wall opening and through which the interior of the firebox may be viewed, and a door assembly arranged in the window housing between the window pane and the wall opening. The door assembly includes a door having first and second panels, with hinges connecting the lower edge of the first door panel to the upper edge of the second door panel for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis. Inclined track members extend downwardly along the interior sides of the window housing and inwardly away from the window pane. A handle accessible through a vent opening in the top of the window housing is employed to pivotally adjust the door between a raised open position exposing the window pane to the wall opening, and a lowered closed position at which the door panels are generally coplanar shielding the window pane from the wall opening and the firebox interior.

This invention relates generally to a stove for burning solid fuels such as wood or coal, with a window for viewing the fire, and more particularly to an improved collapsible door assembly for shielding the window at selected times, such as when loading the stove with fuel.
Stoves of the above-mentioned type are well known, as shown for example by U.S. Pat. No. 3,757,766 (Stevenson). The present invention has as its primary objective the provision of an improved door assembly which affords a more positive and effective closure. Other objects of the present invention include the provision of a collapsible door assembly without exposed handles, tracks, etc. that detract from the appearance of the stove.

Stove door assembly for shielding viewing window from firebox interior


Xanthene derivatives having cations of the formula: ##STR1## in which X is an --SO.sub.2 --N(R.sup.6)--COR.sup.7 or --SO.sub.2 --N(R.sup.6)--CO.sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Y grouping, wherein R.sup.6 is an alkyl group containing not more than about 6 carbon atoms, R.sup.7 is an alkyl or aryl group containing not more than about 10 carbon atoms and Y is an electron-withdrawing group; Z is a hydrogen atom or an --SO.sub.2 --N(R.sup.1)--R.sup.2 --NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 R.sup.5 grouping; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing not more than about 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is an alkylene group containing from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently an alkyl group containing not more than about 6 carbon atoms, and R.sup.5 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containikng not more than about 6 carbon atoms, are useful as light-screening dyes in photographic products and processes.

This invention relates to sulfonated xanthene dyes, and to photographic products and processes using these dyes.
It is well known that photographic film, especially multicolor film, may and generally does vary from lot to lot, notwithstanding efforts to "repeat" previous films. Manufacturers of multicolor photographic film have developed a number of procedures to minimize the effects upon the final multicolor image of unavoidable variations in manufacturing operations. These variations are reflected primarily in shifts in color balance as reflected in mismatching of the D log E curves of the individual red, green and blue exposures. Equipment used to coat multicolor film is highly precise but variations from the intended coverage of silver halide and/or the dye image-forming materials do occur. Repeat batches of silver halide emulsions may, and usually do, vary in their photographic response. Individual layers may be dried to slightly different degrees. Film is stored for a period of time after coating to allow the films to "age", so that changes in sensitometry following coating have an opportunity to reach a plateau prior to sale. If the film is designed to be developed by a photofinisher or in a darkroom, processing of the exposed multicolor film is controlled within very narrow limits, typically within .+-.0.5.degree. C. from a prescribed temperature, in order to minimize sensitometric variations from film to film. Where the multicolor film is of the negative type, an opportunity to adjust the sensitometry occurs in printing the desired final positive image, during which operation the printing exposure may be appropriately color filtered.
The basic sources of sensitometric variations noted above exist also in multicolor diffusion transfer films, with the added complication that once the film is shipped, the sensitometric properties are essentially fixed. The opportunity for adjustment provided in darkroom processing, practically speaking, is not available for users of self-developing films. While professional and advanced amateur photographers may be skillful enough to utilize color correction filters to at least partially "rebalance" the color balance, ordinary users of the film would only be confused by such additional operations.
It is well known to use a light-screening dye in a photographic product. Such a dye may be incorporated as a filter dye in a light-sensitive emulsion layer, in a layer coated over one or more light-sensitive emulsion layers, or between two differently color-sensitized emulsion layers, to modify the light record in the emulsion layer or to control the spectral composition of light falling on an underlying light-sensitive layer, or it may be incorporated as an antihalation dye in a non-light-sensitive layer positioned on either side of a support carrying the light-sensitive layer(s).
The dye employed for these purposes, in addition to having the requisite spectral absorption characteristics for its intended use, should be photochemically inert, that is, it should not have any adverse effect on the properties of the light-sensitive emulsion layer(s), and it should be capable of being decolorized or removed during photographic processing so as not to leave stain in the processed photographic product. Even in photographic processes where the dye is removed by being dissolved in a processing solution, it is also usually preferred that the dye decolorize in order to avoid contamination of the processing solution and to prevent staining from residual dye in the processed photographic product.
Although various classes of dyes have been proposed for use in antihalation and color correction filter layers, many of the dyes heretofore employed have not been altogether satisfactory. Some of the dyes tend to reduce sensitivity, fog or exert other adverse effect on the photographic product. However, the major drawback of many dyes previously employed is their tendency to cause stain due to incomplete decolorization or reversal of some of the decolorized form to the original colored form. For example, some classes of dyes rely on the presence of a reagent, such as a sulfite, for "bleaching", i.e., decolorization, and unless the dye is removed from the photographic product during or after processing, its color may reappear in time as the decolorized dye is slowly re-oxidized.
Among the classes of light-screening dyes used previously are the triarylmethanes and xanthenes. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,879,537; 1,994,876; 2,350,090 and 3,005,711 disclose the use of fuchsone-type dyes in antihalation layers, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,406,069 and 3,615,548 are concerned with the metal chelates of fuchsone dyes as antihalation dyes. These and other types of triarylmethane dyes suffer from one or more of the drawbacks discussed above, and in particular, prior dyes of this type have been difficult to keep decolorized at the pH's normally encountered during processing subsequent to "bleaching" and in the final product. Xanthenes have been employed in antihalation layers that are removed during photographic processing. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,182,794; 2,203,767 and 2,203,768 disclose the use of rhodamine dyes in certain antihalation layers that are removed during processing in an acid bath or a plain water rinse bath depending upon the solubility characteristics of the particular layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,118, issued Mar. 24, 1981 to James W. Foley, Louis Locatell, Jr. and Charles M. Zepp, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application, describes certain 3,6-bisindolinoxanthene derivatives, which find utility as photographic light-screening dyes and offer advantages over the light-screening dyes previously used because of their ability to decolorize completely and irreversibly to a substantially inert colorless product. Specifically, the dyes disclosed and claimed in this patent comprise xanthene derivatives having cations of the formula: ##STR2## in which X is an --SO.sub.2 --N(R')--COCH.sub.3 or --SO.sub.2 --N(R')--CO.sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Y grouping, wherein R' is an alkyl group and Y is an electron-withdrawing group.
These dyes suffer, however, from the disadvantage their wavelength of maximum absorption (.lambda..sub.max) undergoes substantial shifts in the presence of certain wetting agents and polymeric binders; in extreme cases, the absorption may even be shifted into the near infrared, thereby rendering the dyes unsuitable for use in conventional photographic products sensitive to visible light. In addition, these dyes are difficult to disperse in certain media.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,119, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,950, both to Cournoyer et al. and assigned to the same assignee as the present application, describe sulfonated derivatives of the dyes described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,118; the disclosures of these patents are herein incorporated by reference. These sulfonated dyes, which are stated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,258,119 and 4,290,950, to be of the formula: ##STR3## in which X is as defined above and A is a hydrogen or an --SO.sub.3 H group, have recently been found to be of the formula: ##STR4## in which X and A are as defined above. These sulfonated dyes do not undergo the shifts in .lambda..sub.max in polymeric media which the unsulfonated dYes do. However, these sulfonated derivatives do undergo very slow conversion to the uncolored form of the dye during storage of photographic products containing these dyes, and this slow conversion may limit the shelf-life of such photographic products. Furthermore, when these sulfonated dyes are used in self-developing photographic products, in practice it is typically necessary to coat the dyes from a mixture of water and trifluoroethanol to prevent agglomeration of the dyes upon contact with the mordant. Trifluoroethanol is highly acutely toxic, a severe irritant, can cause tissue damage and pulmonary edema, and is also known to have undesirable effects on the male reproductive system. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to eliminate this solvent from manufacturing operations.
Accordingly, there is a need for dyes having similar properties to those disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,258,119 and 4,290,950, but which have greater storage stability and which can be coated without the use of toxic solvents. The present invention provides dyes meeting these requirements.

Sulfonated xanthene dyes, and photographic products and processes employing these dyes