A feeding system for cultured species including: (a) providing (i) a sensor able to detect feed particles passing through a sample area, and (ii) a control unit, including computer data storage age media in communication with the sensor, and (b) detecting and discriminating feed particles that pass through the sample area; wherein the control unit is able to process information obtained from the sensor and regulate subsequent feed output based on algorithm parameters, said algorithm parameters determine the instantaneous feed rate of the cultured species to adjust and match the preferred feed values meted to the cultured species at any given time.

This invention relates to a system for feeding cultured species, and in particular in relation to cultured fish species. The system is able to automatically regulate feed output for the cultured species.
Wild species of fish introduced to aquacultures, and indeed semi wild domesticated species, exhibit broad feeding cycles that reflect the very nature of the diversification of such species. Such feeding cycles are effected by exogenous and endogenous factors that impose variations to the broad pattern.
Because of these variations, it is difficult to match feed output to the preferential feeding patterns of the cultured fish and thereby effect the ability to maximise the growth of the cultured fish. Such variations also effect the feeding efficiency resulting in feed wastage.
Various systems are available that, to a certain extent regulate the feed provided to aquaculture systems. Such systems may include detection devices which are able to shut off the supply of feed if an amount of feed is detected above a minimum value. Such systems generally are merely a xe2x80x9con/offxe2x80x9d system and do not take into account the various exogenous and endogenous factors that may effect the feeding pattern. Accordingly, feed wastage still occurs, and indeed the fish may also not be fed to satiation.
It should however be appreciated that the system may have broader applications for use other than in the feeding of fish species, for example the feeding of cultured crustaceans or indeed non-aquatic species For convenience, it is appropriate to describe the invention in reference to aquaculture species in particular.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the difficulties associated with such systems.
The present invention resides in a feeding system for cultured species including:
(a) providing
i) a sensor able to detect feed particles passing through a sample area, and
ii) a control unit, including computer data storage media in communication with the sensor, and
(b) detecting and discriminating feed particles that pass through the sample area;
wherein the control unit is able to process information obtained from the sensor and determine subsequent feed output based on algorithm parameters, said algorithm parameters regulate the instantaneous feed rate of the cultured species to adjust and match the preferred feed values meted to the cultured species at any given time.
The invention is able to identify and adapt the macro and micro changes in feeding behaviour in order to increase the feeding efficiency of the cultured species. The system according to the invention is able to ensure that fish are fed to satiation (or below if required) while maintaining an efficient food conversion ratio.
The sensor of the present invention is able to detect a sample, or indeed the absolute amount of feed which passes through a population of species occupying a particular aquaculture system. The system may include an enclosure such as a net, pen, tank, pond or other enclosure suitable for aquaculture. The information obtained by the sensor may be used by the control unit to regulate subsequent feed output.
Generally, the control unit of the invention incorporates computer data storage media, interface circuitry, EPROM memory, RAM memory, battery backed real-time clock, control button, LCD display together with appropriate software. The system may also include a switched source of power for activating existing feed dispensers.
Accordingly, the present invention further resides in computer data storage media embodying computer software which functions according to the following steps:
i) process information received from a sensor able to detect feed particles in a sample area;
ii) discriminate feed particles from other particles passing within the sample area;
iii) determine the instantaneous feed rate of a cultured species within a defined system; and
iv) determine-subsequent feed output based on algorithm parameters to match the preferred feed values meted to the cultured species at any given time.
The control unit is able to store the feeding history of the cultured species and to calculate an optimum feed regime based upon the stored history, and/or other parameters inputed by a user. The feed history may be mapped over a period of time by monitoring the feeding behaviour of the cultured species relative to the feed output and the amount of feed detected by the sensor.
The feed output is preferably controlled by the control unit The control unit preferably has a learning ability to allow it to call on prior knowledge or memory to calculate appropriate instantaneous settings. This learning ability is preferably encoded by software. The prior knowledge, or stored history, is based on past events, including feeding meal rates and feeding periods, and is stored and averaged over a period of time.
The sensor may be any suitable sensing device capable of sensing the amount of feed passing through a sample area. The sensor may be any sensor able to measure the change in flux of particles passing through a sample area, including measurement by optical, ultrasonic or other doppler effect The sample area may be a small sample area within the aquaculture system, or indeed may be the entire aquaculture system. The sensor should be able to discriminate between feed particles and other foreign material.
A preferred sensor includes:
(i) a body having an aperture orientated in use to allow objects to pass therethrough;
(ii) at least one light emitter for projecting a band of light across the aperture; and
(iii) at least one light receiver for detecting the amount of light passed across the aperture;
wherein in use, the profile of an object passing through the aperture is determined ratiometrically by measuring the instantaneous change in light level caused by the occlusion of light by the object.
Such a sensor may include collimating mirrors in order to direct the light from the light emitter to the light receiver. Real-time analysis of the profile of the object passing through the aperture allows for discrimination between the feed pellets and other objects passing through the aperture and is able to determine the rate of which the feed particles pass through the aperture.
A preferred sensor is described in co-pending Australian application PN 6815 and subsequently as International application No. PCT/Au96/00751, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The sensor is generally used for underwater use. Accordingly, it is preferred to have a sensor where the light receiver(s), light emitter(s), collimating mirrors and other associated circuitry is based with a body. The body generally involves a material transparent to the wavelength of light used by the sensor. The general design allows different sensors with a range of apertures to be manufactured utilising common operating principles and manufacturing techniques. The body generally incorporates a planar configuration consisting of two opposing plates allowing the components of the sensor to be enclosed therein. The body may be fabricated from flat sheets, such as acrylic, polycarbonate or similar material either by machining or molding. The plates have recessed areas which enclose the collimating mirrors, the light emitters and receivers and accompanying electronic systems. The opposing sheets are bonded at the time of assembly to provide a completely water tight enclosure. The bonding technique may utilise adhesives, ultrasonic welding or any suitable method, including the use of fastening bolts.
The underwater sensor may be submerged to a depth which is dependent on the type of cage structure, average water conditions, the species feeding behaviour, the number of species in the cage, the age of the species and the type of feed used. For example, fish feeding depth will also alter under certain environmental and temporal conditions.
The control unit will generally control the feed dispensed to the cultured species. The control unit is able to utilise information received from the sensor, and other parameters including xe2x80x9clearntxe2x80x9d feeding history of the species and other inputed parameters.
Preferably, in a typical feeding pattern, the minimum feed value is dispensed for a short period of time of from, for example, half a second to 60seconds. The sensor is then able to determine the amount of feed particles passing through the sample area. Information is then relayed to the control unit relating to the number of feed particles in the sample area relative to a predetermined value. The computer data storage media of the control unit is able to adjust subsequent output according to the information it receives. A typical feed cycle may include the steps of:
(i) increasing the feed output if the number of feed particles in the sample area are below a predetermined value
(ii) maintaining the feed output if the number of feed particles in the sample area are within a pre-determined threshold;
(iii) decreasing the feed output if the number of feed particles are above a pre-determined value or discontinue feeding if the number of feed values are above a predetermined minimum value.
Preferably, the feed will be dispensed at intervals from about 1 second to about 10 minutes. Most preferably, feed is disposed every 1 to 2 minutes, although this may vary depending upon both the maximum and minimum predetermined instantaneous feed rate, and the feed distributor hardware.
In establishing the system according to the present invention, the system may further include the steps of:
(a) Establishing the relevant information relating to the setting of algorithm parameters prior to dispensing the minimum feed value. Such algorithm parameters may relate to factors such as minimum and maximum feed values, feed increments, species type and number, and other environmental considerations, such as water temperature.
(b) Calibrating the sensor to determine spatial configuration relating to the sample area. For example, some calibration will be required depending upon the depth at which the sensor is likely to be placed, water turbulency, currents and other such factors. Calibration may also be required in order to allow the sensor to discriminate between the feed particles and other matter, for example fish faeces.
(c) Comparing and adjusting the calibration of the sensor to compensate for uncalibrated objects. Such additional calibration may be conducted during the feeding cycle to allow for matters and other objects that were not previously considered. This may be an ongoing requirement, but generally, due to the ability of the software to learn, further calibration is not required.
The sensor and control unit are able to utilise electronic and statistical methods to define food particles such as pellets as opposed to other foreign material.
The system itself may be monitored remotely by a hard wired communication link to the control unit, or by radio communications or by means of a portable data log off. The system can operate independently of a communication link if required.
The system may incorporate multiple sensors through a single controller and a single sensor or variations thereof.
Various algorithms are used in order to determine the instantaneous feed output. This may be achieved by an adaptive feeding algorithm which utilises the underwater sensor to discriminate pellets and then xe2x80x9cdecidexe2x80x9d on an appropriate feeding level. The system uses predetermined program setting values as a starting point and over time software function evaluates and optimises these settings based on the full pattern data accumulated.
The following description provides examples of the parameters that are used to establish ranges within which the algorithm can function.
System parameters (sensor calibration and program settings) are initially set by the user or from pre-defined internal tables of settings. After a period of time (for example 1 week, enough data is collected by the system for the system to automatically evaluate the best or most appropriate feeding rate and frequency and/or sensor calibration values, and to test whether the user defined settings are appropriate. Changes are made and the user is informed if there is a significant shift.
The system temporally xe2x80x9cmapsxe2x80x9d and stores the average cumulative feeding patterns (feed output per time). The number of food particles counted over time and user generated system setting values. All these parameters can change as fish get larger, feed size changes or environmental and seasonal factors such as temperature, photo period etc alter. The system automatically compares user settings to historical data and then optimises settings to accord with the current situation.
The system accomplishes this by comparing historical averages relevant to the species, average for size, stock density, culture unit type, seasonal variations such as water temperature and latitude. Various parameters may then be varied automatically, for example such parameters include:
The maximum feed delivery (food amount/bio-mass of culture species/time)
The minimum feed delivery (food amount/bio-mass of culture species/time)
The duration of the meal
The number of meals per day
The distribution of daily feed intake per meal
The period between meals (sleep period)
The quantity and frequency of delivery of feed within a meal
The ratio of the quantity of feed particles counted in relation to the amount of food presented.
The feed particles generated through user inputed parameters is calibrated and data is compared to the actual present calibrated values recorded. When calibrated pellet values (user calibrated) appear different to actual pellets sensed, the system will self adjust and inform the user. The system will then utilise these modified calibration values. The user can then recalibrate the sensor and then verify that the newly calibrated values are not significantly different to the systems modified calibration values if required. This self analysis allows for the detection of potential changes in the pellet characteristics such as pellet density or shape, factors that the user may not distinguish easily. The user will generally only distinguish changes in pellet size (for example a change from a 4 mm diameter pellet to a 6 mm diameter pellet and will in this case re-calibrate the sensor manually.
Various program parameters may be incorporated into the system and adjusted by algorithm if deviations occur. The algorithm stores the required information. Definitions of user entered and defined settings may include:
Sink Rate:
The sink rate (cm/second) of the pellet used in combination with the sensor depth is used to establish or give the algorithm a guide as to when pellets will pass through a sample area. This allows the algorithm to sequence feed delivered to match the time when this feed should pass the sample area.
Depth:
This is the depth from the water surface to the sensor
Gain:
This is an adjustment which allows the user to eliminate xe2x80x9cbackgroundxe2x80x9d interference if present and depends upon the type of sensor used with the system. The algorithm can automatically range the gain setting to determine the most appropriate value at the time.
The control unit bases all operations on daily feeding programs with settings defined by the user and modified based on historical data collected by the system. Each program divides the day into intervals or steps. These intervals are specified by means of a start time and a stop time.
Sleep:
The sleep period is the period that the system does not operate in between feeding periods or meals.
Minimum Pause:
The minimum pause time is the shortest time between feed output events during a meal and is determined initially by a system of predetermined values based on the species and stocking density and culture type factors.
Maximum Pause:
The maximum pause is the maximum delay between feeder output events and is determined by the same factors as the minimum pause.
Minimum Sleep:
The minimum sleep time is the smallest time that the feeder will remain inactive after a feeding bout or meal has completed.
Maximum Sleep:
The maximum sleep time is the longest period that all operations are suspended after a feeding bout. Over the day, the sleep period will auto range between the minimum and the maximum sleep settings to hone in on the preferred temporal feeding pattern of the fish.
Minimum Feed:
This is the minimum amount of feed delivered.
Maximum Feed:
This is the maximum amount of feed delivered by the feed distributor. The upper limit can be constrained by the size of the cage, feed in spatial distribution pattern and maximum number of pellets ingested per fish per minute. The appropriate instantaneous intake rate is determined by auto ranging between the minimum and maximum feed values.
Sensitivity:
Sensitivity is the level of feed detected that determines the subsequent feed output outcome.
Meal Maximum:
The meal maximum sets the upper limit to the amount of food delivered in a meal, that is without a sleep period intervening before the system will warn the user or turn off automatically. This is a safeguard against over feeding due to malfunction of hardware.
Water current threshold:
When the water current reaches a threshold velocity and direction of the system will be turned off until the current and direction go below the threshold. This will allow for the sensor to account for feed which may be lost due to water movement.
The computer data storage media is able to adapt certain parameters as may be required. Such parameters may include:
The instantaneous feed output, which is the actual amount of feed delivered after the algorithm has analysed all circumstances.
The instantaneous feeding process that utilises user defined settings and historical data to regulate the instantaneous feed output. This is determined by an instantaneous feeding algorithm.
The pattern recognition response determined by an algorithm analyses historic system settings, feeding pattern data and other factors to modify the instantaneous feeding process, and therefore the instantaneous feed input.
Object discrimination response to allow for and discriminate from uncalibrated objects using statistical methods.
The window, or period during which the sensor is functioning, when the probability of detecting calibrated objects is greatest.
The system of the invention may include the following process steps:
(A) determine historical system settings;
(B) modify current system parameters if necessary;
(C) set the feed distributor output to a minimum feed value;
(D) Record xe2x80x9cbackgroundxe2x80x9d events, that is uncalibrated objects outside of the sensing window and define the number of model groupings using statistical techniques;
(E) dispense the selected amount of feed;
(F) commence sensing just prior to the sensing window. Compare uncalibrated objects in the presensing window to calibrated objects;
(G) compare pre window uncalibrated objects to window sensed objects and compensate if necessary;
(H) adjust if necessary;
(I) measure any feed pellets which pass through the sensor;
(J) wait for a short period, for example, 1-60 seconds;
(K) if less than a predetermined threshold number of pellets were counted and the feeder output is less than a predetermined maximum value, increase output of feeder by one increment,
if greater than the threshold number of pellets are counted, reduce output of feeder by an increment of its previous value,
if the number of pellets counted equals threshold or is within a band, maintain feeder output;
(L) if the feeder output determined is less than a predetermined minimum then wait for a predetermined sleep time, for example 30 minutes to 1 hour, and compare feed rate per time of day to historical information to optimise sleep value. If pattern recognition response criteria has been met, then sleep for a predetermined period, then return to step (A).
All this information, both user inputed, and those adapted by the system through use, allow for a feeding system that automatically adjusts to the desired feeding regime of the cultured species. The feed outcome is based upon prior inputed values, prior feeding pattern profiles and prior and present algorithm settings.
The system of the invention provides for an improvement in the feed conversion efficiency in feeding cultured fish species in particular. Determining tests in salmonids have shown a 5-20% improvement in feed conversion efficiency with a 10-20% faster growth rate of the fish, and a more uniform fish size. There is also a more consistent flesh characteristic (pigment, fat content and texture), a reduction in feed wastage, and a shortening of production cycle by up to 1 to 5 months. There is also a general improvement in stock health due to satiation feeding in each meal.
The system may also allow for some control of production/harvest by adopting a particular strategy, for example satiation feeding, restricted feeding or cyclical feeding.
It will be convenient to describe the invention by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate some preferred embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention are possible and consequently the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not to be understood as surpassing the generality of the preceding description of the invention.
FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a schematic diagram of the embodiments of the cultured species feed system according to the invention.
FIGS. 3 and 4 relate to graphical representation of a typical feeding pattern for a fish species.
FIG. 5 represents an embodiment of a sensor arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 6 represents a flow diagram of a typical feeding regime.


A titanium aluminide substrate (4) is vulnerable to air oxidation, limiting the use of this substrate in a variety of industrial applications, including the aircraft and aerospace industries. A bilayer reactive barrier (2) is formed on a titanium aluminide substrate. The barrier layer includes an xcex1-Al2O3 layer (6) from the reaction of oxygen from the disassociation of water with alumina in a gaseous and water vapor atmosphere at high temperatures and low oxygen concentration. During the process, titanium migrates through the xcex1-Al2O3 to a gas/barrier layer surface (14) and is oxidized to form a Ti2O3 layer (8). A surface of the Ti2O3 layer is subsequently oxidized to form a TiO2 layer (12). In this manner, a triple layer barrier is formed in which the immersible TiO2 and xcex1-Al2O3 are separated by Ti2O3. The three layers are bonded to each with a bond strength greater than 4500 kPa.

The present invention relates to processes for forming barrier layers on metal surfaces. It finds particular application in conjunction with forming barrier layers on titanium and aluminum containing substrates, particularly titanium aluminides, which resist oxidation, resist corrosion, resist wear and abrasion, and resist corrosive media.
Titanium aluminide is currently being investigated to replace super alloys for use in aircraft turbine engines and aircraft structures. Titanium aluminide is about half the density of superalloys of comparable strength, so a large reduction in aircraft weight is possible. The titanium aluminide alone is quite brittle, but workers have been able to add other elements to reduce this brittleness. A remaining development problem is that the oxidation resistance of these titanium aluminide compounds is lower than desired at elevated temperature. Therefore, a key factor in increasing the maximum use temperature is the enhancement of oxidation resistance while maintaining creep and strength performance.
Previous attempts to develop a protective coating have resulted in coatings which are unstable or tend to peel off. If a titanium aluminide substrate is oxidized in air or oxygen at high temperature, as is conventionally done, Al2O3 and TiO2 are formed. These two oxides have different structures and are immiscible in each other. As such, the mixed oxide is porous and weakly bonded to the substrate. Therefore, they are subject to spallation from the substrate. As such, the oxides are not an effective oxygen barrier. That is, they do not prevent the diffusion of oxygen into the substrate and the reaction of oxygen with aluminum, titanium, and other elements below the surface.
The present invention relates to a new and improved technique for forming strongly-bonded surface barriers for titanium aluminide substrates, which overcomes the above-referenced problem, and to the structures produced by such a technique.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a process for the formation of a specific reactive element bilayer barrier on a titanium aluminide substrate is described. The bilayer barrier comprises an oxide coating formed from the reaction of specific reactive elements within the substrate with oxygen from water vapor in the presence of hydrogen at high temperatures and low oxygen concentrations. This coating is formed by placing at least a surface and contiguous regions of a titanium aluminide material in a gaseous atmosphere with a small concentration of water vapor at a high temperature. That temperature and water vapor concentration are then maintained throughout the oxide formation. The specific reactive elements at the substrate surface are reacted with oxygen from the gaseous hydrogen/water vapor atmosphere to form the bilayer barrier. The barrier layer is strongly bonded to the surface with an aluminum oxide at a substrate/barrier layer interface and a titanium oxide at a barrier layer/gaseous interface.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the product of the process described above is provided. The product is a bilayer oxide coating on a titanium aluminide substrate. The bilayer oxide coating comprises an aluminum oxide layer on the substrate/barrier layer interface and a titanium oxide layer on the barrier layer/substrate interface.
One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a barrier that is resistant to permeation by oxygen.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it forms a barrier which resists wear.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it forms a surface barrier which inhibits erosion.
Still another advantage resides in the strong adhesion of a barrier layer to a titanium aluminide substrate.
Still further advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

xcex1-Al2O3 and Ti2O3 protective coatings on aluminide substrates


The present invention relates to a chain drive, in particular camshaft/camshaft drive for an automotive engine, the chain drive comprising at least two chain gears and a drive chain. Such a chain drive shall be made more compact without excessively great losses in its low-noise characteristics. To this end at least two chain gears are arranged in laterally offset relationship with one another in axial direction. The drive chain is a multiple-track chain. Each of the offset chain gears has assigned thereto a separate track of the multiple-track chain due to the lateral offset. The tip diameters of the offset chain gears are overlapping.

The present invention relates to a chain drive, in particular camshaft/camshaft drive for an automotive engine, the chain drive comprising at least two chain gears and a drive chain.
In particular in the field of internal combustion engines, there is a need for reliably functioning control chain drives. In this respect high demands are made on the low-noise characteristics of such chain drives, so that numerous measures are taken for preventing unnecessary vibrations as well as running noise caused thereby. It is generally known that a quiet run can be expected when the number of teeth of the chain gears is great; that is why small chain gear sizes are not willingly accepted. On the other hand, more and more efforts are made to provide compact internal combustion engines as well as chain drives needed therefor. In a camshaft/camshaft drive for an automotive engine, limits are already set by the axial distance between the two camshafts, which must be kept in mind.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve a chain drive of the above-mentioned type with respect to its compactness, with noise or wear aspects being paid attention to.
According to the invention this object is achieved in that at least two chain gears are arranged in laterally offset relationship with one another in axial direction, the drive chain is a multiple-track chain, each of the offset chain gears has assigned thereto a separate track of the multiple-track chain due to the lateral offset, and the tip diameters of the offset toothed wheels are overlapping. Normally, multiple-track chains are only used in fields where they are in engagement with a multiple-track chain gear to be able to transmit large forces. In this case, however, a multiple-track chain is used for simultaneously driving chain gears that are laterally offset to one another, namely in the form that the chain gears are even overlapping. With a standard arrangement without a lateral offset, such an overlap would of course not be possible. At the same time, however, the number of teeth of the chain gears can be kept large despite the axial distance which is per se too small so as to achieve a run of the multiple-track chain that is as quiet as possible. Theoretically, it would be possible with such an arrangement to make the chain gears overlapping to such an extent that the gearing of the one chain gear almost contacts the axis of the other chain gear. When a projection of the axes is avoided, an even greater overlap would be possible. However, the two chain gears should not be seated on a joint axle or shaft, but should drive different elements (e.g. camshafts). The number of the offset chain gears can be chosen in dependence upon the number of the tracks of the multiple-track chain. The chain gears can have different tooth numbers.
In dependence upon the speeds to be used and the forces to be transmitted, it may further be necessary for the prevention of tilting moments that at the side next to the gearings of the overlapping chain gears a respective support means is provided for the track of the multiple-track chain that is not in engagement with the associated chain gear. The force of the chain gear acting on the multiple-track chain is asymmetrical relative to the longitudinal center line of the multiple-track chain, so that corresponding asymmetrical forces are acting thereon. Support means help to prevent a lateral tilting of the multiple-track chain, whereby noise can once again be minimized because corresponding vibrations are suppressed.
Track means each time that part of the multiple-track chain that is laterally provided next to a chain gear but not in engagement therewith. Said track is of course in engagement with the respectively other chain gear.
In case the track is to be supported by the chain gears themselves, such a configuration has its limits. It is therefore preferred in one embodiment that an overlap of the chain gears is greater than the sum of the height of the plates of the multiple-track chain and of the difference of tip circle radius less pitch circle radius. A support means integrated on the chain gear would come into contact with the gearing of the respectively other chain gear in the case of such a dimensioning rule.
According to a further embodiment it is therefore intended to provide slide rails as support means. As a rule, these are at a standstill relative to the chain gears, and the track is sliding therealong. Slide rails have already been used in chain drives for very different purposes for a long time so that the problems associated therewith have already been solved in the prior art in many ways. Materials and, if necessary, also lubricant supply can readily be used for the slide rails. It is also possible to choose a multipart construction of the slide rails. Known is e.g. the use of a relatively stable basic body and a slide lining which is arranged thereon and can be removed and exchanged in part.
Preferably, a distance of the slide surface of the slide rail may substantially be equal to half the plate height or half a roller height at least in the area of the wrap angle of the multiple chain on the associated chain gear to the pitch circle of the chain gear. It is here of importance whether the plates are to be supported by the support means or whether the rollers of a multiple-track chain are to be used for the support. The dimensioning rule ensures that the hinge axes of the multiple-track chains are oriented as parallel as possible relative to the axes of the chain gears.
According to a further variant a great advantage is that the slide rail comprises a transfer extension which supports the track of the multiple-track chain in the section between the overlapping chain gears. Despite the overlapping chain gears a section remains in most cases between the two wheels where the multiple-track chain is neither in engagement with the one nor the other chain gear. To avoid excessive vibrations and associated noise upon exit from the one chain gear and/or entry on the other chain gear, a support is also provided for this area.
Advantageously, the transfer extensions of the slide rails assigned to the overlapping chain gears can overlap and jointly support the multiple-track chain in the section between the overlapping chain gears. When both slide rails are equipped with such transfer extensions, a tilting movement of the multiple-track chain is also avoided in the intermediate part between the chain gears because the multiple-track chain is supported over its whole width.
A smooth entry or exit of the multiple-track chain is ensured when according to one embodiment a slide surface of the transfer extension passes tangentially into the adjoining remaining slide surface of the slide rail.
To give the slide rail a sufficiently stable configuration and to make the transfer extension as rigid as possible, a bottom side of the slide rail which defines at least the transfer extension is arcuately adapted to the outer contour of the other chain gear. In a particular embodiment this has even the effect that the multiple-track chain is completely supported between the exit point on the first chain gear and the exit point from the second one of the overlapping chain gears. The transfer extensions are guided relatively close to the other chain gear, resulting each time in only small portions on which the track is not supported. However, the multiple-track chain is respectively supported in said portions by the transfer extensions arranged in offset configuration relative thereto. The bottom side of the transfer extension is each time adapted relatively close to the outer contour of the adjoining chain gear, so that a stable support of the slide surface can be realized without a design that is too filigree.
Furthermore, it is of advantage when the chain gears have the same size and tooth number. It is here in particular possible to give also the slide rails an identical design and to arrange each in offset relationship with respect to one another.

Chain drive, especially a camshaft/camshaft drive for a motor vehicle

Joh. Winkelhofer and Sohne GmbH und Co. KG


Objects of the present invention provide an attachment for power tools that places and set wedge anchors. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a new and improved attachment apparatus for a rotary-hammer type drill, the attachment including a first anchor setting end, a second attachment end, and a handle portion connecting the setting end to the attachment end. The attachment apparatus can be efficiently and easily mounted to the rotary-hammer type drill to simplify the installation of wedge anchors.

Power tools are conventionally used in the installation of anchors in substantially rigid materials. One well-known use of these power tools is in the installation process of wedge anchors in concrete, masonry, and rock. When such an anchor is placed, a power tool is used in a rotary hammer manner to impart combined rotational and axial impact blows to a particular area of material. This is typically accomplished with a rotary hammer drill using a drilling bit structured for drilling in such material. When a sufficiently sized hole has been drilled out of the rigid material, the rotary hammer drill is set aside and the anchor is placed and set. The common practice within the construction industry for placing and setting the anchor is to use a handheld hammer to push the wedge anchor into the drilled hole. This is a labor-intensive effort and is somewhat dangerous and difficult especially when attempting to install anchors overhead off of ladders. This can be especially difficult if the anchor is being placed in a ceiling portion as the need to look up can impair an operator's balance and orientation.
In the installation of wedge anchors, there is no way of protecting the hand that is holding and placing the wedge anchor in the drilled hole while it is being driven with the hammer. Installation of wedge anchors still requires the operator to set aside the rotary hammer, balance themselves, and manually hammer the wedge anchor to set it. In addition, to the physical demands imparted by this manual hammering, it can be extremely difficult to set such anchors where the working area is constrained and limited area exists for the workman to both hold the wedge anchor and swing the hammer.
Additionally, to achieve a high quality of attachment of the wedge anchor to the concrete or masonry structure, it is necessary that the wedge anchor be fully driven to the proper depth in the concrete or masonry. This is necessary to assure the performance margins of the anchor are attained. Such margins can only be achieved when the wedge anchor is fully and properly positioned within the concrete. Larger wedge anchors require considerably more energy and force to properly position them in the concrete. Because of this requirement for increased force, the wedge anchor can be easily damaged by glancing blows while hand hammering. This force requirement increases the difficulty of installation in difficult conditions and anchor failure can often occur because of improper and inadequate installation.
Therefore, as already stated, the proper installation and placement of the wedge anchor is necessary for the proper performance of the wedge anchor. The current practice and method of installing wedge anchors is physically exhausting and dangerous, especially when accomplished while working from ladders or overhead, the location where this type of anchor is most often used. These and other problems in the conventional art are addressed by embodiments of the present invention.


A process in which a white light scanner and a CMM are integrated into one inspection tool. The white light scanner and CMM will be tied to the same table and articulate using the same mechanism. Both inspection processes use the same absolute point to take measurements. The white light data will be modified using the CMM inspection data. Ultimately, the output of the inspection process will be a surface created by the white light inspection with the accuracy of a CMM. The white light scanner first scans the part to determine the surface topography within a first predetermined tolerance. The CMM scanner then scans the part using the coordinates from the white light scanner to position the probe close and fast, and then scans the surface topography of the part with a better tolerance than the white light scanner.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an accurate measurement of a part, and more specifically to a coordinate measurement machine with improved speed of operation.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
A CMM (coordinate measurement machine or center measurement machine) is an apparatus used to inspect features that require tight control in the order of 0.0001 inch. To use a CMM, a programmer must create an inspection program for the CNN to accurately and correctly probe the part relative to an absolute point. The output of the CMM is X,Y,Z coordinates. These coordinates can be post-processed to create lines, planes and surfaces. The CMM apparatus includes a probe that is used to determine a coordinate by touching the probe tip to the part that is to be measured.
The coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a device for measuring the physical geometrical characteristics of an object. This machine may be manually controlled by an operator or it may be computer controlled. Measurements are defined by a probe attached to the third moving axis of this machine. Probes may be mechanical, optical, laser, or white light, among others. The typical CMM is composed of three axes, an X, Y and Z axis. These axes are orthogonal to each other in a typical three dimensional coordinate system. Each axis has a scale system that indicates the location of that axis. The machine will read the input from the probe as directed by the operator or programmer. The machine then uses the X,Y,Z coordinates of each of these points to determine size and position.
A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is also a device used in manufacturing and assembly processes to test a part or assembly against the design intent. By precisely recording the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the target, points are generated which can then be analyzed via regression algorithms for the construction of features. These points are collected by using a probe that is positioned manually by an operator or automatically via Direct Computer Control (DCC).
The CMM program must be tested to ensure the CMM probe does not run into the part or apply too much pressure because the part is not where the CMM program expects it to be. This process is very slow and does not work well with parts that have a large variation from one to another. Thus, the movement of the probe must be kept at a very low speed so as not to damage the probe. Therefore, the process of accurately measuring the part will take a long time.
In the early days of coordinate measurement, mechanical probes were fitted into a special holder on the end of the quill. A very common probe was made by soldering a hard ball to the end of a shaft. This was ideal for measuring a whole range of flat, cylindrical or spherical surfaces. Other probes were ground to specific shapes, for example a quadrant, to enable measurement of special features. These probes were physically held against the work piece with the position in space being read from a 3-Axis digital readout (DRO) or, in more advanced systems, being logged into a computer by means of a footswitch or similar device. Measurements taken by this contact method were often unreliable as machines were moved by hand and each machine operator applied different amounts of pressure on the probe or adopted differing techniques for the measurement.
A further development was the addition of motors for driving each axis. Operators no longer had to physically touch the machine but could drive each axis using a hand box with joysticks in much the same way as with modern remote controlled cars. Measurement accuracy and precision improved dramatically with the invention of the electronic touch trigger probe. Although still a contact device, the probe had a spring loaded steel ball (later ruby ball) stylus. As the probe touched the surface of the component, the stylus deflected and simultaneously sent the X,Y,Z coordinate information to the computer. Measurement errors caused by individual operators became fewer and the stage was set for the introduction of CNC operations and the coming of age of CMMs.
Optical probes are lens-CCD-systems, which are moved like the mechanical ones, and are aimed at the point of interest, instead of touching the material. The captured image of the surface will be enclosed in the borders of a measuring window, until the residue is adequate to contrast between black and white zones. The dividing curve can be calculated to a point, which is the wanted measuring point in space. The horizontal information on the CCD is 2D (XY) and the vertical position is the position of the complete probing system on the stand Z-drive (or other device component). This allows entire 3D-probing.
There are newer models that have probes that drag along the surface of the part taking points at specified intervals. This method of CMM inspection is more accurate than the conventional touch-probe method and most times faster as well. The next generation of scanning, known as laser scanning, is advancing very quickly. This method uses laser beams that are projected against the surface of the part. Many thousands of points can then be taken and used to not only check size and position, but to create a 3D image of the part as well. This "point-cloud data" can then be transferred to CAD software to create a working 3D model of the part. The laser scanner is often used to facilitate the "reverse engineering" process. This is the process of taking an existing part, measuring it to determine its size, and creating engineering drawings from these measurements. This is most often necessary in cases where engineering drawings may no longer exist or are unavailable for the particular part that needs replacement.
Optical probes and/or laser probes can be used (if possible in combination), which change CMMs to measuring microscopes or multi sensor measuring machines. Fringe projection systems, theodolite triangulation systems or laser distant and triangulation systems are not called measuring machines, but the measuring result is the same: a space point. Laser probes are used to detect the distance between the surface and the reference point on the end of the kinematic chain (i.e.: end of the Z-drive component). This can use an interferometrical, a light deflection or half beam shadowing principle.
White light inspection is a relatively new inspection process that uses optics to scan a surface. This process is quick and produces surfaces that can be compared to a solid model. A real part, such as a turbine rotor blade, can be scanned using a white light scanner to produce a computer generated 3D solid model of the part with details that include small cracks on the surface. The resulting computer generated solid model of the part can then be used in a FEA (finite element analysis) program for further modeling and testing. Unfortunately, the speed and convenience of white light scanning comes at the cost of accuracy. White light scanning has an order to magnitude more error (in the order of 0.001 inch) than a CMM.
White light scanning is the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images. White light scanning uses the image of a 3D scene on a 2D medium to reconstruct a reliable and accurate model of the original 3D scene. As a non-contact measuring device, the ATOS III system retrieves all off its data through photographs. The system is comprised off a projector and two cameras which are mounted to a frame. By projecting a fringe pattern onto an object and simultaneously recording the pattern, the software is able to create an accurate point cloud of up to 4 million points of the surface of the object. For larger projects, reference points are added which allow a quick and accurate way to join together multiple measurements. The ATOS IIII system is able to take on projects from the size off a dime up to the size off an airplane. After the measurements are taken, the software processes the data creating a single point cloud file with a common point of origin. The data can then be aligned and manipulated to suit the needs of the required task.


A contrast fluid delivery method and system includes a multiple-reuse filling section for attachment by conduit to a contrast fluid supply container, and a delivery section that is removably attached to the filling section for delivering contrast fluid held in the filling section to a patient. The filling section includes a main body having a fluid chamber, a contrast fluid filling inlet with a gravity-operated valve, an opening for connecting an operable power syringe, and a contrast fluid outlet fed through a spring-loaded one-way check valve. The delivery section includes a first delivery conduit connected between the contrast fluid outlet of the main body and the fluid inlet of an inline aspirator syringe, and a second delivery conduit connected at one end to a fluid outlet of the aspirator syringe and at the other to a catheter for delivering the contrast fluid to a patient. The aspirator syringe includes a spring-loaded plunger that is operatively depressed and released to confirm and assure patency of the delivery line before sustained injection of the desired volume of contrast agent. The filling section is isolated from contamination by the downstream delivery section and may be used repeatedly for successive patients, whereas the delivery section is discarded and replaced after each patient use.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method and system for injecting a fluid into a patient from a bulk container, and in particular to a method and system for so injecting or infusing contrast fluid which does not require disposal of the entire system, including the fluid supply container, after each patient use.
2. Description of Related Art
In the field of medical imaging, many procedures require the use of a contrast agent that is intravenously delivered to the patient, generally through the use of an associated power injector that controls the delivery rate and volume and predeterminately limits the pressure at which the contrast fluid is delivered. The current norm is to employ a disposable syringe that is bulky and costly, and a filling procedure that is difficult and time consuming. The syringe is intended for only a single use and is accordingly disposed of after each patient use. Present protocols also require that any contrast fluid that remains in the bottle or container of contrast fluid, once the container has been opened for use and/or fluid has been loaded into a syringe, be discarded. Since the contrast fluid is typically delivered in bulk containers which may hold far more fluid than is used for most imaging procedures, this often requires the disposal of a volume of yet unused contrast fluid. This entire process is thus extremely wasteful and costly to the medical system as a whole.
It is an accordingly the desideratum of the invention to avoid, or at least significantly reduce, the drawbacks and difficulties that are present in the use of prior art methods and apparatus, as for example hereinabove described, for the delivery of contrast fluid to a patient in medical imaging procedures.
It is a particular object of the invention to provide such a method and system that enables a technician to readily load a syringe and prepare for delivery of a contrast fluid to a patient in a simplified yet highly intuitive manner.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a method and system having a first part, into which contrast fluid from a bulk container is loaded, that can be used repeatedly with multiple patients without jeopardizing sterility of the system or remaining supply of contrast fluid, and a second part that is intended for a single use with a single patient.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such a two part system in which the relative manufacturing cost of the second, single-use part is considerably less than the manufacturing cost of the first, multiple-use part, thereby maximizing efficient management of contrast fluid delivery costs for the health care provider.
It is still another object to provide such a method and system in which the single-use disposable part, which is replaced for each patient, is relatively simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture yet provides high reliability and operating integrity.
The present invention is based on and requires reliable maintenance of fluid flow, in at least that portion of the inventive apparatus into which contrast fluid is loaded from the fluid container or source, in a single direction toward the patient while preventing all potentially-contaminating reverse flow, so that contamination of the syringe and of the bulk contrast source can be prevented. Toward that end, a system constructed in accordance with the invention includes a first or filling section which attaches to the bulk contrast source (and to the power syringe), and a second or delivery section that is connected between and communicates contrast fluid from the filling section to the patient. In this manner any possibility of contamination between the delivery section and the filling section is prevented. It is generally contemplated that the filling section will be used for multiple patients during an entire day of imaging procedures or operations, whereas the delivery section will be discarded and replaced after each patient use.
The filling section includes a main body that can be attached to any existing power or manually-operated syringe or injector, and the body defines a fluid holding chamber having an inlet and an outlet for the contrast fluid. The inlet is connected to a conventional or otherwise suitable vented spike, which is routinely used to pierce a contrast fluid container to access its contents for transfer of the contained fluid to another device, as by or through a coiled length of sterile medical tubing. The inlet is provided or associated with a gravity-operated valve formed by a stainless steel ball which seats in a conically-profiled ring or lip that surrounds or bounds the inlet. The ball rolls disengagingly off or away from the valve seat to thereby open the inlet when the main body is vertically tilted or oriented, whereupon the technician can use or operate the syringe to draw contrast fluid from the container into the filling section fluid chamber, and to then purge (back through the inlet) any air which has collected at the top of the fluid chamber. A spring loaded one-way check valve in or at or proximate the outlet insures that the purged air is directed toward the contrast container rather than downstream, toward the patient, to the delivery section of the inventive apparatus. The main body is then rotated or reoriented so that the contrast fluid outlet is disposed lower than the opposite end of the main body to which the syringe is connected, thereby activating or closing the gravity-operated ball valve and sealing closed the fluid path between the fluid holding chamber of the filling section and the contrast container. This orientation of the filling section additionally insures that any air that may yet be present in the fluid chamber rises to and remains at that portion of the main body to which the syringe is attachedxe2x80x94i.e. remote from the outlet through which the contrast fluid is transferred to the delivery section of the apparatusxe2x80x94to thereby prevent unintended and potentially fatal injection of air into the patient. The filling section is then ready to be connected to the delivery section for injection or infusion of the contrast agent into the patient.
The delivery section includes a first fluid conduitxe2x80x94such as coiled, flexible, sterile tubingxe2x80x94having a first end that is attached to the outlet of the main body via at least one one-way check valve, and a second end that is attached to the inlet of an inline aspiration syringe. The aspiration syringe has a fluid chamber which is filled via an inlet and an outlet which is attached to a catheter by a second or delivery conduit in the form of another length of flexible, sterile, typically coiled tubing. The entire delivery system receives contrast fluid for infusion into the patient by means of the power or manually-operated loading syringe that is connected to the main body of the filling section. The aspiration syringe itself includes a spring loaded plunger which is used to confirm patency of the fluid path by manually depressing the plunger against the urgency of the spring and then releasing it to return the plunger to its initial position; patency is indicated by a visually-observable flow of blood from the patient into the second conduit for a distance of several inches. The process of injection or infusion, under the power of the main loading syringe, may then proceed. The aspiration syringe is furthermore constructed to avoid the need for additional valves, as have heretofore been required, to separately close its inlet during the patency confirmation; the plunger itself blocks and thereby closes the inletxe2x80x94and thus prevents backflow into the first conduitxe2x80x94as the plunger is advanced from its initial position to inject contrast fluid into the patient and then returned to that initial position to draw a mixture of contrast fluid and patient blood back into the aspiration syringe fluid chamber. The delivery section or set is moreover low in cost, as contrasted with the relatively more costly and complex filling section, and is intended to be discarded and replaced after each patient use of the inventive apparatus.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

Method and apparatus for the delivery of contrast fluid to a patient


A device for examining materials, in particular trees, other kinds of wood, and concrete, with a pulse generator (1) for generating a pulse that can be introduced into the material (2), with at least one sensor (3) adapted for being associated to the material (2) for detecting the pulse, and with an electronic evaluation device (4) for discriminating the pulse from interference pulses, is designed and constructed with respect to a universal application to even large test pieces of the material (2) being examined in such a manner that an electronic evaluation device (4) is associated to each sensor (3).

The invention relates to a device for examining materials, in particular trees, other kinds of wood, and concrete, with a pulse generator for generating a pulse that can be introduced into the material, with at least one sensor adapted for being associated to the material for detecting the pulse, and with an electronic evaluation device for discriminating the pulse from interfering pulses.
Devices for examining materials of the initially described kind are known from practice, and they exist in a large variety of types. They are, for example, devices, wherein the pulse time delay of shock waves is measured. From this pulse time delay, conclusions are drawn with respect to the quality of the material being examined. In the case of wood, for example, utility poles, the time delay of the shock waves correlates in the direction of growth or grain with the modulus of elasticity in the bending of wood, which enables an assessment of the load capacity, and the therefrom dependent categorization into quality classes. This influences the purchase price in the case of new poles.
In most cases, it is common to introduce into the material the shock wave or the pulse with a hammer serving as a pulse generator, either in a direct manner or via a screw or a bouncing pin. In the case of an axial irradiation of a pole by sound waves, the pulse is typically introduced at the front end. A sensor arranged at the other end of the material or pole detects the pulse that has been introduced into the material. A current pulse corresponding to this pulse is then guided from the sensor to a central electronic evaluation device, where the current pulse is analyzed by discriminating interfering pulses.
More specifically, an acceleration sensor in the pulse-generating hammer transmits in the instant of applying the stroke, the resultant current pulse via a line to a central electronic unit or electronic evaluation device, which analyzes the pulse, and starts a clock, depending on the result, namely a successful discrimination from, for example, interference vibrations. As soon as the sensor at the other end of the material or the other end of the measured length registers the arrival of the shock wave, it will likewise transmit a corresponding current pulse to the central electronic unit, which stops the clock, if the pulse meets the requirements with respect to intensity and length. Both the pulse from the hammer and the pulse from the sensor must each be electronically discriminated, i.e., be distinguished from other vibrations. This occurs each time in the central electronic evaluation device. For purposes of being able to distinguish between real pulses and spurious pulses, a user may normally adjust xe2x80x9cgainxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9coffsetxe2x80x9d in the central electronic evaluation device. From the time delay of the pulse and the distance between shock application and detector, it is possible to determine the pulse or shock velocity. Same allows to make statements as to the internal condition and the quality of the material being examined or the test piece, not only in the case of wood, but also in the case of concrete and other materials.
In the known device, the electronic signals of the acceleration sensors, the pulse generator, and the detectors, are transmitted via cables to a central electronic detection and evaluation device. This device also accommodates an accurate electronic clock. The discrimination and evaluation of the pulses, which were converted into electronic current pulses, previously introduced, and subsequently detected, thus occurs in a central location by means of corresponding electronic circuits. In this connection, the pulse shape is decisive for differentiating between real pulses and interference pulses. Thus, the pulse shape should not be altered or falsified on its way from the sensor through the cable to the electronic evaluation device, for example, by electromagnetic interferences or technical cable properties. To accomplish this, the transmission cables must be shielded and be of an extremely high quality, which leads to high prices, limited length of few meters, and restricted handling. Cables of this kind with a corresponding shielding react very sensitively to low temperatures and other external effects, so that they can be used only with limitations, and are very prone to interference. For example, for purposes of avoiding interferences, such cables should not extend in a loop. In particular, in the case of very long or large test pieces of the material being examined, it is not possible to use the known device, since there exist no adequately long cables, which enable an interference-free transmission of current pulses from the sensor or sensors to the central electronic evaluation device.
Consequently, the use of the known device for examining materials, in particular with respect to large test pieces, is very restricted on the materials being tested. A universal application of the known device is therefore not possible.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to describe a device for examining materials of the initially described kind, which enables a universal application with constructionally simple means, in particular also in the case of large test pieces of the material being examined.
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a device of the type which is designed and constructed such that an electronic evaluation device is associated to each sensor.
According to the invention, it has first been recognized that the foregoing object is accomplished in a surprisingly simple manner alone because of a suitable arrangement of the electronic evaluation device. Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, a separate electronic evaluation device is associated for this purpose to each sensor. This association of respectively one electronic evaluation device to each sensor permits avoiding great cable lengths between the sensors and the electronic evaluation device, in particular with the use of a plurality of sensors. In comparison therewith, it is not possible to avoid in the case of most sensors, great cable lengths with the use of a central electronic evaluation device for all sensors in use, which are often arranged at great distances between one another.
The device of the present invention makes it now possible to perform the discrimination of pulses quasi directly on the sensors with minimal communication lengths. Since an electronic evaluation device is associated to each sensor, the spacings between the sensors are no longer important. Therefore, it would also be possible to arrange the sensors at a great distance between one another, while yet enabling a reliable discrimination of pulses.
Consequently, the device for examining materials according to the invention realizes a device, which permits a universal application with constructionally simple means, in particular also in the case of large test pieces of the material being examined.
As regards the kind of pulse, two alternatives present themselves. In this connection, the pulse could be a mechanical and/or an electrical pulse. A mechanical pulse is, for example, a shock wave, which is triggered, for example, by means of a hammer. However, it is also possible to introduce electrical pulses into the material being examined. In this instance, it is also possible to measure the time delay of the current pulse and/or its attenuation. The pulse may be a direct current or an alternating current pulse. In the case of the alternating current pulse, it is also possible to examine. its frequency response while passing through the material.
As regards a very short and reliable communication length between the sensor and the electronic evaluation device, the latter could be arranged directly adjacent to the sensor or be integrated in the sensor. In particular, the integrated arrangement of the electronic evaluation device in the sensor ensures a particularly compact and evaluation-reliable configuration of the device.
As regards a particularly simple processing of the measured data generated by the device, the electronic evaluation device could include a device for generating an electronic signal. In this instance, the electronic evaluation device could be designed such that the electronic signal is generated exactly at the moment, when a real measurement pulse is detected, which is discriminated from interference pulses. In the simplest case, the signal could be an electronic, preferably digital standard pulse. In this case, one has in mind in particular a TTL pulse.
It would be possible to transmit an electronic signal, which is generated by the electronic evaluation device, to a central unit, which preferably is, for example, a portable computer. In such a central unit, it would be possible to process the measured data in the form of, for example, time delays of the shock waves from the pulse input location to the respective sensor.
In particular with respect to a reliable transmission of the signal from the sensors or the electronic evaluation device to the central unit, it would be possible to interlink the sensors and/or electronic evaluation device electrically. For an electrical connection, one could use standard cables of the simplest kind, since it is not necessary to suppress here interferences or signal distortions. What matters is only a reliable transmission of an electronic standard signal. A costly discrimination in the central unit is no longer needed, since the decisive discrimination of real pulses from interference pulses already occurs in the electronic evaluation device. It would be possible to provide a closed-loop line or a star-shaped line. In this instance, it is necessary to accommodate the respective case of application. This means that in the case of large test pieces, a closed-loop line could be advantageous because of its shorter overall cable length as a whole.
As an alternative to a transmission via electrical lines, the transmission could occur by means of radio waves, ultrasonic waves, or infrared radiation. To this end, it would be possible to associate to each sensor a transmitter-receiver unit for radio waves, ultrasonic waves, or infrared radiation. Via such a transmitter-receiver unit, it would be possible to transmit especially the electronic signal of the electronic evaluation device, thereby avoiding extensive cabling.
In a concrete arrangement, one could associate a vibration detector to each sensor. The oscillation detector is used for detecting mechanical pulses. In a particularly simple manner, the oscillation detector could be a piezoelectric element.
For a reliable transmission of a mechanical and/or an electrical pulse from the test piece to the sensor, a transmission pin for the pulse could be associated to each sensor. In a constructionally very simple manner, the transmission pin could be a metal pin, preferably a steel pin. At the beginning of a measurement, such a transmission pin could be inserted into the test piece of the material being examined, whereupon the sensor is coupled with the transmission pin. In a particularly simple manner, the sensor could engage the transmission pin or suspend therefrom. If the material being examined consists, for example, of concrete, one could do without a transmission pin.
In the device for examining materials according to the invention, one measures, for example, the time delay of a pulse from a pulse input location to each individual sensor. In so doing, it is necessary to initialize the sensors. To this end, a clock could be associated to each sensor. For example, an initialization could occur in such a manner that the first sensor, which detects a real pulse, starts its clock and, in so doing, transmits at the same time a preferably electronic communication signal to the other sensors to reset their clocks to zero and to start them likewise. This initialization principle will be especially favorable, when the pulse is input or introduced in the direct vicinity of the first sensor.
Once a real pulse is detected, the electronic evaluation device transmits, for example, an electronic signal to a central unit. In this case, it is advantageous to associate to each sensor an individual identification means, so as to enable an allocation of the signals arriving at the central unit to the respectively transmitting sensor. To this end, the sensors could identify themselves by a clear code.
In a further advantageous manner, it would be possible to associate to each sensor a storage for measurement results, which enables a direct readout of the measurement results on each sensor.
Furthermore, it would be possible to associate to each sensor a display for the measurement results, which permits reading the measurement results directly on the sensor.
A particularly advantageous development of the device for examining materials could be provided with at least three sensors. This would permit generating last but not least three-dimensional graphs of the results with respect to the internal condition of the test piece. The more sensors are used, the more detailed will be such a graph. In this instance, it is essential that the sensors can be associated to the material in a geometrically independent relationship from one another. A rigid arrangement of the sensors, for example, in a closed-loop form is not necessary. For an effective evaluation of the three-dimensional measurement data, it is only necessary that the geometric positions of the sensors be determined.
With respect to a particularly elegant and practical introduction of pulses, the sensor or a plurality of sensors could be realized as pulse generators. To this end, it would be possible to associate to at least one sensor a device for introducing pulses. Such a device could be formed, for example, by a piezoelectric element, which serves at the same time as a vibration detector. As an alternative or in addition thereto, the device for introducing pulses could be a pin, preferably a metal pin. Such a pin could connect to the sensor via a coupling piece of rubber. For introducing pulses, the pin could be activated by means of a pulse generator in the form of a hammer.
As regards a reliable measurement of the pulses that are introduced by the pulse generator, it is essential that the introduced pulses be distinguished or discriminated from interference pulses. Interference pulses may be generated, for example, during the examination of a tree by automobiles passing by in a neighboring street. Even people walking by the test piece being examined may generate interference pulses above the ground or introduce them into the test piece. It will therefore be especially advantageous, when the sensors or electronic evaluation devices are able to recognize such interference pulses in each application individually already before the actual measurement. To this end, the electronic evaluation device could include means for self-calibration. In this case, the detection threshold of the electronic evaluation device itself is adjusted to a level, which is above the level of all previously detected interference pulses or interference vibrations. This self-calibration step could occur continuously, with a self-calibration being absent during the time of the actual measurement. With that, it is possible to suppress a substantial number of interference pulses right from the beginning.
As regards a simple determination of the positions of the sensors relative to one another, it would be possible to associate to the sensor or sensors pull-out measuring sticks. In the alternative, it would be possible to associate to the sensor or sensors a rope with an angle display. The rope interconnects adjacent sensors. As a result, it would be possible to determine the distance and angle from an adjacent sensor. With a known sensor size, it is possible to approximate from the sensor distances and angles of the rope connection, the geometry of the cross section of a sample in the tested region, for example, the cross section of a tree.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, it would be possible to provide an infrared or laser distance measuring instrument. In connection with the central unit, this would permit determining the position of the sensors and pulse input locations and displaying them as a three-dimensional image. In this case, it is possible to compute, display, and output a three-dimensional image of the internal condition directly from the determined pulse data.
For a better understanding of the teaching according to the invention, the essential aspects of the teaching according to the invention are explained one more time in the following:
To generate within the scope of the device according to the invention, three-dimensional graphs of a condition, at least three sensors, preferably of the same type are arranged in a desired geometry around the cross section or test piece being examined. In the case of standing trees, for example four to six sensors per cross section or stem section will suffice in most cases. The introduction of pulses may occur by means of a commercially available hammer. From the respective location of the pulse input, which occurs in different places, a corresponding measured value is obtained, which results after a corresponding processing of the measured value, in a three-dimensional, quasi tomographic cross sectional image. The pulse input may occur in any desired places of the test piece.
In a concrete realization, each sensor comprises its own, independent electronic control or electronic evaluation device, which includes, if need be, an electronic timer or a clock. After their conversion into current pulses, for example, via piezoelectric crystals, the mechanical or electrical pulses arriving from the test piece of the material being examined, are electronically processed and discriminated directly in the sensor. External interfering influences are thus directly suppressed in the sensor. With that, interferences, which have so far been problematic in the transmission systemxe2x80x94cablesxe2x80x94are precluded. Once a pulse arriving from the test piece is detected as correct, an electronic, preferably digital standard pulse, for example, TTL pulse will be generated. This pulse can be transmitted via simple, cost-favorable standard cables of an almost unrestricted length, or even via radio, infrared, or ultrasound, to other sensors or to a central unit. In this process, the sensors identify themselves by a clear code.
Optionally, the sensors are able to detect not only arriving pulses, but also generate and input themselves pulses, for example, via the reversed piezoelectric effect, inasmuch as, in principle, the same technology is therefor required.
For example, it is possible to interlink the sensors in the form of a closed-loop line. However, the data may also be transmitted in a star-shaped configuration, or via radio, to a central unit with a display, storage, and output, or directly to a preferably portable computer. In this arrangement, the number of sensors is quasi random. In an advantageous manner, each of these sensors identifies itself during the communication. It is necessary to identify the sensors only clearly and to allocate them in their position, to the position of the pulse input being registered during each pulse input.
In the case of trees, it may become necessary to arrange the sensors at a height of several meters. This may occur by means of telescopic rods, since the sensors may be either driven in directly or arranged on driven-in pins.
A typical measuring sequence or process could be performed as follows. First, one determines on the test piece the correct position of the sensors. Subsequently, for example, for examining trees or wood, the sensors are mounted, screwed, flanged, preferably to pins that are driven or screwed into the wood, so as to ensure an adequately stable connection with the wood. Furthermore, one determines, if necessary, the three-dimensional geometry of the test piece, which may occur in a laser and PC-assisted manner. Along with the determination of the geometry, the position of the sensors is determined. At the beginning of the measurement, all sensors are in a so-called xe2x80x9cstandbyxe2x80x9d position.
Depending on the task being posed, the introduction or input of pulses may occur in one location or in a plurality of locations of the test piece. Between the pulse input location and each sensor, this results in a measuring length with at least one individual measured value (for example, time delay, conductivity, damping). consequently, each pulse input results in a list of measured values for each sensor. These values are allocated to the respective length between the pulse input location and sensor.
In a simple embodiment, a bouncing pin that is secured, for example, with rubber, hangs above each sensor. Via this pin, it is possible to introduce shock waves, preferably with the use of a commercially available hammer.
In a second operation after positioning the sensors, at least one stroke is applied to the mounted pulse input pins. The advantage of this procedure lies in that the coordinates of the pulse input are each given by the coordinates of the sensors that are determined in any case.
However, the pulse input may also occur in any other locations, for example by means of a hammer and/or bouncing pin. For a direct assessment of internal wood damage, this procedure will already suffice, since the examining expert is able to determine and allocate the results directly. However, if it is intended to determine and display as much as possible a complete tomographic image, it will also be necessary to determine the respective position of the pulse input in a correspondingly exact manner.
The sensors are initialized either by the pulse inputxe2x80x94via a cable connection between the hammer and sensorsxe2x80x94or by a first sensor, which has identified an arriving pulse. Initialized sensors start their internal clocks and determine, for example the time frequency until they receive the next pulse. The transmission of the electronic standard pulses via cables or radio occurs almost at light speed, and thus is by an order of magnitude faster than the transmission of shock waves. As a result, the time delay by the electronic transmission of the initialization has no significant effect on the measuring accuracy.
Each sensor transmits the time between initialization and pulse detection to the other sensors and/or to the central unit, where the values are collected.
The results of the respective time delays are printed preferably directly on paper or shown on any portable, for example, watertight display.
The evaluation may be assisted by a computer, in that the display is connected to such a computer, or that direct use is made of a portable personal computer. The point of the shock wave input and sensor positions are entered either manually or graphically, or they automatically result from the fact that the sensor, next to which a stroke was applied, signals a zero time delay.
From the time delays of the respective connection segments between pulse input and sensor, quasi tomographic cross sectional images of the condition of the test piece result automatically. The number of connection segments and thus of the results is obtained as a function of the number n of the sensors, as follows:
If the pulse input does not directly occur on one of the sensors, n time delay results will be obtained per pulse, whereas nxe2x88x921 results will be obtained, if the pulse is input directly on a sensor.
If the pulse is input on each sensor, n(nxe2x88x921) results will be obtained. In the case of only six sensors, and thus six shock input points on one tree, thirty measuring segments are obtained with corresponding information about the delay time, which results in a quasi tomographic cross sectional image. Since only few seconds are needed per pulse input, it is possible to determine in this way in a very short time a comprehensive information about the internal condition.
For example, when two sensor rings are arranged at different heights on a standing tree, for example, at foot level and head level, one will automatically obtain comprehensive data about the condition of the entire volume between these two rings. From two rings with six sensors each, 12 pulse inputsxe2x80x94one each next to the sensorxe2x80x94result in a total of 132 connection segments with corresponding time delay information. From this, it is possible to compose a relatively accurate image of the condition of the wood.
The device of the present invention is not limited to a certain arrangement of the sensorsxe2x80x94for example, around a cross section. Rather, it is possible to position the sensors freely. Likewise, since the number of sensors is not limited, it is thus also possible to determine the accuracy of the three-dimensional coverage of the test piece, since the accuracy is defined by the number and position of the sensors as well as the number of pulse inputs. An EDP-assisted coverage of the position of the sensors and pulse input, as well as a correspondingly automated evaluation enable an easy processing of the number of resulting values, which rapidly increases with the number of sensors. In this process it is necessary to determine or input only the geometry of the sample and the arrangement of the sensors.
The geometry or surface topology of the test piece and the position of the sensors are the basis of further evaluations. The accuracy of their coverage defines the accuracy and expressiveness of the results. This coverage may be sketchy or occur by means of commercially available distance measuring instruments. Likewise useful are laser distance measuring devices and position recording devices.
The device of the invention permits measuring the chronological and spatial intensity distribution of the pulses. In this connection, it is possible to input not only individual pulses and record their arrival, but also pulse sequences of identical or fluctuating intensity and frequency.
The electronic evaluation device comprises means for discriminating the pulse from interference pulses. In this connection, it would here be possible to integrate a corresponding software.
In a particularly advantageous manner, the device is made waterproof for outdoor use, thereby ensuring a long and troublefree operation of the device.
It would be possible to place the sensor not only on a pin, but also on a star-shaped pin combination, which includes pin tips pointing in different directions. When the arriving pulses are separately detected, each by the individual tip, it will be possible to determine results over the spatial direction of the pulses, which is very interesting in the case of trees, since there are different radial and tangential propagation responses.
The bouncing pin, which can be actuated either by a hammer or a sensor, may be oriented in a different direction. This permits taking into account a different propagation response in the material.
In the device of the present invention, a plurality of sensors enable quasi tomographic determinations of the internal condition with only few measurements. In this instance, identically adjusted sensors of only one kind are needed, which reduces the costs of manufacturing. The sensors evaluate pulses from the material being examined directly, independently, and thus xe2x80x9cin situxe2x80x9d, which reduces sources of interference and expense. For example, the shock input may occur by means of a commercially available hammer, which is very flexible and cost-favorable. The sensor connection requires only simple, commercially available, and cost-favorable connection cables, or it may occur via radio or other methods of remote transmission, since only electronic standard pulses are transmitted, which are insensitive to external interferences.
Based on the technical characteristics of the system, it is possible to position on the test piece, without limitation, any desired number of sensors. As a result of using a sensor shielding, standard cables, and transmitted pulses, the device is extremely insensitive to electromagnetic interference radiations, incorrect handling, mechanical loads, and other disturbances.
Quasi tomographic cross sectional images result in an automatic and a very simple way.
Volume-relevant results are obtained with the use of as few as three sensors. A plurality of sensors permits in a simple manner a three-dimensional coverage of the condition of almost any desired kind. A measurement can occur very rapidly by first inserting the pins, then mounting the sensors, and subsequently generating pulses by a shock or in any other fashion. Finally, the measurement results are noted or recorded. Only few minutes are needed for the therefor required two loops around the tree.
There exist various possibilities of improving and further developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. To this end, reference may be made to the following description of an embodiment of the device according to the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the description of the preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention with reference to the drawings, also generally preferred improvements and further developments of the teaching are described.


A spring-loaded check valve, mounted between a coiled tubing stripper and a BOP stack seals well bore pressure from the atmosphere when the coiled tubing is removed from the well bore. When no coiled tubing is in use, the check valve is shut against well bore pressure. When coiled tubing is inserted through the stripper and before the coiled tubing enters the BOP stack, the coiled tubing butts against the check valve and opens it, permitting insertion of the coiled tubing.

The present invention relates generally to the field of blowout preventers (BOPs) used with coiled tubing, and, more particularly, to a safety check valve adapted for use with a blowout preventer used with coiled tubing.
Coiled tubing has grown in popularity and acceptance in the oil and gas industry in recent years. Coiled tubing is typically inserted into a well bore by way of an injector, a tubing stripper, and a BOP stack. More often than not, the well bore is under live pressure when the coiled tubing is run into or retrieved from the well. When the tubing is moving, the pressure is retained between the well and the coiled tubing outside diameter by the stripper. When the tubing is not moving, or is out of the well bore, a BOP valve retains the well pressure.
Coiled tubing systems typically include a depth counter display provided to a coiled tubing unit operator in a control cabin. The depth counter indicates to the operator how far down the coiled tubing is in the well, and thus this display also indicates when the coiled tubing is about to exit the stripper. The normal procedure is to stop coiled tubing travel when the end of the coiled tubing is above the BOP, but has not yet exited the stripper. When the coiled tubing is stopped, the BOP valve is closed, the pressure between the BOP and the stripper is bled down, and the coiled tubing is then withdrawn from the well.
If the coiled tubing unit operator did not have an indication of the length of the coiled tubing, the tubing could be pulled out of the stripper with full well pressure behind it, causing an uncontrolled release of well fluids until the BOP could be shut. Such an event could even result in a catastrophic fire or a deadly hydrogen sulfide gas leak. Thus, it is critical for the operator to know the precise location of the end of the coiled tubing.
The depth counter commonly comprises a wheel in rolling contact with the coiled tubing and coupled to an odometer. If the wheel slips against a slick coiled tubing, then a false reading will occur. Furthermore, if the coiled tubing breaks down hole, the operator has no means of knowing where the break occurred and thus the length of the tubing remaining intact below the stripper is unknown. In either case, the operator may pull the coiled tubing out of the stripper, resulting in the escape of well bore fluids at full well pressure, until the BOP valve can be closed.
Thus, there remains a need for a fail safe device which will retain well bore fluids under pressure if coiled tubing is extracted from a stripper before the BOP valve is shut. The present invention is directed to solution to this problem in the art.
The present invention provides a biased or spring-loaded check valve between the stripper and the BOP stack. When no coiled tubing is in use, the check valve is shut against well bore pressure. When coiled tubing is inserted through the stripper and before the coiled tubing enters the BOP stack, the coiled tubing butts against the check valve and opens it, permitting insertion of the coiled tubing.


Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Methods of inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer are disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methods of fabricating implantable medical devices such as stents.
2. Description of the State of the Art
This invention relates to radially expandable endoprostheses which are adapted to be implanted in a bodily lumen. An "endoprosthesis" corresponds to an artificial implantable medical device that is placed inside the body. A "lumen" refers to a cavity of a tubular organ such as a blood vessel. A stent is an example of these endoprostheses. Stents are generally cylindrically shaped devices which function to hold open and sometimes expand a segment of a blood vessel or other anatomical lumen such as urinary tracts and bile ducts. Stents are often used in the treatment of atherosclerotic stenosis in blood vessels. "Stenosis" refers to a narrowing or constriction of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice. In such treatments, stents reinforce body vessels and prevent restenosis following angioplasty in the vascular system. "Restenosis" refers to the reoccurrence of stenosis in a blood vessel or heart valve after it has been treated (as by balloon angioplasty or valvuloplasty) with apparent success.
Stents have been made of many materials including metals and polymers. Polymer materials include both nonbioerodable and bioerodable plastic materials. The cylindrical structure of stents is typically composed of a scaffolding that includes a pattern or network of interconnecting structural elements or struts. The scaffolding can be formed from wires, tubes, or planar films of material rolled into a cylindrical shape. In addition, a medicated stent may be fabricated by coating the surface of either a metallic or polymeric scaffolding with a polymeric carrier. The polymeric carrier can include an active agent or drug. Furthermore, the pattern that makes up the stent allows the stent to be radially expandable and longitudinally flexible. Longitudinal flexibility facilitates delivery of the stent and rigidity is needed to hold open a body lumen. The pattern should be designed to maintain the longitudinal flexibility and rigidity required of the stent. A stent should also have adequate strength in the circumferential direction.
A number of techniques have been suggested for the fabrication of stents from tubes and planar films or sheets. One such technique involves laser cutting or etching a pattern onto a material. Laser cutting may be performed on a planar film of a material which is then rolled into a tube. Alternatively, a desired pattern may be etched directly onto a tube. Other techniques involve cutting a desired pattern into a sheet or a tube via chemical etching or electrical discharge machining. Laser cutting of stents has been described in a number of publications including U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,807 to Saunders, U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,005 to Richter and U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,759 to Richter.
A treatment involving a stent involves both delivery and deployment of the stent. "Delivery" refers to introducing and transporting the stent through a bodily lumen to a region requiring treatment. "Deployment" corresponds to the expanding of the stent within the lumen at the treatment region. Delivery and deployment of a stent are accomplished by positioning the stent about one end of a catheter, inserting the end of the catheter through the skin into a bodily lumen, advancing the catheter in the bodily lumen to a desired treatment location, expanding the stent at the treatment location, and removing the catheter from the lumen. In the case of a balloon expandable stent, the stent is mounted about a balloon disposed on the catheter. Mounting the stent typically involves compressing or crimping the stent onto the balloon. The stent is then expanded by inflating the balloon. The balloon may then be deflated and the catheter withdrawn. In the case of a self-expanding stent, the stent may be secured to the catheter via a retractable sheath or a sock. When the stent is in a desired bodily location, the sheath may be withdrawn allowing the stent to self-expand.
It is desirable for a stent to have certain mechanical properties to facilitate delivery and deployment of a stent. For example, longitudinal flexibility is important for successful delivery of the stent. In addition, circumferential strength and rigidity and are vital characteristics in deployment and for holding open a body lumen. As indicated above, the pattern of the stent may be designed to provide longitudinal flexibility and rigidity.
However, the characteristics of the material of which a stent is composed also affects the mechanical properties of the stent. An advantage of stents fabricated from polymers is that they tend to possess greater flexibility than metal stents. Other potential shortcomings of metal stents include adverse reactions from the body, nonbioerodability, and non-optimal drug-delivery. However, a potential shortcoming of polymer stents compared to metal stents, is that polymer stents typically have less circumferential strength and rigidity. Inadequate circumferential strength potentially contributes to relatively high recoil of polymer stents after implantation into vessels. Furthermore, another potential problem with polymer stents is that struts can crack during crimping, especially for brittle polymers. Therefore, methods of manufacturing polymer stents that improve circumferential strength and rigidity are desirable. The embodiments of the present invention address the issue of improving circumferential strength and rigidity in polymer stents.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method of fabricating an implantable medical device with biaxially oriented polymers