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Identification and isolation of somatic stem cells and uses thereof |
The present invention relates to the identification of a specific population of cell types, in particular somatic stem cells including haematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and keratinocyte stem cells. The invention also provides for methods of isolation and uses of the stem cells. Derived from the methods of the present invention, there is provided a method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of: obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; detecting the presence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or a fragment thereof on a cell; and identifying the stem cells having ACE or a fragment thereof. |
1. A method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; detecting the presence of a peptide sequence having the sequence LFQELQPLYL (SEQ ID NO:1) or an equivalent thereof; and identifying the stem cells having the sequence or equivalent thereof. 2. A method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; detecting the presence of a peptide sequence having the sequence EADDFFTS (SEQ ID NO:2) or an equivalent thereof; and identifying the stem cells having the sequence or equivalent thereof. 3. A method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of: obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; detecting the presence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or a fragment thereof on a cell; and identifying the stem cells having ACE or a fragment thereof. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein ACE is detected by the presence of a polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2 or an equivalent thereof. 5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the stem cell is a somatic stem cell. 6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the somatic stem cell is selected from the group including haematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, keratinocyte stem cells neuronal, hepatic and pancreatic cells. 7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the stem cell is a haematopoietic stem cell. 8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the cell sample including stem cells is obtained from a stem cell source selected from the group including the bone marrow including iliac crests, tibiae, femors, spine, periosteum, endosteum or other bone cavities; blood; embryonic yolk sac; fetal liver; spleen; peripheral; blood; skin; dermis; liver; brain; pancreas or kidney. 9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the detection includes the use of a means selected from the group including antibodies to ACE or the polypeptide sequences encoded by SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2, agonists and antagonists against ACE or the sequences, nucleic acid detection systems which can detect expression of ACE or the sequences either by the presence of DNA, RNA, mRNA or ACE protein, and enzymatic, fluorescence or colourimetric assays for ACE or the sequences. 10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the detection of ACE is performed using an antibody to ACE or the polypeptide sequences encoded by SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2 or equivalent thereof. 11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the antibody is antibody BB9. 12. A method according to claim 11 further including the use of mesenchymal stem cell marker selected from the group including STRO-1, SH2, SH3 and SH4. 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12 further including the use of keratinocyte stem cell marker selected from the group including cytokeratin 14, alpha-6 integrin (CD49F) and CD71. 14. A method for obtaining a cell population enriched in stem cells comprising the steps of obtaining a cell population comprising stem cells; detecting the presence of ACE or a fragment thereof on a cell; and selecting for cells that are identified by the presence of ACE or a fragment on the cell. 15. A method according to claim 14 wherein ACE is detected by the presence of a polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2 or an equivalent thereof. 16. A method according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the presence of ACE is detected by an antibody for ACE or a fragment thereof. 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the antibody is BB9. 18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the stem cells are haematopoietic stem cells. 19. A method of removing stem cells from a population comprising the steps of obtaining a cell population comprising stem cells; detecting the presence of ACE or a fragment thereof or a cell; and selecting out those cells which are identified by the presence of ACE on the cell. 20. A method according to claim 19 wherein ACE is detected by the presence of a polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2 or an equivalent thereof. 21. A method according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the presence of ACE is detected by an antibody for ACE or a fragment thereof. 22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the antibody is BB9. 23. A method of isolating a stem cell comprising obtaining a cell population comprising stem cells; detecting the presence of ACE or a fragment thereof on a cell; selecting for those cells which are identified by the presence of ACE on the cell; and isolating those cells identified by the presence of ACE. 24. A method according to claim 23 wherein ACE is detected by the presence of a polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2 or an equivalent thereof. 25. A method according to claim 23 or 24 wherein the presence of ACE is detected by an antibody for ACE or a fragment thereof. 26. A method according to claim 25 wherein the antibody is BB9. 27. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein the stem cell is a haematopoietic stem cell. 28. An enriched stem cell population prepared by the methods according to any one of claims 14 to 18. 29. A stem cell prepared by the methods according to any one of claims 23 to 27. 30. A method of measuring stem cell content, said method comprising: obtaining a cell population comprising stem cells; detecting the presence of ACE or a fragment thereof on a cell with an indicator of ACE; selecting for those cells having ACE or a fragment thereof on the cell; and quantifying the selected cells relative to the quantity of cells in the cell population prior to selection. 31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the indicator of ACE or fragment thereof is an antibody to ACE or to a polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2. 32. A method according to claim 30 or 31 wherein the antibody is BB9. 33. A method for treating a stem cell associated condition comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising an enriched population of stem cells according to claim 28. 34. A method according to claim 33 wherein the stem cell associated condition is selected from the group including a haematopoietic, mesenchymal or keratinocyte associated condition. 35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the haematopoietic stem cell associated condition is a condition selected from the group including low levels of haematopoietic stem cells and reconstituting immunocompromised hosts, beta.-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, adenosine deaminase deficiency, recombinase deficiency, recombinase regulatory gene deficiency, 36. A method according to claim 34 wherein the mesenchymal stem cell associated condition is a condition selected from the group including (1) regenerating mesenchymal tissues which have been damaged through acute injury, abnormal genetic expression or acquired disease; (2) treating a host with damaged mesenchymal tissue by removal of small aliquots of bone marrow, isolation of their mesenchymal stem cells and treatment of damaged tissue with MSCs combined with a biocompatible carrier suitable for delivering MSCs to the damaged tissues site(s); (3) producing various mesenchymal tissues; (4) detecting and evaluating growth factors relevant to MSC self-regeneration and differentiation into committed mesenchymal lineages; (5) detecting and evaluating inhibitory factors which modulate MSC commitment and differentiation into specific mesenchymal lineages: and (6) developing mesenchymal cell lineages and assaying for factors associated with mesenchymal tissue development; regeneration of missing or damaged skeletal tissue, enhancing the implantation of various plastic or metal prosthetic devices through the attachment of the isolated mesenchymal stem cells onto the porous surfaces of the prosthetic devices or various tri-calcium or hydroxyapatite ceramic vehicles or carriers, which, upon the activation and subsequent differentiation of the mesenchymal stem cells, produce natural osseous or viscous bridges. 37. A method according to claim 33 wherein the stem cell associated condition is a repair of connective tissue damage. 38. A method according to claim 37 wherein the enriched population of stem cells is enriched for mesenchymal stem cells. 39. A method according to claim 34 wherein the keratinocyte stem cell associated condition is a burn. 40. A method as hereinbefore described with reference to the examples. |
<SOH> INTRODUCTION <EOH>There exist a strong interest in identifying specific cell types in an effort to gain enriched populations of the cells. Having possession of an enriched population may allow for a better understanding of the specific cell types or even provide uses in various situations including transplantation, gene therapy, treatment of disease including cancers such as leukaemias, neoplastic cancers including breast cancers, or repair of tissues and skin. Stem cells and the isolation and identification of such cells provides many advantages. These cells are defined as cells which are not terminally differentiated, which can divide without limit, and divide to yield cells that are either stem cells or which irreversibly differentiate to yield a new type of cell. Those stem cells which give rise to a single type of cell are called unipotent cells; those which give rise to many cell types are called pluripotent cells. Stem cells are by definition present in all self-renewing tissues. These cells are believed to be long-lived, have a great potential for cell division and are ultimately responsible for the homeostasis of steady-state tissues. Stem cells possess many of the following properties: they are relatively undifferentiated, ultrastructurally and biochemically; they have a large proliferative potential and are responsible for the long term maintenance and regeneration of tissue; they are normally “slow-cycling”, presumably to conserve their proliferative potential and to minimize DNA errors that could occur during replication; they can be stimulated to proliferate in response to wounding and to certain growth stimuli; they are often located in close proximity to a population of rapidly proliferating cells corresponding to the transient amplifying cells (“TA”) in the scheme of (1) stem cell to (2) TA cell to (3) terminally differentiated cell; and they are usually found in well protected, highly vascularized and innervated areas. Positive identification of stem cells has been difficult because there are no known immunological or biochemical markers specific for somatic stem cells. Since they are normally “slow cycling”, methods of identification are limited. Stem cells are important targets for gene therapy, where the inserted genes promote the health of the individual into whom the stem cells are transplanted. In addition, the ability to isolate stem cells can serve in the treatment of lymphomas and leukaemias, as well as other neoplastic conditions where the stem cells are purified from tumor cells in the bone marrow or peripheral blood, and reinfused into a patient after myelosuppressive or myeloablative chemotherapy. Thus, there have been world-wide efforts toward isolating stem cells in substantially pure form. Stem cells constitute only a small percentage of the total number of pluripotent cells. Pluripotent cells are identifiable by the presence of a variety of cell surface “markers.” Such markers can be either specific to a particular lineage or progenitor cell or be present on more than one cell type. Currently, it is not known how many of the markers associated with differentiated cells are also present on stem cells. In view of the small proportion of the total number of cells in the bone marrow or peripheral blood which are stem cells, the uncertainty of the markers associated with the stem cell as distinct from more differentiated cells, and the general difficulty in assaying for stem cells biologically, the identification and purification of stem cells has been elusive. Somatic stem cells give rise to cells which ultimately contribute to various parts of the plant or animal. Generally the somatic cells can be divided into haematopoietic, mesenchymal or keratinocyte stem cells. Mammalian hematopoietic cells are responsible for an extraordinarily diverse range of activities. They are divided into several lineages, including lymphoid, myeloid and erythroid. The lymphoid lineage, comprising B cells and T cells, produces antibodies, regulates cellular immunity, and detects foreign agents such as disease-causing organisms in the blood. The myeloid lineage, which includes monocytes, granulocytes, and megakaryocytes, monitors the blood for foreign bodies, protects against neoplastic cells, scavenges foreign materials, and produces platelets. The erythroid lineage includes red blood cells, which carry oxygen. The relative paucity of hematopoietic stem cells has prevented extensive research on stem cells and hematopoietic differentiation in general. The ready availability of a cell population enriched in hematopoietic stem cells would make possible the identification of biological modifiers affecting stem cell behavior. For example, there may be as yet undiscovered growth factors associated with (1) early steps of dedication of the stem cell to a particular lineage; (2) the prevention of such dedication; and (3) the ability to control stem cell proliferation. The availability of sufficient numbers of stem cells in an enriched population would also be extremely useful, for example, in reconstituting hematopoiesis in patients undergoing treatments which destroy stem cells, such as cancer chemotherapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the formative pluripotential cells found inter alia in bone marrow, blood, dermis and periosteum that are capable of differentiating into more than one specific type of mesenchymal or connective tissues (i.e. the tissues of the body that support the specialized elements; e.g. adipose, osseous, stroma, cartilaginous, elastic and fibrous connective tissues) depending upon various influences from bioactive factors, such as cytokines. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are reactive with certain monoclonal antibodies, known as SH2, SH3 and SH4. Keratinocyte stem cells give rise to skin cells and cells of the epidermis. They are particularly useful in the treatment of ulcers, acute wounds and grafting of acute wounds. However, identification of these specific cell types by cell surface markers has generally proven to be the best means of identification. The identification of additional cell surface antigens would clearly be of major value in the identification, isolation and further characterization of candidate stem cells. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate some of the problems of the prior art. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one aspect of the present invention there provided a method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; detecting the presence of a peptide sequence having the sequence LFQELQPLYL (SEQ ID NO:1) or an equivalent thereof; and identifying the stem cells having the sequence or equivalent thereof. In another aspect of the present invention here provided a method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; detecting the presence of a peptide sequence having the sequence EADDFFTS (SEQ ID NO:2) or an equivalent thereof; and identifying the stem cells having the sequence or equivalent thereof. The peptide sequences described herein as SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2 have been found to be expressed specifically on stem cells. The sequence may be a portion of a larger protein or be a sequence expressed by the stem cells. These sequences may used alone or in combination to identify or isolate stem cells. Applicants have found that angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) is expressed in stem cells. ACE acts on converting angiotensin-1 to angiotensin-II. Angiotensin-II increases blood pressure and is considered a main cause of essential hypertension. The sequences described may be a portion of ACE. Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of: obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; detecting the presence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or a fragment thereof on a cell; and identifying the stem cells having ACE or a fragment thereof. Any means of identifying the ACE may be used. However, in a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of identifying a stem cell comprising the steps of: obtaining a cell sample including stem cells; combining the sample with an antibody for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE); detecting the presence of ACE or a fragment thereof; and identifying the stem cells having ACE by detecting the presence of the antibody on the stem cells. Preferably, the antibody is any antibody specific for ACE. The antibody used in the present invention encompasses any antibody or fragment thereof, either native or recombinant, synthetic or naturally-derived, monoclonal or polyclonal which retains sufficient specificity to bind specifically to the ACE or a fragment thereof which is indicative of ACE. Preferably, the antibody is BB9 ACE antibody. The present invention also encompasses a method for obtaining a cell population enriched in stem cells comprising the steps of obtaining a cell population comprising stem cells; detecting the presence of ACE or a fragment thereof on a cell; and selecting for cells which are identified by the presence of ACE on the cell. In a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of obtaining a cell population enriched in haematopoietic stem cells comprising the steps of: obtaining cell populations comprising stem cells; combining the cell population with an antibody for ACE; and selecting for cells which are identified by the presence of ACE on the cell. Similarly, in another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of removing stem cells from a population comprising the steps of obtaining a cell population comprising stem cells; detecting the presence of ACE or a fragment thereof or a cell; and selecting out those cells which are identified by the presence of ACE on the cell. The methods described herein may also be used to isolate stem cells from cell populations or measure stem cell content in such populations. Once a stem cell is isolated or identified, they may be used in methods of treating or diagnosing stem cell related conditions. Preferably, the stem cell isolated is a haematopoietic stem cell, mesenchymal stem cell or a keratinocyte stem cell. However, other cells including neuronal, hepatic and pancreatic cells may also be included. Most preferably, the stem cell is a haematopoietic stem cell. Once the stem cell population is isolated, further isolation techniques may be employed to isolate subpopulations with the stem cells. Specific markers for mesenchymal or keratinocyte cells may be used to identify and isolate the various cell lineages. |
Method of tagging a shellfish and a detectable shellfish produced by such a method |
A method of tagging shellfish (10) for the purpose of subsequent identification. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a detectable tag (16), and (b) fixedly engaging the detectable tag (16) with a portion of the shellfish (10) such that the detectable tag (16) becomes incorporated into the shell portion (12) as the shellfish (10) grows. |
1. A method of tagging a shellfish for the purpose of subsequent identification, said method including the steps of: providing a detectable tag arranged to fixedly engage in use with at least one edge of a shell portion of a shellfish; and fixedly engaging the detectable tag with the at least one edge portion of a shellfish such that as the shellfish grows the detectable tag becomes incorporated into the shell portion thereby preventing disengagement of the detectable tag from the shell portion. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detectable tag is a coil and the step of fixedly engaging the detectable tag with an edge portion of a shellfish includes the step of inserting the edge portion of the shellfish between adjacent turns of the coil. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detectable tag is a clamp arranged to engage with at least two substantially opposite portions of the edge portion of the shellfish. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clamp includes a first clamp member extending in a first direction relative to the shellfish and a second clamp member extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, the clamp members being provided at remote ends with fingers arranged to engage with the edge portion. 5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the detectable tag is formed from a magnetisable material. 6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the detectable tag is formed of steel. 7. A detectable shellfish including: a shellfish; and a detectable tag fixedly engaged with at least one edge of a shell portion of shellfish; the arrangement being that as the shellfish grows the detectable tag becomes incorporated into the shell portion thereby preventing disengagement of the detectable tag from the shell portion. 8. A detectable shellfish as claimed in claim 7, wherein the detectable tag is a coil arranged to receive an edge of a shell portion between adjacent turns of the coil. 9. A detectable shellfish as claimed in claim 7, wherein the detectable tag is a clamp arranged to engage with at least two substantially opposite portions of the edge portion of the shellfish. 10. A detectable shellfish as claimed in claim 9, wherein the clamp includes a first clamp member extending in a first direction relative to the shellfish and a second clamp member extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the first and second clamp members being provided at remote ends with fingers arranged to engage with the edge portion. 11. A detectable shellfish as claimed in claim 10, wherein the detectable tag is magnetised. 12. A detectable shellfish as claimed in claim 11, wherein the detectable tag is formed of steel. 13. A detectable shellfish including: a shellfish; and a detectable tag incorporated into the shell portion; the detectable tag being incorporated into the shell portion by engaging the detectable tag with at least one edge of the shell portion and allowing the shellfish to subsequently grow. 14. A detectable shellfish as claimed in claim 8, wherein the shellfish is abalone. 15. (Cancelled). 16. (Cancelled). 17. A detectable shellfish as claimed in claim 13, wherein the shellfish is abalone. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The harvesting of some types of shellfish such as abalone is often subject to government regulations the effect of which is to only allow removal from the ocean floor of shellfish which are identifiable beyond reasonable doubt as shellfish which have been pre-deposited by the harvester. In view of such regulations, various methods have been used to correctly identify the shellfish, one such method including the step of applying a dye to a shell portion of the shellfish so that the shellfish exhibits a colour which is readily identifiable. However, because a shellfish often remains in situ for long periods of time the colour of the shellfish often fades and identification becomes difficult. An alternative method includes the step of fixing a tag to an outwardly facing surface of a shell portion of a shellfish, for example using glue. However, with this method, the tag often detaches from the shellfish thereby precluding identification of the shellfish by a harvester. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of tagging a shellfish for the purpose of subsequent identification, said method including the steps of: providing a detectable tag arranged to fixedly engage in use with an edge of a shell portion of a shellfish; and fixedly engaging the detectable tag with an edge portion of a shellfish such that as the shellfish grows the tag becomes incorporated into the shell portion thereby preventing disengagement of the detectable tag from the shell portion. In one embodiment, the detectable tag is a coil and the step of fixedly engaging the detectable tag with an edge portion of a shellfish includes the step of inserting the edge portion of the shellfish between adjacent turns of the coil. In an alternative embodiment, the detectable tag is a clamp arranged to engage with at least two substantially opposite portions of the edge portion of the shellfish. The clamp may include a first clamp member extending in a first direction relative to the shellfish and a second clamp member extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, and the clamp members may be provided at remote ends with fingers arranged to engage with the edge portion. Preferably, the detectable tag is formed of metal, which may be magnetised and which is preferably steel. In one embodiment, the shellfish is abalone. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detectable shellfish including: a shellfish; and a detectable tag fixedly engaged with an edge of a shell portion of shellfish; the arrangement being such that as the shellfish grows the detectable tag becomes incorporated into the shell portion thereby preventing disengagement of the detectable tag from the shell portion. In one embodiment, the detectable tag is a coil arranged to receive an edge of a shell portion between adjacent turns of the coil. In an alternative embodiment, the detectable tag is a clamp arranged to engage with at least two substantially opposite portions of the edge portion of the shellfish. The clamp may include a first clamp member extending in a first direction relative to the shellfish and a second clamp member extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the first and second clamp members may be provided at remote ends with fingers arranged to engage with the edge portion. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detectable shellfish including: a shellfish; and a detectable tag incorporated into a shell portion of the shellfish; the detectable tag being incorporated into the shell portion by engaging the detectable tag with an edge of the shell portion and subsequently allowing the shell portion to grow. |
Method of calling pc customer terminal transmitting its number in the media gateway control protocol |
A method for a calling PCC transmitting its number includes the calling PCC issuing a RestartInProgress command to an One Name Link You (ONLY) server, and carrying in the EndPointId parameter of the RestartInProgress command a calling PCC number of the calling PCC for establishing a connection with the ONLY server. The ONLY server establishes the connection with the calling PCC through signaling interaction after the connection has been established. The ONLY server issues a CreateConnection command carrying the calling PCC number to a called PCC for establishing a connection with the called PCC; the called PCC obtaining the calling PCC number to establish a connection with the ONLY server through signaling interaction. |
1. A method for a calling PC client (PCC) transmitting its number in a Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) system, comprising: said calling PCC issuing a RestartInProgress command to an One Number Link You (ONLY) server for establishing a first connection with said ONLY server, an EndPointId parameter in said RestartInProgess command carrying a calling PCC number of said calling PCC, said calling PCC number being a logic identifier for identifying said calling PCC; said ONLY server establishing said first connection with said calling PCC by signaling interaction between said ONLY server and said calling PCC; after said first connection having been established, said ONLY server issuing a CreateConnection command carrying said calling PCC number to a called PCC for establishing a second connection with said called PCC; said called PCC obtaining said calling PCC number for an ONLY service usage, establishing said second connection with said ONLY server by signaling interaction between said called PCC and said ONLY server. 2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising carrying an endpoint sequence number and an IP address of said calling PCC in said EndPointId parameter. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising putting said calling PCC number into a RequestedEvent parameter of a NotificationRequest command, and embedding said NotificationRequest command in said CreateConnection command before issuing said CreateConnection command. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising one of said calling PCC and said called PCC communicating with said ONLY server using Media Gateway Control Protocol. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>At present, along with rapid development of telecommunication technology new services are continuously proposed and provided to users for the best and most convenient communication. One Number Link You (ONLY) is one of these new services. With the ONLY service, a unique private communication number (a virtual number) is assigned to a subscriber, and the ONLY service is implemented on a network combining the traditional PSTN network and the IP network. With this unique ONLY number, a subscriber at anywhere (such as at office, at home or on Internet) can be connected to make a real-time communication. The ONLY service deploys the media gateway, i.e. it is realized with separating media gateway controller and media gateway, wherein the PC client corresponds to the media gateway, and the ONLY server corresponds to the media gateway controller. The Media Gateway Control Protocol is deployed in communication between the PC client and the ONLY server. When the PC client is a calling, it must send its ONLY number to the called subscriber to display calling number. In the MGCP, there is a specific event with calling identifier, i.e. calling identifier (CI) event that can take the calling number with three parameters: the time of the call (ti), the calling number (nu) and the calling name (na), and the CI event is transported as a requested event in the NotificationRequest command. This way of carrying a calling number is suitable for transmission of a calling number from the media gateway controller to the media gateway. When a PC client is a calling, the PC client cannot make transmission of a calling number using the CI event directly, since the PC client corresponds to a media gateway and the CI event can only be carried by a command from a media gateway controller to a media gateway. Therefore, this way of a calling number transmission cannot be used. In the MGCP, there are all kinds of basic packages. Among them, there is a D package for transporting DTMF (double tone multiple frequency) code types. The transportation for DTMF code types is a DTMF code event in the MGCP. Table 1 shows transportation signals and their definition in the DTMF code events. TABLE 1 Signals of DTMF code event Symbol Definition R S Duration 0 DTMF 0 x BR 1 DTMF 1 x BR 2 DTMF 2 x BR 3 DTMF 3 x BR 4 DTMF 4 x BR 5 DTMF 5 x BR 6 DTMF 6 x BR 7 DTMF 7 x BR 8 DTMF 8 x BR 9 DTMF 9 x BR # DTMF # x BR * DTMF * x BR A DTMF A x BR B DTMF B x BR C DTMF C x BR D DTMF D x BR L long duration indicator x 2 seconds X Wildcard, match any digit 0-9 x T Interdigit timer x 4 seconds of report failure x It seems that the PC client can send the calling number in the DTMF code event to the media gateway controller using the Notify command, but in real it is impossible, since the media gateway controller cannot require the media gateway (the PC client, in this invention) to detect the DTMF code event. More specifically, in the MGCP the notify command carry the events that are detected by media gateway according to event detection request in Notify Request command of the media gateway controller and occur at media gateway, but the DTMF code event cannot be detected by the media gateway except a subscriber types the keys actively (i.e. making the DTMF code event to occur). |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance of the mention above, the objective of the invention is to provide a method in the MGCP: when the PC client makes a call, the calling number can be sent to the ONLY server (i.e. the media gateway controller) and then to the called subscriber. For the above objective, the technical scheme of the invention is as follow. A method for a PC client call carrying the calling number in the Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) at least includes the following steps: a. A calling PC client (PCC) issues a RestartInProgress command to an ONLY server to ask for establishing a connection with the ONLY server, the EndPointId in the RestartInProgess command is consisted by two parameters: calling number of the PCC and IP address of the PCC; b. A connection between the ONLY server and the calling PCC is established through the signaling interaction between them; c. After the connection between the ONLY server and the calling PCC has been established, the ONLY server issues a CreateConnection command to the called PCC to ask for establishing a connection and the CreateConnection command carrys the calling number; d. A connection between the ONLY server and the called PCC is established through the signaling interaction between them. Wherein said EndPointId parameter comprising the calling number of PCC, an endpoint sequence number and the IP address of calling PCC. In step c, the CreateConnection command has an embedded NotificationRequest command that has a RequestedEvent parameter, and the calling number is put in the RequestedEvent parameter. In the procedure above, the calling PCC or the called PCC communicates with the ONLY server using MGCP. Since a PC client has its own unique ONLY number, i.e. calling number, and every PC client as a media gateway in the MGCP is identified by an endpoint, the key point of the invention is to combine a calling number with an endpoint identifier of the PCC in order to carry a calling number in an endpoint to a called PC client when the PC client initiates a call. It need not be expressed in special messages or parameters. In this invention, an endpoint identifier is expressed as: in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="lead"? EndPointId=<ONLY number>/1@<IP address> in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="tail"? Wherein the ONLY number is the ONLY number of the PC client, i.e. the calling number, “/1” is the sequence number of the endpoint, since every PC client has only one endpoint, the sequence number is “1” always in order to correspond to the MGCP. It is obvious that the method of the invention solves the problem: when a PC client initiates a call, the calling number can be carried, i.e. the unique client identifier. The invention solves it without any special messages or parameters, but combining a calling number with an endpoint identifier of the PCC. Therefore, it is simple and convenient to implement. |
Fire extinguisher |
The present invention relates to a fire extinguisher, in particular, to a fire extinguisher with an observation window formed in it, allowing to observe inside thereof so that one can easily confirm with naked eyes whether the extinguishing agent filled in the main body of the fire extinguisher is of prescribed quantity, or the extinguishing agent filled in is in an intact state, i.e. not hardened. |
1-9. (Cancelled) 10. A fire extinguisher, comprising: a main body filled with a prescribed quantity of extinguishing agent and pressure gas with a prescribed level of pressure; a head detachably fastened to an end of the main body; a pair of levers provided at predetermined portions of the head; and an extinguishing hose, with a first end of the extinguishing hose communicating with an inside of the main body while a second end of the extinguishing hose extending to an outside of the main body, thus allowing the extinguishing agent to be injected to the outside of the main body through the extinguishing hose; wherein the main body comprises: an upper combining part having at a first end thereof a thread to allow the head to be fastened to the upper combining part in a screw-type fastening method; a bottom support part supported on a support surface; and a middle part provided between the upper combining part and the bottom support part, the middle part comprising: an observation window longitudinally provided along a sidewall of the middle part of the main body so that opposite ends of the observation window are placed near the upper combining part and the bottom support part, respectively, the observation window allowing a user to observe the extinguishing agent filled in the main body; and a pressure gauge provided in the middle part of the main body so that the user observes the pressure gauge through the observation window, the pressure gauge being elastically deformed by the pressure of the pressure gas filled in the main body, thus indicating the pressure of the pressure gas. 11. The fire extinguisher according to claim 10, wherein the observation window comprises: a thru hole longitudinally provided along the middle part; and a transparent window mounted on an inner surface of the middle part at a position to correspond to the thru hole. 12. The fire extinguisher according to claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the middle part on which edges of the transparent window are to be placed, is curved outward to form curved parts, and the edges of the transparent window are sealed while being placed on the corresponding curved parts. 13. The fire extinguisher according to claim 12, wherein the transparent window is made of a polycarbonate (P/P) material. 14. The fire extinguisher according to claim 10, wherein the pressure gauge comprises: an elastic bag filled with indication liquid, the elastic bag expanding and contracting depending on the pressure of the pressure gas in the main body; and a transparent closed tube having a form of a long pipe with at least one scale marked at a side of the closed tube, the transparent closed tube connected at a first end thereof to the elastic bag to allow the indication liquid contained in the elastic bag to rise into the tube when the elastic bag contracts by the pressure gas in the main body. 15. The fire extinguisher according to claim 14, wherein the indication liquid is colored for better observation. 16. The fire extinguisher according to claim 16, wherein the transparent window further comprises at least one holder to hold the pressure gauge. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>A fire extinguisher is an apparatus for extinguishing fire utilizing cooling effect or oxygen cut-off effect of fire extinguishing agents. Fire extinguisher is classified by its extinguishing capacity into a heavy duty extinguisher with an extinguishing capacity of 10 or 20 units or more, or a small extinguisher with an extinguishing capacity of one unit or more, but lower than that of a heavy duty extinguisher. A small extinguisher is often employed at households, work places, offices, etc. due to its convenience in carriage and transport. A fire extinguisher can also be classified by the type of extinguishing agents filled in the main body thereof, into an acid-alkali extinguisher, an enforcement liquid extinguisher, a halogen extinguisher, a carbon dioxide extinguisher, or a powder extinguisher, and the like. Since fire extinguishing agents are in general of high price, fire extinguisher using extinguishing agents other than powder extinguisher are employed normally only at specific sites. A fire extinguisher can further be classified by the type of pressure it employs, into a pressure extinguisher or a accumulate pressure extinguisher. A pressure extinguisher, being a conventional technology, comprises a pressure gas container (also called, a “cartridge”) in the main body thereof where fire extinguishing agent is filled, as the container aims to press the extinguishing agent for injection. When a user presses two levers of the fire extinguisher until they are closely accessed to each other while the safety pin has been removed, the pressure gas container is opened, and the gas is released to press the extinguishing agent in the main body so that the extinguishing gas is injected out of the fire extinguisher. However, a drawback of such pressure extinguisher is that its structure is complicated, because it requires a separate pressure gas container within the main body thereof, inclusive of a gas pipe for transmission of the pressure gas as well as an injection tube for the extinguishing agent. Form this background, use of accumulate pressure extinguishers has been increased recently. For convenience of explanation, a fire extinguisher refers in the following description to a small powder fire extinguisher using accumulate pressure, if not mentioned otherwise. An accumulate pressure type conventional fire extinguisher is consisted of a main body 110 with extinguishing agent and pressure gas filled in it, a head 120 installed at one end of the main body 110 , two levers 122 fixed at the head 120 , an extinguishing hose 130 , one end of which is connected to the inside of the main body 110 while the other end is extended from the main body 110 to be exposed outward, and a nozzle fixed at one end of the extinguishing hose 130 , as illustrated in FIG. 1 . At the two levers, a safety pin 124 is installed to prevent unintended access of the levers 122 to each other. Further, the head 120 is equipped with a pressure gauge 150 which indicates the pressure of the pressure gas consisted of nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The pressure gauge is one functioning mechanically with its indicator changing mechanically in accordance with the pressure changes inside of the main body 110 . In case fire occurs, a user removes the safety pin 124 , presses the two levers firmly so that they are closely accessed, whereupon the extinguishing agent filled in the main body 110 is injected through the extinguishing hose 130 out of the nozzle 132 , triggered by the pressure difference between high pressure in the tightly sealed main body 110 and low pressure atmosphere outside thereof. However, since the main body of such conventional fire extinguisher is made of metal, it does not allow a user to confirm with naked eyes whether the extinguishing agent filled in is of prescribed quantity. Another important factor for faultless functioning of such fire extinguisher is that the extinguishing agent filled in remain intact. In other words, the fire extinguisher fails to function when the extinguishing agent is hardened, even if the agent filled in is of sufficient quantity. A further problem with the conventional fire extinguisher is that it does not allow a user to confirm with his eyes whether the extinguishing agent filled in the main body thereof is in an intact state, i.e. not hardened. Still another problem of the conventional fire extinguisher is that the pressure gauge installed at the lever part thereof to indicate the internal pressure of the main body is designed to function mechanically with a relatively high rate of malfunction, resulting in occasions when the fire extinguisher fails to function even if the inner pressure indicated by the gauge is normal. In addition, since such pressure gauge is exposed outward, it can easily be damaged by external force during carriage or transport. |
<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional fire extinguisher. FIG. 2 is a front view of a fire extinguisher in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the fire extinguisher in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a common main body 10 ; a head 20 combined with one end of the main body 10 in a detachable manner, two operating levers 22 installed at the above head 20 ; an extinguishing hose 30 , of which one end is connected to the inside of the main body 10 while the other end is extended from the main body 10 to be exposed outward to enable the extinguishing agent in the main body 10 to be injected through it; and a nozzle 32 fixed at the outer end of the extinguishing hose 30 . The extinguishing hose is held by a hose holder 34 provided at one side of the main body 10 , when the fire extinguisher is not in use. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? The two levers 22 are fixed at one end on the axis of a hinge (not shown in the drawings) in a manner that they are allowed to access to or depart from each other. A safety pin 24 is provided near the hinge area for safe operation of the levers 22 . To elaborate, a user has first to remove the safety pin 24 and then press the levers 22 until they are closely accessed to each other in order to operate the fire extinguisher. The main body 10 is filled with fire extinguishing agent P of prescribed quantity and pressure gas with prescribed level of press. Although a large variety of agents can be used as fire extinguishing agent P, the present embodiment takes a filling of about ⅔ of the main body 10 with sodium bicarbonate powder having a fineness of 100 mesh or more as its standard. The pressure gas filled in the main body 10 may be nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and the like. FIG. 3 a is an exploded view of the main body of the fire extinguisher in FIG. 2 , while FIG. 3 b is a development view of the middle part of the main body of the fire extinguisher in FIG. 2 . As illustrated in these drawings, the main body 10 is consisted of an upper combining part 12 for combination with the head 20 , a bottom support part 14 , and a middle part 16 stretching from the upper combining part 12 to the bottom support part 14 , the upper combining part 12 being equipped with a thread 12 a formed at one end thereof for combination with the head 20 . While the upper combining part 12 and the bottom support part 14 are formed in funnel shape with its top part cut off, the middle part 16 is manufactured by rolling a metal plate to result in a cylinder form (processing from FIG. 3 b to a part of FIG. 3 a ). Manufacturing of the main body 10 is completed when the upper combing part 12 and the bottom support part 14 have been welded to the respective ends of the middle part 16 . The middle part 16 of the main body 10 is equipped with an observation window 40 formed along the length of the main body 10 stretching from near the upper combining part 12 to near the bottom support part 14 allowing a user to observe the extinguishing agent P filled in the main body 10 . Although the observation window 40 can be made through various processes, the process adopted by an embodiment of the present invention is a simple one as shown in FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , and 4 a . A thru hole 41 in shape of a long stripe is formed on the metal plate for the middle part 16 , and then, the part of the thru hole to be jointed with the observation window 40 is slightly curved extruding forward from the middle part 16 to form a curved part 42 , so that a transparent window 43 is placed on the rear surface of the thru hole 41 . Here, the transparent window 43 is placed in such a manner that every edge thereof exactly fits the curved part 42 formed in the middle part as illustrated in FIG. 4 a , and then, it is tightly sealed S with the curved part 42 , with which procedure the manufacturing process of an observation window 40 is completed. A polycarbonate (P/P) material is used for the transparent window 43 in this embodiment. With such an observation window 40 , it can easily be confirmed with naked eyes whether a prescribed quantity of extinguishing agent P (approximately ⅔ of the inner volume of the main body 10 ) is filled in the main body 10 . Since the observation window 40 of the present embodiment is formed along the height of the fire extinguisher, it allows a better observation of the fill status of the extinguishing agent P in the main body 10 . Further, this observation window 40 allows a user to easily confirm whether the extinguishing agent P filled in the main body 10 is hardened, by simply shading or upsetting the fire extinguisher. If the extinguishing agent P has become hardened, it shall be substituted appropriately. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , a pressure gauge 50 for indicating pressure of the pressure gas filled in the main body 10 is installed at a location in the main body 10 observable from outside of the main body 10 through the observation window 40 , in contrast to a conventional fire extinguisher, where a pressure gauge 150 is installed at the head 120 , which is vulnerable to damages caused by outer force. The present invention, by installing a pressure gauge 50 in the main body 10 at a location observable through the observation window 40 in one embodiment example thereof, can effectively prevent damage of the pressure gauge 50 . In addition, the above embodiment of the present invention is capable of preventing a malfunction of the pressure gauge 50 , by adopting a functional principle different from the mechanical functioning in a conventional pressure gauge 150 , as described below. As shown in FIG. 4 b , the observation window 40 is equipped with a pair of holders 44 for holding the pressure gauge 50 . The holders 44 , having an opening at one side, hold the pressure gauge 50 firmly by elastically pressing the same from both sides with the holding arms 44 a , 44 b . However, other types of fixing the pressure gauge 44 using screws, hooks, elastic band, etc. other than holders may also be adopted. The pressure gauge 50 adopted by an embodiment of the present invention comprises, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , an elastic bag 51 filled with indication liquid 54 capable of expanding and contracting depending on the pressure of the pressure gas in the main body; and a closed transparent tube 52 in the form of a long pipe with two scales 52 a , 52 b marked at one side thereof connected at one end to the above elastic bag 51 to allow the indication liquid 54 in the elastic bag 51 to rise within the tube 52 when the elastic bag contracts by the gas pressure in the main body 10 . The indication liquid 54 , since it has be non-contracting liquid, is preferably of water. However, since water is without any color, it is not easily observable. Thus, the present embodiment employs a colored indication liquid 54 , to enable easy observation Commonly, the indication liquid is colored in green. The elastic bag 51 is made of pure rubber, preferably of a latex material this material being not only chemically stable, but also durable and flexible. The height of the indication liquid 54 in the closed tube 52 can be controlled by manipulation of the size and/or the thickness of the elastic bag 51 . The scales 52 a , 52 b , being marked at the closed tube 52 with a predetermined distance to each other as shown in the drawing, indicates that pressure of the pressure gas is in a prescribed range when the indicating liquid 54 is located between the two scales 52 a and 52 b. The pressure of the pressure gas in the main body 10 shall normally range about 9 kg/m 3 . The elastic bag 51 contracts by pressure of the pressure gas, which behavior triggers the indication liquid 54 to rise in the closed tube 52 , whereby the indication liquid 54 remains between the two scales 52 a and 52 b marked at the closed tune 52 , if the pressure is in a normal state. Since the indication liquid 54 located between the scales 52 a and 52 b indicates that the pressure is maintained in an appropriate range, a user can easily confirm the normal state of the pressure gas in the main body 10 through a simple observation of the observation window 40 . An observation of the observation window 40 not only allows to confirm whether the pressure of the pressure gas in normal range, but also to confirm whether the extinguishing agent is in an intact state, i.e. whether it is hardened. Furthermore, the non-mechanical pressure gauge 50 installed in the main body 10 allows not only to confirm whether pressure of the pressure gas in the main body 10 is in the normal range, but also to prevent malfunction of the gauge 50 as well as damage thereof by outer force. As described above in connection with FIG. 4 a , the holders 44 hold the closed tube 52 of the pressure gauge 50 firmly by elastically pressing from both sides with the holding arms 44 a , 44 b . However, the closed tube 52 of the pressure gauge 52 can be held more firmly, if it is supported by an additional latch 53 provided at the holder 44 , allowing the closed tube 52 not to slip downward. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4 a , the pressure gauge 50 is installed with a certain distance from the transparent window 43 . In such case, there can be instances where the pressure gauge 50 becomes invisible when it is hidden by the extinguishing agent P. Thus, another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 6 provides the pressure gauge 50 to be placed directly at the rear surface of the transparent window 43 , so that no extinguishing agent P can be filled in the space between the pressure gauge 50 and the transparent window 43 , to guarantee sure observation of the pressure gauge 50 . In addition, the close tube 52 is preferably be made as a lengthy tube to provide a wide observation space between the scales, allowing a comfortable observation. |
Stretching machine |
A stentering machine having a horizontal drying zone and a vertical pretreatment zone for a web of material spread out between stentering chains is described. The stentering chains are brought from the vertical position into a horizontal position in a deflection zone. In order to achieve the result, in the case of a stentering chain with deflection about axes that stand vertical to the surface of the web of material, that the chain can be guided through the deflection zone with tilting of the linking pins, without damage to the pin bearings, the deflection pins are configured to be crowned elements. The deflection bolt bearings are shaped to correspond to the crowning of the pins. |
1. Stentering machine having a horizontal drying zone (3) for continuous treatment of a web of material (2) spread out between stentering chains (7) comprised of chain links (23, 25), the two lengthwise edges of which are to be attached to the chain links (23, 25) in a coupling zone (6), in releasable manner, whereby each of the chain links (23) possesses linking pins (22) that are to be coupled with an adjacent chain link (25), in each instance, in pivoting manner, the axes (32) of which stand essentially perpendicular to the plane of the web of material, and whereby guide rails (8), which are horizontal in the drying zone (3), having bearing roller tracks or glide tracks for the chains, are assigned to the stentering chains (7), wherein the linking pins (22) are configured as crowned elements, for a tilting angle between the chain links (23, 25) that corresponds to the radius of curvature of the deflection zone (9), in the case of a 90° deflection zone (9) of the guide rails (8) arranged between the vertical coating unit (1) and the horizontal drying zone (3). 2. Stentering machine according to claim 1, wherein the bearing parts (30, 31) are configured in accordance with the crowning of the linking pin (22). 3. Stentering machine according to claim 1, wherein a crowning for tilting of adjacent linking pins (22) towards one another of on the order of 2° is provided at a chain pitch (distance between adjacent linking pins) of on the order of 120 mm and a radius of curvature of the deflection zone (9) of on the order of 3000 mm. 4. Stentering machine according to claim 1, wherein the linking pin (22) and its bearing parts (29, 30, 31) is configured as a ball joint. |
Copper electrolytic solution containing quaternary amine compound polymer with specific skeleton and organo-sulfur compound as additives, and electrolytic copper foil manufactured using the same |
There is obtained a low-profile electrolytic copper foil with a small surface roughness on the side of the rough surface (the opposite side from the lustrous surface) in the manufacture of an electrolytic copper foil using a cathode drum, and more particularly an electrolytic copper foil which allows fine patterning, and is superior in terms of elongation and tensile strength at ordinary temperatures and high temperatures. The present invention provides a copper electrolytic solution, containing as additives an organo-sulfur compound and a quaternary amine compound polymer obtained by homopolymerizing a compound in which nitrogen of an acrylic type compound having a dialkylamino group is quaternized, or copolymerizing the compound with another compound having an unsaturated bond, and an electrolytic copper foil manufactured using this electrolytic solution. |
1. A copper electrolytic solution, containing as additives an organo-sulfur compound and a quaternary amine compound polymer obtained by homopolymerizing a compound in which nitrogen of an acrylic type compound having a dialkylamino group is quaternized, or copolymerizing the compound with another compound having an unsaturated bond. 2. The copper electrolytic solution according to claim 1, wherein said compound obtained by quaternizing nitrogen of an acrylic type compound having a dialkylamino group is expressed by the following general formula (1), (2) or (3). (In general formulae (1) through (3), R1 indicates hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, each of R2 indicates an alkyl group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R3 indicates an alkyl group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a benzyl group or an allyl group, X1− indicates Cl−, Br− or CH3SO4−, and n indicates an integer of 1 to 5.) 3. The copper electrolytic solution according to claim 1, wherein said organo-sulfur compound is a compound expressed by the following general formula (4) or (5). X—R1—(S)n—R2—Y (4) R4—S—R3—SO3Z (5) (In general formulae (4) and (5), R1, R2 and R3 each indicate an alkylene group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R4 indicates a group selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphonic acid group, and an alkali metal salt group or ammonium salt group of sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid, Y is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonic acid group, a phosphonic acid group, and an alkali metal salt group of sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid, Z indicates hydrogen or an alkali metal, and n is 2 or 3.) 4. An electrolytic copper foil which is manufactured using the copper electrolytic solution according to claim 1. 5. A copper-clad laminate which is formed using the copper electrolytic foil according to claim 4. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Generally, a rotating metal cathode drum with a polished surface, and an insoluble metal anode which is disposed on more or less the lower half of this cathode drum, and which surrounds the circumference of the cathode drum, are used to manufacture electrolytic copper foils. A copper electrolytic solution is caused to flow between the above-mentioned drum and anode, and an electrical potential is applied across these parts, so that copper is electrodeposited on the cathode drum. Then, when the electrodeposited copper has reached a specified thickness, this copper is peeled from the cathode drum, so that a copper foil is continuously manufactured. The copper foil thus obtained is generally referred to as a raw foil; this foil is subsequently subjected to several surface treatments, and is used in printed wiring boards or the like. An outline of a conventional copper foil manufacturing apparatus is shown in FIG. 3 . In this electrolytic copper foil manufacturing apparatus, a cathode drum 1 is disposed in an electrolysis bath which accommodates an electrolytic solution. This cathode drum 1 rotates in a state in which the drum is partially immersed (i.e., substantially the lower half of the drum is immersed) in the electrolytic solution. An insoluble anode 2 is disposed so that this anode surrounds the lower half of the cathode drum 1 . There is a fixed gap 3 between this cathode drum 1 and anode 2 , and an electrolytic solution flows through this gap. Two anode plates are disposed in the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 . In this apparatus shown in FIG. 3 , the electrolytic solution is supplied from below; the apparatus is constructed so that this electrolytic solution passes through the gap 3 between the cathode drum 1 and anode 2 and overflows from the upper rim of the anode 2 , and so that this electrolytic solution is recirculated. A specified voltage can be maintained between the cathode drum 1 and anode 2 by interposing a rectifier between these parts. As the cathode drum 1 rotates, the thickness of the copper electrodeposited from the electrolytic solution increases, and when this thickness exceeds a certain thickness, the raw foil 4 is peeled away and continuously taken up. The thickness of the raw foil that is thus manufactured can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the cathode drum 1 and the anode 2 , the flow velocity of the electrolytic solution that is supplied, or the amount of electricity that is supplied. In the copper foil that is manufactured by such an electrolytic copper foil manufacturing apparatus, the surface that contacts the cathode drum is a mirror surface; however, the surface on the opposite side is a rough surface with projections and indentations. In the case of ordinary electrolysis, the projections and indentations of this rough surface are severe, so that undercutting tends to occur during etching, and the achievement of a fine pattern is difficult. Recently, meanwhile, as the density of printed wiring boards has increased, the narrowing of circuit width and the development of multi-layer circuits have led to a demand for copper foils that allow fine patterning. In order to achieve such fine patterning, a copper foil exhibiting an etching rate and a uniform solubility, that is, a copper foil having superior etching characteristics is required. Furthermore, in regard to the performance values required in copper foils used in printed wiring boards, not only elongation at ordinary temperatures, but also high-temperature elongation characteristics for the purpose of preventing cracking caused by thermal stress, and a high tensile strength for dimensional stability of the printed wiring board, are required. However, copper foils of the above-mentioned type in which the projections and indentations of the rough surface are severe are completely unsuitable for fine patterning, as was described above. For such reasons, the smoothening of the rough surface to a low profile has been investigated. It is generally known that such a low profile can be achieved by adding large amounts of glue or thiourea to the electrolytic solution. However, such additives lead to the problem of an abrupt drop in the elongation at ordinary temperatures and high temperatures, thus causing a great drop in the performance of the copper foil as a copper foil for use in printed wiring boards. |
<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 shows the FT-IR spectrum of a quaternary amine compound polymer obtained as a synthesis example. FIG. 2 shows the 13 C-NMR spectrum of a quaternary amine compound polymer obtained as a synthesis FIG. 3 is a diagram which shows one example of an electrolytic copper foil apparatus. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? |
Composition with multiple uses for poultry |
The present invention relates generally to the use of cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition for (I) increasing the yield and/or quality of eggs produced by fowls, (ii) preferentially promoting growth rate of female fowls over male fowls and/or (iii) preferentially promoting development of breast muscles of fowls over development of muscles other than the breast muscles. The invention also relates to a method and cysteamine-containing feed of raising fowls, and a method of preparing such feed. |
1. The use of cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition for increasing the yield and/or quality of eggs produced by fowls. 2. The use of cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition for preferentially promoting growth of female fowls over male fowls. 3. The use of cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition for preferentially promoting development of breast muscles of fowls over development of muscles other than said breast muscles. 4. The use according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said composition comprises substantially 1 to 95 wt % cysteamine having the chemical formula of NH2—CH2—CH2—SH or its salt like compounds. 5. The use according to claim 4 wherein said composition comprises substantially 30 wt % cysteamine. 6. The use according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said composition comprises 1 to 80 wt % of a stabilizer. 7. The use according to claim 6 wherein said stabilizer is selected from a group including cyclodextrin and/or its derivatives. 8. The use according to claim 6 wherein said composition comprises substantially 10 wt % of said stabilizer. 9. The use according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said composition further comprises ingredient (s) selected from a group including a bulking agent, a disintegration agent and a coated carrier. 10. The use according to claim 9 wherein said carrier it's a solid carrier. 11. The use according to claim 9 wherein said carrier is a coating soluble in intestines of said fowls. 12. The use according to claim 9 wherein said carrier exhibits a multi-layer structure in said composition. 13. The use according to claim 9 wherein said carrier is adapted to remain un-dissolved at pH 1.5 to 3.5. 14. The use according to claim 1, 2 or 3 for the manufacture of a feed for said fowls. 15. The use according to claim 14 wherein said feed comprises substantially 50 to 3000 ppm of said composition. 16. The use according to claim 14 wherein said feed comprises substantially 15 to 900 ppm of cysteamine. 17. The use according to claim 16 wherein said feed comprises substantially 120 ppm of cysteamine. 18. The use according to claim 14 wherein said feed comprises other foodstuffs selected from a group including maize, soybean, yeast, fish meal, bone meal, shell meal, salts, amino acids preferably methionine, and vitamins. 19. A method of raising fowls comprising: (a) mixing cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition with a suitable feed material for said fowls, and (b) feeding said fowls with said feed material. 20. A method according to claim 19 wherein said mixing in step (a) comprises directly mixing said composition with said feed material. 21. A method according to claim 19 wherein said mixing in step (a) comprises firstly preparing a pre-mix including cysteamine or said cysteamine-containing composition, and subsequently mixing said pre-mix with said feed material. 22. A feed for increasing the yield and/or quality of eggs produced by fowls comprising cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition. 23. A feed for preferetially promoting growth of female fowls over male fowls comprising a cysteamine-containing compositions. 24. A feed for preferentially promoting development of breast muscles of fowls over development of muscles other than said breast muscles comprising a cysteamine-containing composition. 25. A feed according to claim 22, 23 or 24 comprising substantially 1 to 95 wt % cysteamine having the chemical formula of NH2—CH2—CH2—SH or its salt like compounds. 26. A feed according claim 25 wherein said composition comprises substantially 30 wt % cysteamine. 27. A feed according to claim 22, 23 or 24 comprising substantially 15 to 900 ppm cysteamine. 28. A feed according to claim 27 comprising substantially 120 ppm cysteamine. 29. A feed according to claim 22, 23 or 24 comprising substantially 50 to 3000 ppm of said cysteamine-containing composition. 30. A feed according to claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein said composition further comprises 1 to 80 wt % of a stabilizer. 31. A feed according to claim 30 wherein said stabilizer is selected from a group including cyclodextrin and/or its derivatives. 32. A feed according to claim 30 wherein said composition comprises 10 wt % of said stabilizer. 33. A feed according to claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein said composition further comprises ingredient(s) selected from a group including a bulking agent, a disintegration agent and a coated carrier. 34. A feed according to claim 33 wherein said carrier is a solid carrier. 35. A feed according to claim 34 wherein said carrier is a coating soluble in intestines of said fowls. 36. A feed according to claim 33 wherein said carrier exhibits a multi-layer structure in said composition. 37. A feed according to 34 wherein said carrier is adapted to remain un-dissolved at pH 1.5 to 3.5. 38. A feed according to claim 22, 23 or 24 comprising other foodstuffs selected from a group including maize, soybean, yeast, fish meal, bone meal, shell meal, salts, amino acids such as methionine, and vitamins. 39. A method of preparing a feed as claimed claim 22, 23 or 24 comprising a step of mixing said cysteamine or said cysteamine-containing composition with a suitable basal feed material. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>Cysteamine has been used as an additive in feed in promoting general growth of animals. U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,897 discloses animal feed methods and feed compositions comprising cysteamine. However, it has been identified that cysteamine is a fairly sensitive and unstable compound under normal room temperature conditions. For example, cysteamine is readily oxidized when exposed to air or at an elevated temperature. Cysteamine is highly hydroscopic. Also, cysteamine is unpalatable when taken directly by mouth. Further, ingesting cysteamine directly, will cause undesirable gastro side effects. For these reasons, the use of cysteamine had for a long time been limited to direct injection of cysteamine-containing solution into the animals. The drawback with direct injection is that it is necessarily more costly and difficult to administer in a large farm. The use of cysteamine in its unmodified form in practice has not been possible or at least its effectiveness is hindered in a large scale application, In a chicken farm, for instance, there are usually several types of chickens raised for specific purposes. For example, in the case of hens, their use is mainly to produce as many quality eggs ns possible. For chickens that are raised to produce meat products, the objective is that they will grow and mature faster so that their meat can be harvested and as such the productivity of the farm can be increased. There is also a type of chickens known an breed chickens used mainly for breeding purpose. Unpublished PRC Patent Application No. 00132107.2 and International Application No. PCT/EP01/14628 discuss an improvement of a cysteamine-containing composition which can be mixed with standard animal feed to promote general growth. However, there continues to exist a need for a single multipurpose composition and/or method for increasing not only the general growth of fowls but also enhance the productivity of the farm in most, if not all, of its fowl types. For example, such multi-purpose composition would at least increase the yield and/or quality of eggs produced by hens. The eggs produced may be used for food. Alternatively, the eggs may be used for breed eggs. Preferably, the method can be easily administered and inexpensive to carry out. In the case of egg-laying fowls, it has been known that production of eggs thereby shows a pattern of periodicity, which means that as the layers grow older, the production of eggs declines. Studies have indicated that this phenomenon is chiefly resulted from the recession of reproductive capability as the layers age. While there has been some suggestion that cysteamine may be used to promote the general growth of animals, there has been no or insufficient disclosure of the specific aspects of growth and the specific aspects of use of cysteamine. It is thus an object of the invention such that one or more of the above issues are addressed, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the public. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition for increasing the yield and/or quality of eggs produced by fowls. The yield of eggs means the number of eggs produced in a given period of time and is usually referred as “laying rate”, the definition of which is illustrated in the description below. The quality of eggs refers to the general marketable condition of the eggs and is understood by persons skilled in the field. Abnormal or broken eggs are of course of low quality and thus not marketable. Eggs that have relatively thin shell, and thus may break easily, are of low quality. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition for preferentially promoting growth of female fowls over male fowls. The term “growth” referred to in this aspect of the invention means “total body weight gain”, or “average total body weight gain”. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition for preferentially promoting development of breast muscles of fowls over development of muscles other than the breast muscles The fowls refer to in the present invention includes but not limited to chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. As will be shown below, when administered to egg-laying fowls such as hens, cysteamine or the cysteamine-containing composition has activity in increasing the yield and/or quality of eggs produced therefrom. When administered to fowls primarily for producing meat products, cysteamine or the cysteamine-containing composition has activity in preferentially promoting growth of female fowls over male fowls. When administered to fowls also for producing meat products, the cysteamine-containing composition has activity in preferentially promoting development of breast muscles of the fowls over development of muscles other than the breast muscles. This is significant because in a poultry farm where different types of fowls are raised together, the availability of one effective composition for these different uses means that only one feed type mixed with the single composition may be prepared for these different fowl types. This eliminates the inconvenience and cost of preparing different feed types for and/or administering different compositions to different fowl types. This also eliminates the need of separating different fowl types (e.g. male and female fowls) for raising and feeding. Preferably, the composition comprises substantially 1 to 95 wt % cysteamine having the chemical formula of NH 2 —CH 2 —CH 2 —SH or its salt-like compounds. More preferably, the composition comprises substantially 30 wt % cysteamine. Advantageously, the composition comprises 1 to 80 wt % of a stabilizer. The stabilizer is selected from a group including cyclodextrin and/or its derivatives. In particular, the composition may comprise substantially 10 wt % of the stabilizer. The composition further comprises ingredient(s) selected from a group including a bulking agent, a disintegration agent and a coated carrier. Preferably, the carrier is a solid carrier. The carrier is preferably be a coating soluble in intestines of the fowls. Preferably, the carrier exhibits a multi-layer structure in the composition. The carrier is adapted to remain un-dissolved at an acidic environment of about pH 1.5 to 3.5. The carrier serves to protect the composition until reaching the intestines for absorption. It is to be noted that the use may be particularly for the manufacture of a feed (material) for raising the fowls. Preferably, the feed comprises substantially 50 to 3000 ppm of the composition. Preferably, the feed comprises substantially 15 to 900 ppm of cysteamine. In particular, the feed may comprise substantially 120 ppm of cysteamine. The feed may comprise other foodstuffs selected from a group including maize, soybean, yeast, fish bone shell meal, salts, amino acids such as methionine and vitamins. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of raising fowls comprising: (i) mixing cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition described above with a suitable feed for the fowls, and (ii) feeding the fowls with the feed. The mixing in step (i) may comprise directly mixing the composition with the feed. Alternatively, the mixing may comprise firstly preparing a pre-mix including cysteamine or the cysteamine-containing composition, and subsequently mixing the pre-mix with the feed. The use of the pre-mix as an intermediate mixer may be preferred because the cysteamine-containing composition can more evenly mixed with the feed. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feed for increasing ate yield and/or quality of eggs produced by fowls comprising cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feed for preferentially promoting growth rate of female fowls over male fowls comprising a cysteamine-containing composition. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feed for preferentially promoting development of breast muscles of fowls over development of muscles other than the breast muscles comprising a cysteamine-containing composition. Preferably, the feed comprises substantially 50 to 3000 ppm of the cysteamine-containing composition. The feed may comprise 15 to 900 ppm cysteamine. In particular, the feed may comprise 120 ppm cysteamine. The feed may comprise other foodstuffs selected from a group including maize, soybean, yeast, fish bone shell meal, salts, amino acids such as methionine, and vitamins. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing a feed described above comprising a step of mixing cysteamine or a cysteamine-containing composition with a suitable basal feed material. |
Beta 3 adrenergic agonists |
The present invention relates to a β3 adrenergic receptor agonist of formula (I); or a pharmaceutical salt thereof; which is capable of increasing lipolysis and energy expenditure in cells and, therefore, is useful, e.g., for treating Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. |
1. A compound of formula I: wherein: the dashed line represents a single or double bond; m is 0, 1 or 2; A1, A2 and A3 are carbon or nitrogen provided that only one of A1, A2 and A3 can be nitrogen; D is NR8, O or S; Het is an optionally substituted, optionally benzofused 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring; R1 and R2 are independently H, halo, hydroxy, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkyl, or SO2(C1-C6 alkyl); R3 is H or C1-C6 alkyl; R4 forms a bond with X2 or is H, cyano, C1-C6 alkyl, CONR9R9 or CO2R9; R5 forms a bond with X2 or is H or C1-C6 alkyl; R6 is independently at each occurrence halo, hydroxy, cyano, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl or C1-C6 alkoxy; R7 is H, CO2R10, CONR10R10, CH═CHR11, CH2CH2R11, NR10R10, NR10SO2R10, O(CR12R13)nR14, O(CR12R13)pR15, SO2R10, SO2NR10R10, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heterocycle; R8 forms a bond with X2 or is H or C1-C6 alkyl; R9 and R10 are independently at each occurrence H, C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl; or when two R9 or two R10 moieties are connected to the same nitrogen atom, then said R9 or R10 moieties may combine with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a pyrollidinyl, piperidinyl or hexamethyleneimino ring; R11 is cyano, CO2R16, CONR16R16, CONR16SO2R16, SO2R16, heterocycle or optionally substituted phenyl; R12 and R13 are independently at each occurrence H or C1-C6 alkyl; R14 is hydrogen, CO2R17, CONR17R17, SO2R17, SO2NR17R17, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heterocycle, R15 is cyano, NR18R18, NR18SO2R18 or OR18; R16, R17 and R18 are independently at each occurrence H, C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl; or when two R16 or two R17 or two R18 moieties are connected to the same nitrogen atom, then said R16 or R17 or R18 moieties may combine with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a pyrollidinyl, piperidinyl or hexamethyleneimino ring; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; p is 1, 2 or 3; X is absent or is OCH2 or SCH2; X1 is absent or is (CR19R20)q; X2 is absent or is CO, CONR21 or NR21CO; q is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; R19 and R20 are independently at each occurrence H or C1-C6 alkyl; or R19 and R20 combine with the carbon to which they are both attached to form a C3-C7 carbocyclic ring; and R21 is H or C1-C6 alkyl; or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, provided that said compound of formula I is not: 2. The compound of claim 1 of the formula: wherein: m is 0 or 1; Het is selected from benzothiophene; furan; isoxazole; oxazole; pyrrole; tetrazole and thiophene; wherein said Het moieties are optionally substituted once with methyl, cyano, SO2NH2 or COCH3; R7 is H, CO2H; CH2CH2R11; thienyl substituted once with CO2H; phenyl substituted once with CO2H; OCH2CONHSO2(C1-C4 alkyl); OCH2CH2NHSO2(C1-C4 alkyl); OCH2CN; OCH2CO2R17; OCH2CONR18R18; O(pyridine) wherein said pyridine moieity is substituted once with cyano or CO2H; OCH2(tetrazole); OCH2(4,5-dihydrothiazole); or NHSO2R10; R10 is C1-C4 alkyl or phenyl; R11 is CO2R16; CONR16R16; 1,2,3,4-tetrazole; or phenyl substituted once with SO2NR22R22; R16, R17, R18 and R22 are independently H or C1-C4 alkyl at each occurrence; and R19 and R20 are independently H or methyl at each occurrence; or a pharmaceutical salt thereof. 3. The compound of claim 2 of the formula: wherein: Het is thien-2-yl optionally substituted once with cyano, SO2NH2 or COCH3; R7 is H; CO2H; CH2CH2R11; OCH2CN; OCH2CO2H; OCH2(tetrazole); thienyl substituted once with CO2H or phenyl substituted once with CO2H; or NHSO2R10; and R11 is 1,2,3,4-tetrazole; or a pharmaceutical salt thereof. 4. The compound of claim 2 which is selected from: or a pharmaceutical salt thereof. 5. The compound of claim 4 which is the hydrochloride salt. 6. A method of treating Type 2 Diabetes comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a compound of claim 1. 7. A method of treating obesity comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a compound of claim 1. |
Novel amylases and uses thereof |
The invention relates to newly identified polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode novel amylases isolated from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full length nucleotide sequences of the novel genes, the cDNA sequences comprising the full length coding sequence of the novel amylases as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional proteins and functional equivalents thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention and cells wherein an amylase according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance or reduce its activity and/or level of expression. |
1-22. (canceled) 23. An isolated polypeptide that has amylase activity and has an amino acid sequence at least 40% homologous to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 and SEQ ID NO: 18. 24. The isolated polypeptide of claim 23 which has an amino acid sequence at least 70% homologous to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 and SEQ ID NO: 18. 25. The isolated polypeptide of claim 23 which has an amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 and SEQ ID NO: 18. 26. The isolated polypeptide of claim 23 which has an amino acid sequence at least 90% homologous to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 and SEQ ID NO: 18. 27. The isolated polypeptide of claim 23 which has an amino acid sequence at least 95% homologous to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 and SEQ ID NO: 18. 28. The polypeptide of claim 23 that has the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 or SEQ ID NO: 18. 29. The polypeptide of claim 23 obtainable from Aspergillus niger. 30. An isolated polynucleotide encoding at least one functional domain of the polypeptide of claim 23. 31. An isolated polynucleotide encoding at least one functional domain of the polypeptide of claim 28. 32. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of claim 23. 33. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of claim 24. 34. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of claim 25. 35. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of claim 26. 36. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of claim 27. 37. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of claim 28. 38. The polynucleotide of claim 30 hybridizable under high stringency conditions to a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 12 and their complements. 39. The polynucleotide of claim 32 hybridizable under high stringency conditions to a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 12 and their complements. 40. The polynucleotide of claim 39 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 12 and their complements. 41. The polynucleotide of claim 39 obtainable from a filamentous fungus. 42. The polynucleotide of claim 41 obtainable from A. niger. 43. A vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence of claim 30. 44. A vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence of claim 32. 45. A recombinant nucleic acid molecule wherein the polynucleotide sequence of claim 30 is operatively linked with regulatory sequences suitable for expression of said polynucleotide sequence in a suitable host cell. 46. A recombinant nucleic acid molecule wherein the polynucleotide sequence of claim 32 is operatively linked with regulatory sequences suitable for expression of said polynucleotide sequence in a suitable host cell. 47. A recombinant host cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 45. 48. A recombinant host cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 46. 49. A method for manufacturing an amylase comprising culturing said cell of claim 47 under conditions allowing expression of said polynucleotide sequence and optionally purifying the encoded amylase from said cell or culture medium. 50. A method for manufacturing an amylase comprising culturing said cell of claim 48 under conditions allowing expression of said polynucleotide sequence and optionally purifying the encoded amylase from said cell or culture medium. 51. A recombinant host cell expressing a polypeptide of claim 23. 52. A recombinant host cell expressing a polypeptide of claim 28. 53. Purified antibodies reactive with the polypeptide of claim 23. 54. Purified antibodies reactive with the polypeptide of claim 28. 55. A fusion protein comprising the polypeptide of claim 23. 56. A fusion protein comprising the polypeptide of claim 28. 57. Recombinant amylase comprising a functional domain of the polypeptide of claim 23. 58. Recombinant amylase comprising a functional domain of the polypeptide of claim 28. 59. An isolated polynucleotide, comprising at least 12 consecutive nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 12, and their complements. 60. The isolated polynucleotide of claim 59 comprising at least 12 consecutive nucleotides of a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 12, and their complements. 61. A method for manufacturing a polynucleotide according to claim 30 comprising culturing a host cell transformed with said polynucleotide and isolating said polynucleotide from said host cell. 62. A method for manufacturing a polynucleotide according to claim 32 comprising culturing a host cell transformed with said polynucleotide and isolating said polynucleotide from said host cell. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Industrial processes for the hydrolysis of starch to glucose rely on inorganic acids or enzyme catalysis. The use of enzymes is preferred currently and offers a number of advantages associated with improved yields and favourable economics. Enzymatic hydrolysis allows greater control over amylolysis, the specifity of the reaction, and the stability of the generated products. The milder reaction conditions involve lower temperatures and near-neutral pH, thus reducing unwanted side reactions. Fewer off-flavor and off-color compounds are produced, especially 5-hydroxy-2-methylfurfuraldehyde, anhydroglucose compounds, and undesirable salts. Enzymatic methods are favored because they also lower energy requirements and eliminate neutralization steps. Alpha-amylases (E.C. 3.2.1.1) or α-amylases catalyse the endohydrolysis of 1,4-alpha-glucosidic linkages in oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. They are also known as 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase, Taka-amylase, endoamylase or glycogenase. Alpha amylases act on starch, glycogen and related polysaccharides and oligosaccharides in a random manner; reducing groups are liberated in the alpha-configuration. Beta-amylases (E.C.3.2.1.2) catalyse the hydrolysis of 1,4-alpha-glucosidic linkages in polysaccharides so as to remove successive maltose units from the non-reducing ends of the chains. Other names are: 1,4-alpha-D-glucan maltohydrolase, Saccharogen amylase, Glycogenase. Beta amylases act on starch, glycogen and related polysaccharides and oligosaccharides producing beta-maltose by an inversion. Glucoamylases (E.C.3.2.1.3) catalyse the hydrolysis of terminal 1,4-linked alpha-D-glucose residues successively from non-reducing ends of the chains with release of beta-D-glucose. Other names are: Glucan 1,4-alpha-glucosidase. 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucohydrolase. Amyloglucosidase. Gamma-amylase. Lysosomal alphaglucosidase. Exo-1,4-alpha-glucosidase. Most forms of the enzyme can rapidly hydrolyse 1,6-alpha-D-glucosidic bonds when the next bond in sequence is 1,4, and some preparations of this enzyme hydrolyse 1,6- and 1,3-alpha-D-glucosidic bonds in other polysaccharides. Amylases may conviently be produced in microorganisms. Microbial amylases are available from a variety of sources; Bacillus spec. are a common source of bacterial enzymes, whereas fungal enzymes are commonly produced in Aspergillus spec. The low pH optimum of most fungal amylases permits the convenient use of acid conditions for the saccharification. Such conditions reduce unwanted isomerization reactions to fructose and other sugars that may reduce the glucose yield. Moreover, acid conditions restrict the growth of contaminating microorganisms in the saccharification reactors. Amylases may be used in a manifold of industrial applications, including baking, brewing, the production of corn syrup and alcohol as well as in vinegar fermentation. Malted wheat, barley, bacteria, and fungi are typical sources of α-amylase for baking purposes. Fungal α-amylase is added to bread doughs in the form of diluted powders, prepacked doses, or water dispersible tablets. The enzyme may be added to flours at the bakery or, more rarely, at the mill itself. Malted wheat and barley also can serve as sources of amylolytic activity when flours from these grains are blended with the final product at the mill. The properties of bacterial α-amylase permit its application to the production of coffee cake, fruit cake, brownies, cookies, snacks, and crackers. Fungal α-amylase, usually from A. oryzae, A. niger, A. awamori , or species of Rhizopus , is used to supplement the amylolytic activity in flour. Enzymes from these sources can raise the levels of fermentable monosaccharides and disaccharides of dough from a native level of 0.5% to concentrations that promote yeast growth. The sustained release of glucose and maltose by added fungal and endogenous enzymes provides the nutrients essential for yeast metabolism and gas production during panary fermentation. The A. oryzae α-amylase is sometimes favored for baking applications over the bacterial enzyme obtained from Bacillus species since the fungal enzyme is heat labile at 60-70° C. and does not survive the baking process. Its thermolability prevents enzymatic action on the gelatinised starch in the finished loaf which would cause a soft or sticky crumb. Bacterial α-amylase is also used with good results, but its dose must be measured carefully to avoid a bread with a gummy mouthfeel. Amylase supplementation is also beneficial and sometimes essential, since white bread flours contain 6.7-10.5% damaged starch. The added enzyme degrades damaged, ruptured starch granules that usually are present in bread flour more efficiently than does wheat β-amylase (Bigelis R. in: Enzymes in Food processing, Nagodawithana and Reed Eds. Acad. Press Inc p121-158 and references cited therein). Amylase supplementation can improve other characteristics of bread quality, in addition to improving the quality of rolls, buns, and crackers, when used during manufacturing processes for these baked goods. In bread baking, treatment with fungal or bacterial amylase lowers the viscosity of bread dough, thereby improving the ease of manipulation by manual workers or machines. Measured doses of enzyme also lower the compressibility of the loaf, producing a softer bread. Further, such processing increases the bread volume by reducing the viscosity of the gelling starch and allowing greater expansion during baking before protein denaturation and enzyme inactivation fix the volume of the loaf. Favorable effects on taste, crust properties, and toasting qualities are observed. The storage characteristics of breads are changed also, yielding a product with a softer, more compressible crumb that firms more slowly and keeps longer, as determined by taste panels. Amylolytic activity also may elevate the sugar concentration in bread and yield a preferred sweeter product with sensory advantages (Bigelis R. in: Enzymes in Food processing, Nagodawithana and Reed Eds. Acad. Press Inc p121-158 and references cited therein). In brewing, added enzymes contribute to the action of endogenous barley β-amylase and aid in the starch digestion process. Such added enzymes are especially important when nonmalted cereal grains such as corn and rice, termed adjuncts, are used. Since these adjunct grains are deficient in carbohydrases, fungal α-amylase and glucoamylase can increase starch digestion, reduce the proportion of unmalted grain, and insure a consistent quality of the mash. Amylase solubilizes barley amylose and amylopectin, exposing these substrates to further degradation by barley β-amylase. As a result, the levels of maltose and small dextrins are raised, eventually yielding the wort ingredients that promote yeast fermentation. Amylase preparations with low transglucosidase activity are favored since trace levels of this enzyme generate isomaltose and panose, both of which are nonfermentable by yeast. The source of amylase activity for brewing applications is generally enzyme from Aspergillus species such as A. niger or A. oryzae . Protease from these sources may be added in concert with amylase to solubilize protein and release amino acids essential for yeast proliferation. (Bigelis R. in: Enzymes in Food processing, Nagodawithana and Reed Eds. Acad. Press Inc p121-158 and references cited therein) In the above processes, it is advantageous to use enzymes that are obtained by recombinant DNA techniques. Such recombinant enzymes have a number of advantages over their traditionally purified counterparts. Recombinant enzymes may be produced at a low cost price, high yield, free from contaminating agents like bacteria or viruses but also free from bacterial toxins or contaminating other enzyme activities. Molecular cloning of amylases in fungi has been described. The DNA and deduced amino acid sequences of certain alpha-amylases from Aspergillus oryzae, A. niger and A. shirousamil are given in Wirsel et al. Mol. Microbiol 1989, (1) 3-14, Boel et al., Biochemistry 1990 (29) 6244-6249, and Shibuya et al., Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 1992 (56) 174179. Molecular cloning of an α-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is described by Takkinen et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1983, (258) 1007-1013. It is important that amylases, in particular α-amylases, can be produced at low costs. This may be achieved by improving the production efficiency (higher expression levels) or by providing enzymes with an improved specific activity (higher activity per mg of enzyme). It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improved enzymes with an improved production efficiency and/or improved specific activity. When α amylases are used as bread improvers, it is advantageous to provide them, preferably together with other enzymes, in a liquid preparation. Enzyme stabilisers like glycerol are a major cost factor of liquid bread improvers and consequently there is a need for more stable α-amylases for use in such preparations in order to lower the amount of stabilisers. It is also an object of the present invention to provide more stable α-amylases. α-Amylases are often used in combination with ascorbic acid, which tends to become unstable at higher pH values. α-Amylases on the other hand become unstable at lower pH values. As a compromise between the two requirements, such preparations are usually kept at a pH value around 4.7. It would therefore be advantageous to have α-amylases with a lower pH optimum and/or a higher stability at low pH values, preferably below pH 4.7. The present invention provides such enzymes. Ascorbic acid is used in combination with α-amylases in many applications where it is converted into a number of chelating agents, e.g. oxalate. Oxalate is able to bind Ca ions and since α-amylases require Ca Ions for their stability, oxalate acts as a destabiliser for these α-amylase enzyme preparations. It is therefore an object underlying the present invention to provide enzymes that are less dependent on Ca ions for their stability. Another characteristic of α-amylases according to the prior art is their limited thermostability. Fungal α-amylases are inactivated at about 65° C., therefore they are heat-inactivated at the beginning of the baking process. Also, this property makes fungal α-amylases unsuited for activity measurements in the Hagberg falling number method (AACC, 1983, Method 56-81 A) and the Brabender amylograph method (AACC, 1983, Method 22-1). Also, prolonged storage at temperatures slightly above room temperature sometimes deteriorates enzyme activity. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide α-amylases with improved thermostability. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention relates to isolated polypeptides having α-amylase activity and one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: 1) An isolated polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 or SEQ ID NO: 18 or functional equivalents thereof, 2) An isolated polypeptide obtainable by expressing a polynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12 or a vector comprising said polynucleotides or functional equivalents thereof in an appropriate host cell, e.g. Aspergillus niger. 3) Polypeptide comprising a functional domain of a polypeptide according to (1) or (2) 4) An allelic variant of (1), (2) or (3), 5) A fragment of (1), (2), (3) or (4) 6) A polypeptide having improved specific activity and/or improved production efficiency expressed as enzyme activity per mg of purified enzyme or as enzyme activity per ml culture volume or per mg of biomass produced 7) A polypeptide with improved stability, preferably stable in the presence of less than 50% glycerol, preferably less than 40% glycerol, more preferably less than 30% glycerol, more preferably less than 20% glycerol, more preferably less than 10% glycerol, most preferably in the absence of glycerol 8) A polypeptide stable at pH values below 4.7, preferably below pH 4.0, even more preferably below pH 3.5, 9) A polypeptide with improved stability towards Ca ions. It is expressly mentioned that α-amylases according to the invention may have one or more of the above characteristics. Methods for determining specific activity, production efficiency, stability, pH optimum and acid stability are well known in the art. Among others they may be found in the materials and methods section of WO 00/60058. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding any of the polypeptides mentioned above. More in particular, the invention provides for polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence that hybridises preferably under highly stringent conditions to a sequence having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12. Consequently, the invention provides nucleic acids that are about 40%, preferably 65%, more preferably 70%, even more preferably 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homologous to any sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12. In a more preferred embodiment the invention provides for such an isolated polynucleotide obtainable from a filamentous fungus, in particular A. niger is preferred. In one embodiment, the invention provides for an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide with having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 or SEQ ID NO: 18 or functional equivalents thereof. In a further preferred embodiment, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding at least one functional domain of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 or SEQ ID NO: 18 or functional equivalents thereof. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides an amylase gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6. In another aspect the invention provides a polynucleotide, preferably a cDNA encoding an A. niger amylase having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 or SEQ ID NO: 18 or variants or fragments of that polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment the cDNA has a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12 or functional equivalents thereof. In an even further preferred embodiment, the invention provides for a polynucleotide comprising the coding sequence of the polynucleotides according to the invention, preferred is a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 or from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12. The invention also relates to vectors comprising a polynucleotide sequence according to the invention and primers, probes and fragments that may be used to amplify or detect the DNA according to the invention. In a further preferred embodiment, a vector is provided wherein the polynucleotide sequence according to the invention is functionally linked with regulatory sequences suitable for expression of the encoded amino acid sequence in a suitable host cell, such as A. niger or A. oryzea . The invention also provides methods for preparing polynucleotides and vectors according to the invention. The invention also relates to recombinantly produced host cells that contain heterologous or homologous polynucleotides according to the invention. In another embodiment, the invention provides recombinant host cells wherein the expression of an amylase according to the invention is significantly increased or wherein the activity of the amylase is increased. In another embodiment the invention provides for a recombinantly produced host cell that contains heterologous or homologous DNA according to the invention and wherein the cell is capable of producing a functional amylase according to the invention, preferably a cell capable of over-expressing the amylase according to the invention, for example an Aspergillus strain comprising an increased copy number of a gene or cDNA according to the invention. In yet another aspect of the invention, a purified polypeptide is provided. The polypeptides according to the invention include the polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides according to the invention. Especially preferred is a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17 or SEQ ID NO: 18 or functional equivalents thereof. Fusion proteins comprising a polypeptide according to the invention are also within the scope of the invention. The invention also provides methods of making the polypeptides according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of the amylase according to the invention in any industrial process as described herein detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? |
Fuel cell combination |
The invention refers to a fuel cell device comprising an electrolyte device, which comprises an alkaline electrolyte means and an acid electrolyte means, wherein the fuel cell device is formed such that at least part of at last one reaction product produced at the electrolyte means can be supplied to the other electrolyte means. Moreover, the invention comprises a method of operating a fuel cell device, which includes the following steps: providing an alkaline electrolyte means and an acid electrolyte means, supplying at least one fuel and at least one oxidant, discharging reaction products, wherein at least part of at least one reaction product produced at an electrolyte means is supplied to the other electrolyte means. |
1. A fuel cell device, comprising an electrolyte device which comprises an alkaline electrolyte means and an acid electrolyte means, wherein the fuel cell device is formed such that at least part of at least one reaction product produced at an electrolyte means may be supplied to the other electrolyte means. 2. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 1, in which at least one reaction product produced at the one electrolyte means may fully be supplied to the other electrolyte means. 3. A fuel cell device as claimed in one of the preceding claim 1, in which the alkaline electrolyte means comprises at least one anion-conducting portion, and the acid electrolyte means comprises at least one cation-conducting portion. 4. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 1, in which the acid electrolyte device comprises a plurality of cation-conducting portions. 5. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 1, in which the alkaline electrolyte means comprises a plurality of anion-conducting portions. 6. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 3, in which anion-conducting portions and cation-conducting portions are arranged alternatingly. 7. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cathode device which comprises one single cathode chamber, and/or an anode device which comprises one single anode chamber. 8. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 3, in which the electrolyte device is a coherent structure with locally different chemical composition, wherein portions of different chemical composition form the alkaline and acid portions. 9. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 1, in which the electrolyte device comprises a membrane. 10. A method of operating a fuel cell device, comprising the following steps: providing an alkaline electrolyte means and an acid electrolyte means, supplying at least one fuel and at least one oxidant, discharging reaction products, wherein at least part of at least one reaction product produced at an electrolyte means is supplied to the other electrolyte means. 11. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 2, comprising a cathode device which comprises one single cathode chamber, and/or an anode device which comprises one single anode chamber. 12. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 3, comprising a cathode device which comprises one single cathode chamber, and/or an anode device which comprises one single anode chamber. 13. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 6, comprising a cathode device which comprises one single cathode chamber, and/or an anode device which comprises one single anode chamber. 14. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 6, in which the electrolyte device is a coherent structure with locally different chemical composition, wherein portions of different chemical composition form the alkaline and acid portions. 15. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 7, in which the electrolyte device is a coherent structure with locally different chemical composition, wherein portions of different chemical composition form the alkaline and acid portions. 16. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 2, in which the electrolyte device comprises a membrane. 17. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 3, in which the electrolyte device comprises a membrane. 18. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 6, in which the electrolyte device comprises a membrane. 19. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 7, in which the electrolyte device comprises a membrane. 20. A fuel cell device as claimed in claim 8, in which the electrolyte device comprises a membrane. |
<SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention generally refers to a fuel cell device with an alkaline electrolyte means and an acid electrolyte means, wherein a reaction product of the one electrolyte means can be supplied to the other electrolyte means. The invention particularly refers to a fuel cell device in which the above-mentioned reaction product is H 2 O. |
Catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins |
A solid catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins, comprising: an inert porous support, Mg, Ti, halogen and an electron donor selected from succinates of formula (I) wherein the radicals R1 and R2, equal to or different form each other, are hydrocarbon groups, the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen or hydrocarbon groups. |
1. A solid catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins of formula CH2═CHR, in which R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl radical with 1-12 carbon atoms, comprising: an inert porous support, Mg, Ti, halogen and an electron donor selected from succinates of formula (I): wherein the radicals R1 and R2, equal to or different from each other, are a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the periodic table of the elements; the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the periodic table of the elements; and the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6 which are joined to the same carbon atom can be linked together to form a C3-C8 ring. 2. The solid catalyst component according to claim 1 comprising a titanium compound, having at least a Ti-halogen bond, the compound of formula (I), and a Mg halide which are supported on an inert porous support. 3. The solid catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the electron donor compound of formula (I) is selected from those in which R1 and R2 are C1-C8 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups. 4. The solid catalyst component according to claim 3 in which R1 and R2 are selected from primary alkyls. 5. The solid catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the electron donor compound of formula (I) is selected from those in which R3 to R5 are hydrogen and R6 is a branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl radical having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms. 6. The solid catalyst component according to claim 5 in which R6 is a branched primary alkyl group or a cycloalkyl group having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms. 7. The solid catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the electron donor compound of formula (I) is selected from those in which at least two radicals from R3 to R6 are different from hydrogen and are selected from C1-C20 linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups optionally containing heteroatoms. 8. The solid catalyst component according to claim 7 in which the two radicals different from hydrogen are linked to the same carbon atom. 9. The solid catalyst component according to claim 7 in which the two radicals different from hydrogen are linked to different carbon atoms. 10. The solid catalyst component according to claim 9 in which the succinate of formula (I) is selected from diethyl 2,3-diisopropylsuccinate, diisobutyl 2,3-diisopropylsuccinate, di-n-butyl 2,3-diisopropylsuccinate, diethyl 2,3-dicyclohexyl-2-methylsuccinate, diisobutyl 2,3-dicyclohexyl-2-methylsuccinate, diisobutyl 2,2-dimethylsuccinate, diethyl 2,2-dimethylsuccinate, diethyl 2-ethyl-2-methylsuccinate, diisobutyl 2-ethyl-2-methylsuccinate, diethyl 2-(cyclohexylmethyl)-3-ethyl-3-methylsuccinate, and diisobutyl 2-(cyclohexylmethyl)-3-ethyl-3-methylsuccinate. 11. The solid catalyst component according to claim 1 wherein the inert porous support is a porous metal oxide, or a porous polymer. 12. The solid catalyst component according to claim 11 wherein the inert porous support is a porous metal oxide. 13. The solid catalyst component according to claim 12 wherein the inert porous support is silica or alumina. 14. The solid catalyst component according to claim 1 wherein the inert porous support has a porosity greater than 0.3 cc/g, measured with the Hg method. 15. The solid catalyst component according to claim 1 wherein the surface area of the inert porous support is greater than 30 m2/g (BET). 16. A process for preparing a solid catalyst component comprising an inert porous support, Mg, Ti, halogen and an electron donor selected from succinates of formula (I): wherein the radicals R1 and R2, equal to or different from each other, are a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; and the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6 which are joined to the same carbon atom can be linked together to form a C3-C8 ring, the process comprising the steps of: (i) impregnating an inert porous support by suspending it in a solution of magnesium chloride in an organic solvent, such as alcohol or ether, or in a hydrocarbon solution (hexane, heptane) of a MgCl2.nTi(OR7)4 complex where n is a number from 1 to 3, and R7 is an C2-C8 alkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl or C6-C8 aryl radical and then evaporating the solvent. (ii) reacting the support obtained from step (i) with an excess of TiCl4 containing a succinate of formulal (I) in solution at temperatures from 60° C. to 135° C.; (iii) separating the hot solids from the excess of TiCl4 and then washing thoroughly with hexane or heptane until there are no chlorine ions in the wash; and (iv) optionally repeating the treatments (ii) and (iii). 17. A catalyst for the polymerization of olefins CH2═CHR, in which R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl radical with 1-12 carbon atoms, comprising the product of the reaction between: (a) a solid catalyst component comprising an inert porous support, Mg, Ti and halogen and an electron donor selected from succinates of formula (I) wherein the radicals R1 and R2, equal to or different from each other, are a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen or a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements: and the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6 which are joined to the same carbon atom can be linked together to form a C3-C8 ring; (b) an alkylaluminum compound and, optionally, (c) at least one electron donor compounds (external donor). 18. A process for polymerizing one or more olefins CH2═CHR, in which R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl radical with 1-12 carbon atoms, comprising, contacting under polymerization condition one or more olefins CH2═CHR in the presence of a catalyst comprising the product of the reaction between: (a) a solid catalyst component comprising an inert porous support, Mg, Ti and halogen and an electron donor selected from succinates of formula (I): wherein the radicals R1 and R2, equal to or different from each other, are a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C7-C20 alkylaryl or C7-C20 arylalkyl radical, optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; and the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6 which are joined to the same carbon atom can be linked together to form a C3-C8 ring; (b) an alkylaluminum compound and, optionally, (c) at least one electron donor compounds (external donor). |
Magnesium dichloride-ethanol adducts and catalyst components obtained therefrom |
The present invention relates to a MgCl2.mEtOH adduct in which m is from 2.5 to 3.2 optionally containing water up to a maximum of 1% wt based on the total weight of the adduct, characterized by a DSC profile in which the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is over 109° C. and has an associated fusion enthalpy ( H) of 103 J/g or lower. Catalyst components obtained from the adducts of the present invention are capable to give catalysts for the polymerization of olefins characterized by enhanced activity with respect to the catalysts prepared from the adducts of the prior art. |
1. A MgCl2.mEtOH adduct in which m is from 2.5 to 3.2 characterized by a DSC diagram in which the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is over 109° C. and has an associated fusion enthalpy (ΔH) of 103 J/g or lower. 2. The adduct according to claim 1 containing water up to 1% wt based on the total weight of the adduct. 3. The adduct according to claim 2 in which the water content is lower than 0.8% wt. 4. The adduct according to claim 3 in which the water content is lower than 0.6% wt. 5. The adduct according to claim 1 in which the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is over 110° C. 6. The adduct according to claim 5 in which the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is over 111° C. 7. The adduct according to claim 1 in which the fusion enthalpy associated to the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is lower than 102 J/g. 8. The adduct according to claim 7 in which the fusion enthalpy associated to the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is in the range 97-101 J/g. 9. The adduct according to claim 1 further comprising an X-ray diffraction spectrum in wherein, in the range of 2θ diffraction angles between 50 and 15°, three main diffraction lines are present at diffraction angles 2θ of 8.8±0.2°, 9.4±0.2° and 9.8±0.2°, the most intense diffraction lines being the one at 2θ=8.8±0.2°, the intensity of the other two diffraction lines being at least 0.2 times the intensity of the most intense diffraction line. 10. The adduct according to claim 1 in a form of spheroidal particles. 11. A catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins comprising the product obtained by reacting a transition metal compound of groups IV to VI of the Periodic Table of Elements with a MgCl2.mEtOH adduct in which m is from 2.5 to 3.2 characterized by a DSC diagram in which the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is over 109° C. and has an associated fusion enthalpy (ΔH) of 103 J/g or lower. 12. The catalyst component according to claim 11 in which the transition metal is selected from titanium compounds of formula Ti(OR)nXy, in which n is comprised between 0 and y; y is the valence of titanium; X is halogen and R is an alkyl radical having 1-8 carbon atoms or a COR group. 13. The catalyst component according to claim 12 in which the titanium compound is selected from TiCl3, TiCl4, Ti(OBu)4, Ti(OBu)Cl3, Ti(OBu)2Cl2, and Ti(OBu)3Cl. 14. The catalyst component according to claim 11 further comprising an electron donor compound. 15. The catalyst component according to claim 14 in which the electron donor is selected from the alkyl or aryl esters of mono or polycarboxylic acids. 16. The catalyst component according to claim 14 in which the electron donor is selected from 1,3 diethers of the formula: wherein R, RI, RII, RIII, RIV and RV equal or different to each other, are hydrogen or hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and RVI and RVII, equal or different from each other, are hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; and one or more of the R-RVII groups can be linked to form a cycle. 17. The catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins according to claim 11 wherein the adduct is subjected to a dealcoholation treatment before being reacted with the transition metal compound, thereby forming a partially dealcoholated adduct. 18. The catalyst component according to claim 18 wherein the partially dealcoholated adduct contains from 0.1 to 2.6 moles of alcohol per mole of MgCl2. 19. A catalyst for the polymerization of olefins comprising the product obtained by contacting a catalyst component comprising the product obtained by reacting a transition metal compound of groups IV to VI of the Periodic Table of Elements with a MgCl2.mEtOH adduct in which m is from 2.5 to 3.2 characterized by a DSC diagram in which the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is over 109° C. and has an associated fusion enthalpy (ΔH) of 103 J/g or lower according to one of the claims 11 to 18, and an aluminum alkyl compound. 20. The catalyst according to claim 19 in which the aluminum compound is an Al-trialkyl compound. 21. The catalyst according to claim 20 further comprising an external donor. 22. The catalyst according to claim 21 in which the external donor is selected from silane compounds containing at least a Si—OR link, having the formula Ra1Rb2Si(OR3)c, where a and b are integerintegers from 0 to 2, c is an integer from 1 to 3 and the sum (a+b+c) is 4 and; R1, R2, and R3, are alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl radicals with 1-18 carbon atoms. 23. A process for the polymerization of olefins of formula CH2═CHR, in which R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical having 1-12 carbon atoms, the process comprising polymerizing olefins in the presence of a catalyst comprising the product obtained by contacting a catalyst component comprising the product obtained by reacting a transition metal compound of groups IV to VI of the Periodic Table of Elements with a MgCl2.mEtOH adduct in which m is from 2.5 to 3.2 characterized by a DSC diagram in which the highest melting Temperature (Tm) peak is over 109° C. and has an associated fusion enthalpy (ΔH) of 103 J/g or lower and an aluminum alkyl compound. |
Pet food composition for regulating body weight and preventing obesity and related disorders in pets |
This invention relates to a pet food composition for regulating body weight and preventing obesity and related disorders in pets, which comprises as an active ingredient at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning. The invention also relates to a method for improving the health of pets, particularly by preventing obesity and metabolic disorders associated with obesity in pets. It also relates to a method for increasing energy expenditure, controlling the glucose homeostasis and improving activity or mobility of the pet. |
1. A pet food composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders, which comprises as an active ingredient at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning. 2. A pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the plant or plant extract stimulates the β3 adrenergic receptors in pets. 3. A pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the plant is selected from a portion of a plant chosen from the group consisting of: grain, embryo and processed vegetable. 4. A pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the plant or plant extract is selected from the group consisting of: seeds of Medicago sativa, leaves of Capsicum species, leaves or tubers of Cyperus species, tubers of Iris Pallida or roots of Coleus species, and mixtures thereof. 5. A pet food composition according to claim 1, which is in a form selected from the group consisting of a nutritionally balanced pet food, a dietary supplement or a pharmaceutical composition. 6. A pet food composition according to claim 1, which helps to maintain body weight. 7. A pet food composition according to claim 1, which controls the glucose homeostasis. 8. A pet food composition according to claim 1, which improves stamina, which results in a better activity or mobility of the pet. 9. A method for the preparation of a pet food composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders in pets comprising the step of using a plant or a plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning to produce the composition. 10. A method for the preparation of a pet food composition intended for controlling the glucose homeostasis of a pet and/or stimulating lipolysis comprising the step of using a plant or a plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning to produce the composition. 11. A method for the preparation of a pet food composition intended for improving activity and/or mobility of a pet comprising the step of using a plant or a plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning to produce the composition. 12. (cancelled) 13. The method according to claim 9, in which the plant or plant extract is used alone or in association with another bioactive molecule. 14. A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of obesity and/or related disorders of pets, comprising the step of feeding a pet, a pet food composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders, which comprises as an active ingredient at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning. 15. A method of controlling the energy homeostasis of a pet, comprising the step of feeding a pet a pet food composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders, which comprises as an active ingredient at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning. 16. A method of stimulating the lipolysis in pets and/or, comprising the step of feeding a pet a pet food composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders, which comprises as an active ingredient at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning. 17. A method of increasing activity and/or mobility in a pet, comprising the step of feeding a pet a pet food composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders, which comprises as an active ingredient at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning. 18. The method according to claim 10, in which the plant or plant extract is used alone or in association with another bioactive molecule. 19. The method according to claim 11, in which the plant or plant extract is used alone or in association with another bioactive molecule. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Obesity is caused by insufficient exercise or habitual hyperphagia, or by metabolic disturbance due to genetic causes or endocrine diseases and other. Obesity may be a risk factor that causes various diseases. Therefore, early therapeutic and preventive treatment of obesity is very important. Diet therapies or exercise therapies have been applied heretofore as the treatment of mild obesity, and drug therapies are sometimes used for serious obesity in combination with these therapies. More recently, the stimulation by synthetic agonists of the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR), which is an atypical beta-adrenergic receptor expressed essentially in adipose tissues, has been shown to produce anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects in rodents and in dogs (Sasaki et al. 1998, J. Vet. Med. Sci. 60(4): 459-463). In human, β3-AR is expressed at low levels and its pharmacological properties differ from rodents and dogs. However, there is a need for a non-detrimental and efficient nutritional way of regulating body weight of pets and treating or preventing obesity, weight gain and related disorders. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a pet food composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders, which comprises as an active ingredient at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a plant or plant extract as described above, for the preparation of a composition intended for the treatment and/or the prevention of obesity and/or related disorders in pets. It also relates to the use of a plant or plant extract as described above, for the preparation of a composition intended for controlling the glucose homeostasis. It further relates to the use of a plant or plant extract as described above, for the preparation of a composition intended for improving activity and/or mobility of a pet by an improved stamina. In addition, the invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of obesity and/or related disorders of pets, comprising the step of feeding a pet with a pet food composition containing at least one plant or plant extract having the ability to stimulate energy expenditure and/or fat burning, as an active ingredient. The invention further provides a method of controlling the glucose homeostasis of a pet, comprising the step of feeding a pet with a pet food composition containing at least one plant or plant extract as described above. It also provides a method of increasing activity and/or mobility in a pet, comprising the step of feeding a pet with a pet food composition containing at least one plant or plant extract as described above. Administering to a pet, a food composition as described above, results in an improved regulation of body weight, thus treating or preventing obesity and/or related disorders in pets. This food composition increases energy expenditure, lipolysis and lipid oxidation and consequently reduces the mass of white adipose tissue and the total body weight. Furthermore the increase in glucose utilisation improves the glucose homeostasis. |
Container |
A container for liquid contents, comprising a compartment (60) which is defined by flexible walls (58, 59) and whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls (58, 59), the walls (58, 59) having rim portions which engage each other and along which the walls (58, 59) are interconnected in a common connecting portion (32). The container is characterised in that said walls (58, 59) are formed in one piece, which is folded to form said walls (58, 59) with rim portions engaging each other. The present invention also concerns a method and a device for producing such a container, as well as a container material and a device for producing such a container material. |
1. A container for liquid contents, comprising flexible walls (58, 59) whose inner faces define a compartment (60) whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls (58, 59), the walls (58, 59) having rim portions which engage each other and along which the inner faces of the walls (58, 59) are interconnected in a common connecting portion (32), characterised in that said walls (58, 59) are formed in one piece, which is folded to form said walls (58, 59) with rim portions engaging each other. 2. A container as claimed in claim 1, in which said piece is folded to form two opposite side walls (58) and an intermediate bottom wall (59). 3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the container, before filling, is in an empty, flat and sealed state. 4. A container as claimed in claim 3 while referring to claim 2, in which said bottom wall (59) is folded in two in the empty, flat and sealed state of the container. 5. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container is made of a material (1) comprising a core layer with a filler of mineral material and a binder of polyolefin material. 6. A method for producing containers (24), which each comprise a compartment (60) which is defined by flexible walls (58, 59) and whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls (58, 59), characterised by the steps of converting a web-shaped container material (1) into a longitudinally folded web (31) with at least one fold (66) along a long side of the folded web (31), and subsequently joining opposite surfaces of the web (31) along succeeding connecting portions (32), each connecting portion (32) forming a curve which has a starting point and a terminal point along said at least one fold (66) and has an extent which essentially corresponds to the form of a completed container (24). 7. A method as claimed in claim 6, in which the web-shaped container material (1) is converted into a web (31) which is longitudinally folded essentially in the form of a W and which has two folds (66) extending along said long side, in order to form in the web (31) two opposite, essentially flat lateral portions (40a, 40b) and an intermediate portion (41) which is folded in two and connects the two lateral portions (40a, 40b), the container (24) obtaining a side wall (58) from the respective lateral portions (40a, 40b) and a bottom wall (59) from the intermediate portion (41). 8. A method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, in which the step of converting the web-shaped container material (1) into a longitudinally folded web (31) is preceded by the step of applying succeeding adhesive prints (3) to an inside-forming surface (2) of the container material (1), said adhesive prints (3) each having complementarily designed portions (P) which are caused to engage each other when the web-shaped container material (1) is converted into a longitudinally folded web (31). 9. A method as claimed in claim 8, in which the step of connecting opposite surfaces of the web (31) along connecting portions (32) comprises heating the web (31) to make the complementarily designed portions (P) of each adhesive print (3) adhere to each other, said adhesive prints (3) forming said connecting portions (32). 10. A method as claimed in claim 6, in which two succeeding connecting portions (32) adjoin each other and in which the containers (24) are released from the web (31) along said connecting portions (32), in such manner that two succeeding containers (24) are interconnected to form a web (23) of containers (24). 11. A device for producing containers (24), which each have a compartment (60) which is defined by flexible walls (58, 59) and whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls (58, 59), characterised by a folding station (25) for converting a web-shaped container material (1) into a longitudinally folded web (31) with at least one fold along a long side of the folded web (31) and a connecting station (27) for connecting surfaces of the web (31), which engage each other, along succeeding connecting portions (32), which each form a curve which has a starting point and a terminal point along said at least one fold (66) and has an extent which essentially corresponds to the form of a completed container (24). 12. A device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a punching station (29) for releasing the completed containers (24) from said web (31) along said connecting portions (32). 13. A device as claimed in claim 12, in which said connecting station (27) is adapted to arrange the succeeding connecting portions (32) adjacent to each other, and said punching station (29) is adapted to release the containers (24) in such manner that the succeeding containers (24) are interconnected to form a web (23) of containers (24). 14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 11-13, in which said folding station (25) is adapted to convert the web-shaped container material (1) into a web (31) which is longitudinally folded in the form of a W and has two folds along its one long side in order to form in said web (31) two opposite, essentially flat lateral portions (40a, 40b) and an intermediate portion (41) which is folded in two and connects the lateral portions (40a, 40b), each completed container (24) obtaining a side wall (28) from the respective lateral portions (40a, 40b) and a bottom wall (59) from said intermediate portion (41). 15. A device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a printing station (7) for applying succeeding adhesive prints (3) to an inside-forming surface (2) of the container material (1), said folding station (25) being arranged for such conversion of the web-shaped container material (1) that the complementarily designed portions (P) of each adhesive print (3) engage each other in the longitudinally folded web (31). 16. A device as claimed in claim 15, in which the connection station (27) comprises heating means for heating the web (31) to such a temperature that said complementarily designed portions (P) of each adhesive print (3) adhere to each other and form said connecting portions (32). 17. A device as claimed in claim 11, in which the connecting station (27) comprises a wheel (44) having a large diameter and an endless belt (45) which, together with said wheel (44), forms an elongate nip (51) extending along part of the circumference of the wheel (44), the folded web (31) being insertable into said elongate nip (51) to provide said succeeding connecting portions (32). 18. A device as claimed in claim 11, in which the connecting station (27) comprises a plurality of rolls which between them form nips, in which the folded web (31) is insertable to provide said succeeding connecting portions (32). 19. A web-shaped container material, characterised by succeeding adhesive prints (1), which are applied to an inside-forming surface (2) of the material and each have complementarily designed portions (P) which are engageable with each other by folding of the container material in the longitudinal direction. 20. A web-shaped container material as claimed in claim 19, in which each adhesive print (3) comprises a thermosetting adhesive. 21. A web-shaped container material as claimed in claim 19 or 20, in which the container material is made of a material (10) containing a filler of mineral material and a binder of polyolefin material. 22. A device for producing a web-shaped container material (1), characterised by a first printing station (7) for applying succeeding adhesive prints (3) to an inside-forming surface (2) of a material web (10), said adhesive prints (3) each having complementarily designed portions (P), which are engageable with each other by folding of the material web (4) in the longitudinal direction. 23. A device as claimed in claim 22, in which the first printing station (7) is arranged for application of adhesive prints (3) comprising a thermosetting adhesive. 24. A device as claimed in claim 22 or 23, further comprising a second printing station (8) for application of succeeding decorative prints to an outside-forming surface (4) of the material web (10). 25. A device as claimed in claim 24, in which said second printing station (8) is intended for UV flexoprinting. 26. A device as claimed in claim 25, in which said second printing station (8) comprises cold UV lamps (16). |
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Containers of the type described by way of introduction are usually related to as collapsible containers, which are advantageous since the compartment defined by the walls of the container decreases its volume as liquid contents are being poured out of the container. As a result, the degree at which the contents are exposed to air is reduced, which has a positive effect on the shelf life of the contents. The containers can also be produced at an advantageously low cost and can be adapted to aseptic filling. Containers of the above type are known from, for example, WO99/4155. The containers described therein are produced by joining three material webs, which are then sealed in connecting portions. Each connecting portion has a form which essentially corresponds to a completed container. Subsequently a web of succeeding containers is punched from the joined material webs. Each container released from the web forms a container which before filling is in a flat, empty and sealed state. Each container has two opposite side walls and a bottom wall, each wall being obtained from a separate material web. The thus produced containers have a number of advantages. It is particularly preferable to produce the containers of a container material containing a filler of mineral material and a binder of polyolefin. This results in a container of a collapsible type, which in spite of a small material thickness has the requisite rigidity to provide a container which is environment-friendly as well as user-friendly. A problem associated with this type of container concerns the actual production method. In fact the containers usually have a decorative print on their outside, and this print is usually applied to the material webs from which said containers will later be produced. It will be appreciated that the different material webs must be joined with great accuracy in order to ensure an alignment of patterns as required. This also applies to the accuracy with which the material webs are sealed to each other to form said connecting portions. The connecting portion in fact forms the outer contour of the container, and it is therefore important for the decorative print to be centred within this contour. Furthermore for sealing the material webs to each other in said connecting portions, a sealing tool must be moved down towards the joined material webs. During the actual sealing process, the material web must be stopped, which causes intermittent operation that is unfavourably time-consuming. There is thus a need for a container of this type, which can be produced at a higher production rate and without necessitating alignment of patterns. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In view of that stated above, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved container of the type described by way of introduction as well as a method and a device for producing a corresponding container blank. The container blank should be suited especially for a continuous production process without great demands for alignment of patterns. One more object is to provide an improved web-shaped container material and a device for producing the same. The web-shaped container material should be intended for subsequent production of containers of the type described above. According to the present invention, these objects, as well as other objects that are evident from the following description, will be achieved by a container having the features stated in claim 1 , a method and a device for producing containers having the features stated in claim 6 and claim 11 , respectively, a container material having the features stated in claim 19 and a device for producing a container material having the features stated in claim 22 . Preferred embodiments of the container are evident from claims 2 - 5 , preferred embodiments of the method are evident from claims 7 - 10 , preferred embodiments of the device for producing containers are evident from claims 12 - 18 , preferred embodiments of the container material are evident from claims 20 - 21 , and preferred embodiments of the device for producing a container material are evident from claims 23 - 26 . More specifically, according to the present invention a container for liquid contents is provided, comprising a compartment which is defined by flexible walls and whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls, the walls having rim portions which engage each other and along which the walls are interconnected in a common connecting portion, said container being characterised in that said walls are formed in one piece, which is folded to form said walls with rim portions engaging each other. This results in a container of a collapsible type which is extremely simple to produce. By the container being made of one piece, which is folded to form the walls of the container, it will be significantly easier to obtain good alignment of patterns when connecting the different walls of the container along their rim portions in said connecting portion. According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive container, said piece is folded to form two opposite side walls and an intermediate bottom wall. This results in a container which in its filled state forms a stable bottom. According to another preferred embodiment, the container is in an empty, flat and sealed state before filling. This results in a container which is not very bulky and which can be sterilised and, with retained sterility, be distributed to a user. If the container comprises a bottom wall, this is folded in two in the flat state of the container. The container is preferably made of a material comprising a core layer with a filler of mineral material and a binder of polyolefin material. According to the present invention, a method is also provided for producing containers, which each comprise a compartment which is defined by flexible walls and whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls, said method being characterised by the steps of converting a web-shaped container material into a longitudinally folded web with at least one fold along a long side of the folded web, and subsequently joining opposite surfaces of the web along succeeding connecting portions, each connecting portion forming a curve which has a starting point and a terminal point along said at least one fold and has an extent which essentially corresponds to the form of a completed container. This results in a method, which allows rational production of containers of the type in question. By the container being made of a web-shaped container material, which is converted into a longitudinally folded web, the need of combining a plurality of different material webs is eliminated. This means that it is possible to achieve great accuracy in the alignment of patterns. Preferably, the web-shaped container material is converted into a web which is longitudinally folded essentially in the form of a W and which has two folds extending along said long side, in order to form in the web two opposite, essentially flat lateral portions and an intermediate portion which is folded in two and connects the two lateral portions, the container obtaining a side wall from the respective lateral portions and a bottom wall from the intermediate portion. According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the step of converting the web-shaped container material into a longitudinally folded web is preceded by the step of applying succeeding adhesive prints to an inside-forming surface of the container material, said adhesive prints each having complementarily designed portions which are caused to abut against each other when the web-shaped container material is converted into a longitudinally folded web. Moreover the step of connecting opposite surfaces of the web along connecting portions advantageously comprises heating the web to make the complementarily designed portions of each adhesive print adhere to each other, said adhesive prints forming said connecting portions. This ensures that an extremely good alignment of patterns is achieved. It will also be possible to produce containers in a continuous process. According to yet another preferred embodiment, two succeeding connecting portions adjoin each other and the containers are released from the web along said connecting portions, in such manner that two succeeding containers are interconnected to form a web of containers. Further according to the present invention, a device is provided for producing containers, which each have a compartment which is defined by flexible walls and whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls, said device being characterised by a folding station for converting a web-shaped container material into a longitudinally folded web with at least one fold along a long side of the folded web and a connecting station for connecting surfaces of the web, which engage each other, along succeeding connecting portions, which each form a curve which has a starting point and a terminal point along said at least one fold and has an extent which essentially corresponds to the form of a completed container. As a result, a device is provided, which allows production of containers of a collapsible type from a web-shaped container material, which significantly facilitates the accuracy in the alignment of patterns between the walls of each container. Preferably the device comprises a punching station for releasing the completed containers from said web along said connecting portions, the connecting station advantageously being adapted to arrange the succeeding connecting portions adjacent to each other, and said punching station being adapted to release the containers in such manner that the succeeding containers are interconnected to form a web of containers. According to a preferred embodiment, the folding station of the device is adapted to convert the web-shaped container material into a web which is longitudinally folded in the form of a W and has two folds along its one long side in order to form in said web two opposite, essentially flat lateral portions and an intermediate portion which is folded in two and connects the lateral portions, each completed container obtaining a side wall from the respective lateral portions and a bottom wall from said intermediate portion. According to one more preferred embodiment, the device comprises a printing station for applying succeeding adhesive prints to an inside-forming surface of the container material, said folding station being arranged for such conversion of the web-shaped container material that the complementarily designed portions of each adhesive print engage each other in the longitudinally folded web. The connecting station advantageously comprises heating means for heating the web to such a temperature that said complementarily designed portions of each adhesive print adhere to each other and form said connecting portions. This allows production of containers in a continuous and, thus, time-efficient and economically advantageous process with accurate alignment of patterns. It will be appreciated that the printing station can be physically separated from the rest of the device. According to a further preferred embodiment, the connecting stations comprises a wheel having a large diameter and an endless belt which, together with said wheel, forms an elongate nip extending along part of the circumference of the wheel, the folded web being insertable into said elongate nip to provide said succeeding connecting portions. According to one more preferred embodiment, the connecting station comprises a plurality of rolls which between them form nips, into which the folded web is insertable to provide said succeeding connecting portions. Furthermore according to the present invention a web-shaped container material is provided, which is characterised by succeeding adhesive prints, which are applied to an inside-forming surface of the material and each have complementarily designed portions which are engageable with each other by folding of the container material in the longitudinal direction. As a result, a container material is achieved which allows continuous production of containers with accurate alignment of patterns. Preferably, each adhesive print comprises a thermosetting adhesive. According to a preferred embodiment, the web-shaped container material is made of a material containing a filler of mineral material and a binder of polyolefin material. Finally, according to the present invention, a device is provided for producing a web-shaped container material, said device being characterised by a first printing station for applying succeeding adhesive prints to an inside-forming surface of a material web, said adhesive prints each having complementarily designed portions, which are engageable with each other by folding of the material web in the longitudinal direction. According to a preferred embodiment, the first printing station of the device is arranged for application of adhesive prints comprising a thermosetting adhesive. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a second printing station for applying succeeding decorative prints to an outside-forming surface of the material web. The second printing station is preferably intended for UV flexoprinting and advantageously comprises cold UV lamps. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. |
Security in communications networks |
The invention provides a method of providing secure data communication between a client device and a network device, wherein the method comprises arranging a periodically varying broadcast code (N) to be transmitted such that the network and client devices have knowledge of the broadcast code (N), providing the network and client devices each with the same secret key code (K) and encryption/decryption algorithm, wherein the algorithm is arranged to encrypt and decipher a encrypted transmission data code used for network authentic data transmissions between the client and network devices, and wherein the encrypted data code is generated from a combination of the data and a secret key (X) which is itself derived from a combination of the secret key code (K) and broadcast code (N). One embodiment provides that the broadcast code (N) is transmitted on request by a network/client device. Another embodiment provides that the ACK frame of a data transmission between client/network devices is used to send notifications of the fact that the broadcast code (N) has changed. |
1. A method of providing secure data communication between a client device and a network device, wherein the method comprises arranging a periodically varying broadcast code (N) to be transmitted such that the network and client devices have knowledge of the broadcast code (N), providing the network and client devices each with the same secret key code (K) and encryption/decryption algorithm, wherein the algorithm is arranged to encrypt and decipher an encrypted transmission data code used for network authentic data transmissions between the client and network devices, and wherein the encrypted data code is generated from a combination of the data and a secret key (X) which is itself derived from a combination of the secret key code (K) and broadcast code (N). 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the broadcast code (N) is transmitted on request by a network/client device. 3. The method according to claim 2, comprising identifying the particular network/client device by the fact that it is requesting the broadcast code (N) and arranging to provide the broadcast code (N) to the particular device requesting the broadcast code (N). 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, comprising arranging to deliver a different value of broadcast code (N) to each network/client device. 5. The method of claim 3, comprising arranging to deliver a different value of broadcast code (N) to a network/client device at different times. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the request for the broadcast code (N) is transmitted as part of an “associate” and/or “re-associate” message exchange. 7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the request for the broadcast code (N) is transmitted as part of the “associate request”. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the value of the broadcast code (N) is transmitted as part of an “associate” and/or “re-associate” message exchange. 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the value of the broadcast code (N) is returned as part of the “associate response”. 10. The method as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9 claim 6, wherein the method is arranged to deliver a different value of broadcast code (N) to each network/client device. 11. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the method is arranged to change the value of the broadcast code (N) at different times for each network/client device. 12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a notification of the fact that the broadcast code (N) has changed is transmitted by the use of the ACK frame. 13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the WEP bit of the ACK frame is used to send the notification. 14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method provides a transition phase where it is checked whether the encrypted data code was generated using a secret key (X) derived from a current or recent broadcast code (N), and in the case of the secret key (X) being generated using a recent broadcast code (N), the appropriate client/network device is notified it is not using the current broadcast code (N) such that the appropriate client/network device subsequently requests the current broadcast code (N). 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the ACK frame is used to send the notification that the current broadcast code (N) is not being used. 16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the WEP bit in the ACK frame is used to send the notification. 17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the network/client device re-associates to the same device in order to get the new value of broadcast code (N) after being notified of a change in broadcast code (N). 18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ACK frame of a data transmission between client/network devices is used to send notifications of the fact that the broadcast code (N) has changed. 19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the WEP bit of the ACK frame is used to send the notification. 20. The method as claimed in 18, wherein the broadcast code (N) is transmitted on request by a network/client device. 21. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the request for the broadcast code (N) is transmitted as part of an “associate” and/or “re-associate” message exchange. 22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the request for the broadcast code (N) is transmitted as part of the “associate request”. 23. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the value of the broadcast code (N) is transmitted as part of an “associate” and/or “re-associate” message exchange. 24. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the value of the broadcast code (N) is returned as part of the “associate response”. 25. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method is arranged to deliver a different value of broadcast code (N) to each network/client device. 26. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method is arranged to change the value of the broadcast code (N) at different times for each network/client device. 27. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method provides a transition phase where it is checked whether the encrypted data code was generated using a secret key (X) derived from a current or recent broadcast code (N), and in the case of the secret key (X) being generated using a recent broadcast code (N), the appropriate client/network device is notified it is not using the current broadcast code (N) such that the appropriate client/network device subsequently requests the current broadcast code (N). 28. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frequency at which the broadcast code (N) is changed is varied. 29. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the broadcast code (N) is transmitted on request by a network/client device which is recognised by the network. 30. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the broadcast code (N) is transmitted on request by a network/client device using a network authentic encryption data code (X). 31. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the transmission of the broadcast code (N) is only on request by a network/client device using a network authentic encryption data code. 32. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the broadcast code (N) itself is encrypted by a separate or the same encryption algorithm. 33. The method according to claim 1 applied to wireless communications between a client device and a network device. 34. A client/network device arranged to: arrange a periodically varying broadcast code (N) to be transmitted such that the network and client devices have knowledge of the broadcast code (N), provide the network and client devices each with the same secret key code (K) and encryption/decryption algorithm, wherein the algorithm is arranged to encrypt and decipher an encrypted transmission data code used for network authentic data transmissions between the client and network devices, and wherein the encrypted data code is generated from a combination of the data and a secret key (X) which is itself derived from a combination of the secret key code (K) and broadcast code (N). 35. (Cancelled) 36. (Cancelled) |
Coded modulation scheme for a wirelesss communication system and methods thereof |
A wireless communication system (10), an encoding method (300) for encoding a binary input signal and a decoding method (800) for decoding a coded baseband signal within the wireless communication system (10) are described. The system (10) has an encoding section (12) and a decoding section (14). The encoding section (12) has a mapper (26) for mapping bits into symbols, and an encoder (28), coupled to the mapper (26), for encoding the symbols to corresponding integers modulo M, where M is an arbitrary predetermined integer. Coded symbols are derived from the corresponding integers. At the decoding section (14), a decoder (40) decodes an output phasor stream of a coded baseband signal to derive an estimate of a codeword. Thereafter, a demapper (42) demaps the estimate of the codeword to derive the bits from decoded symbols. |
1. A wireless communication system comprising: a mapper for mapping a plurality of bits into a plurality of symbols, each of said plurality of symbols being associated with one or more of said plurality of bits; and an encoder, coupled to said mapper, for encoding said plurality of symbols to a corresponding plurality of integers modulo M to derive a plurality of coded symbols at said encoder output, said M being an arbiter predetermined integer; wherein said mapper is adapted to map N binary source bits into N/n symbols over a Z(2n) ring, said N and n being positive integers and n is a factor of N and; wherein said encoder is adapted to encode said N/n symbols over said Z(2n) ring into N coded symbols defined over a Z(M) ring and M>2n; further wherein said encoder is adapted to encode said N/n symbols by multiplying said N/n symbols to a generator matrix modulo M; wherein said generator matrix comprises the coefficients of a generator polynomial; and wherein said generator polynomial is derived using Chinese Remainder Theorem to combine all primitive polynomials for the ring of each standard factor of said M. 2. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising a modulator for modulating said N symbols defined over said Z(M) ring. 3. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said modulator comprises a phase modulator. 4. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said modulator comprises a frequency shift keying modulator. 5. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 2, and her comprising an interleaver for interleaving said modulated N symbols. 6. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 5, and farther comprising a differential phase encoder for encoding said interleaved modulated N symbols. 7. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 5, and further comprising a coherent phase encoder for encoding said interleaved modulated N symbols. 8. In a wireless communication system a method for encoding a binary input signal, said method comprising the steps of: mapping said plurality of bits into a plurality of symbols, each of said plurality of symbols being associated with one or more of said plurality of bits; and encoding said plurality of symbols to a corresponding plurality of integers modulo M to derive a plurality of codewords,said M being an arbitrary predetermined integer; wherein said mapping step further comprises the step of mapping N bits into N/n symbols over a Z(2n) ring, said N and n being positive integers and n is a factor of N; and wherein said encoding step Bier comprises the step of encoding said N/n symbols over said Z(2n) ring into N symbols defined over a Z(M ring and M>2n, further wherein said encoding step further comprises the step of multiplying said N/n symbols a generator matrix Modulo M; wherein said generator matrix is obtained from the coefficients of a generator polynomial; and wherein said generator polynomial is derived using Chinese Remainder Theorem to combine all primitive polynomials for the ring of each standard factor of said M. 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, and further comprising the step of modulating said N symbols defined over said Z(M) ring. 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said modulating step comprises the step of phase modulating. 11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said modulating step comprises the step of frequency shift keying modulating. 12. The method as claimed in claim 9, and flier comprising the step of interleaving said modulated N symbols. 13. The method as claimed in claim 12, and further comprising the step of differential phase encoding said interleaved modulated N symbols. 14. The method as claimed in claim 12, and firer comprising the step of coherent phase encoding said interleaved modulated N symbols. 15. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a decoder for decoding an output phasor stream of a coded baseband signal to derive an estimate of a codeword, said output phasor stream having a plurality of symbols encoded therein and corresponding to said codeword, each of said plurality of symbols being associated with one or more of a plurality of bits; and a demapper for demapping said estimate of said codeword to derive said plurality of bits from decoded symbols. 16. The wireless communication system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said decoder comprises a Viterbi decoder for decoding over a ring. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In recent years, to realize wireless Internet communications, much effort has been devoted to developing reliable wireless communication systems. Data transmission in such systems is adversely affected by environmental factors such as multipath fading. In multipath fading, a desired signal travels to a receiver along multiple propagation paths due to reflections and scattering by obstacles. Consequently, components of the desired signal from the multiple propagation paths weaken or reinforce each other to cause signal level fluctuations at the receiver. Known techniques to resolve or alleviate multipath fading include diversity processing based upon repeat transmissions in time and frequency or multiple reception by geometrically space-apart antennae. Alternatively, forward error correcting (FEC) coding can be used to improve the performance of wireless communication systems. However, FEC coding is performed at the expense of an increased bandwidth. To achieve the benefit of FEC coding without the increased bandwidth, recently developed coded modulation techniques can be applied instead. Coded modulation is a technique that combines coding and modulation schemes without compromising on bandwidth efficiency. Application examples of coded modulation range from voice-band modems for telephone lines to space communication systems. In some mature applications, coded modulation has been adopted as national or international standards for communication protocols. In terms of code structure, coded modulation can be classified into two schemes: block-coded modulation (BCM) and trellis-coded modulation (TCM). In a BCM scheme, block codes are combined with a chosen modulation signal constellation, whereas in TCM, convolutional or trellis codes are combined with a chosen modulation signal constellation. One advantage of coded modulation over traditional error control coding is that code redundancy is provided by signal set expansion. Such code redundancy alleviates rate loss or the need for an increased bandwidth. The coded modulation schemes can transmit several (say n) different symbols, each represented by different states of magnitude and phase of the carrier. Thus log 2 (n) information bits can be transmitted per symbol period. Various TCM schemes have been proposed for channels affected by multipath fading. However, the use of BCM schemes over such channels as an alternative to TCM schemes has not been much reported in the literature. Typically, the BCM schemes applied in existing wireless communication systems use expensive computer search methods to find block codes with good error performance. A number of trellis codes have been devised in existing TCM schemes starting with those of Ungerboeck (Ungerboeck, G., “Trellis-Coded Modulation with Redundant Signal Sets-Part 1 Introduction,” IEEE Communications Magazine, February 1987, pp.5-11) Some of these trellis codes have been adopted widely in the high-speed telephone modem industry. However, a disadvantage of such existing TCM schemes is the complexity in decoding resulting trellis codes. Furthermore, decoding delays and memory requirements of these existing TCM schemes are unsuitable for high speed or low cost applications. In BCM schemes there is a modest fixed delay, whereas in TCM schemes there is a delay of several times that of an encoder's memory. Besides computational complexity due to the number of arithmetic operations, a trellis decoder requires survivor path memories that may be very long with constraint length. In a BCM scheme, memory requirements are limited to the block length. Recently, Baldini and Farrell also proposed a BCM scheme that is based on rings of integers modulo-q (F. R. Baldini and P. G. Farrell, “Multilevel block subcodes for coded phase modulation,” Electronic Letters, Vol. 30, No. 12, June 1994.) However, the input and output of their multilevel encoder are over the same ring and such a ring can only be of the order of 2 m . Such a multilevel encoder is therefore limited and does not have the flexibility beyond the order of 2 m . Furthermore, hard decision decoding typically applied in such a BCM scheme lowers the performance compared with soft decision decoding. Hence, in the multilevel encoder proposed by Baldini and Farrell, code construction is only performed over a finite field and not with soft decision decoding. Therefore, a need clearly exists for wireless communication systems to have improved data encoding and decoding schemes to overcome or at least alleviate channel fading such as, for example, Rayleigh fading. |
<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention seeks to provide a wireless communication system, a method for encoding a binary input signal and a method for decoding a coded baseband signal within the wireless communication system. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless communication system comprising: a mapper for mapping a plurality of bits into a plurality of symbols, each of the plurality of symbols being associated with one or more of the plurality of bits; and an encoder, coupled to the mapper, for encoding the plurality of symbols to a corresponding plurality of integers modulo M to derive a plurality of coded symbols at the encoder output, the M being an arbitrary predetermined integer. In another aspect, the present invention provides, in a wireless communication system, a method for encoding a binary input signal, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of bits of the binary input signal; mapping the plurality of bits into a plurality of symbols, each of the plurality of symbols being associated with one or more of the plurality of bits; and encoding the plurality of symbols to a corresponding plurality of integers modulo M to derive a plurality of codewords, the M being an arbitrary predetermined integer. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a wireless communication system comprising: a decoder for decoding an output phasor stream of a coded baseband signal to derive an estimate of a codeword, the output phasor stream having a plurality of symbols encoded therein and corresponding to the codeword, each of the plurality of symbols being associated with one or more of a plurality of bits; and a demapper for demapping the estimate of the codeword to derive the plurality of bits from decoded symbols. In a further aspect, the present invention provides, in a wireless communication system, a method for decoding a coded baseband signal, the method comprising the steps of: decoding an output phasor stream of the coded baseband signal to derive an estimate of a codeword, the output phasor stream having a plurality of symbols encoded therein and corresponding to the codeword, each of the plurality of symbols being associated with one or more of a plurality of bits; and demapping the estimate of the codeword to derive the plurality of bits from decoded symbols. |
Method for continuously polymerizing in mass quantities and taylor reactor for carrying out this method |
A Taylor reactor (1) according to FIG. 1, comprising 1. an annular reaction volume (2) which widens in the flow direction and is defined by an outer reactor wall (3), a rotor (4) which is mounted rotatably at the end (4.1) in the reactor floor (5) and at its other end (4.2) is unmounted, and a reactor floor (5) having a seal (6) for the drive shaft (7), 2. an inlet region (8) above the reactor floor (5), having at least one side feed (8.1) and/or at least one feed (8.1) through the reactor floor (5) for the reactants and/or the process media, 3. an outlet region (9) which is disposed above the annular reaction volume (2), widens further beyond the annular reaction volume (2) in the flow direction, and subsequently tapers toward a product offtake (10), 4. a product offtake (10) which at its greatest diameter opens toward the outlet region (9) and tapers in the other direction, and 5. a pressure maintenance valve (11); and its use for continuous bulk polymerization. |
1. A Taylor reactor (1) comprising 1) an annular reaction volume (2) which 1.1 widens in a flow direction of a reaction medium and opens into an outlet region (9) and is defined by 1.1.1 an outer reactor wall (3), 1.1.2 a reactor floor (5) having a seal (6) for a drive shaft (7), and 1.1.3 a concentrically disposed rotor (4) which at one end (4.1) is mounted rotatably in the reactor floor (5) and at its other end (4.2) below the outlet region (9) is unmounted, the rotor (4) having the largest diameter at its mounted end (4.1) or having the same diameter as at its unmounted end (4.2), 2) an inlet region (8) in the narrowest region of the annular reaction volume (2) above the reactor floor (5), having at least one side feed (8.1) and/or at least one feed (8.1) through the reactor floor (5) for reactants and/or process media, 3) a deadspace-free outlet region (9) which 3.1 is disposed above the unmounted end (4.2) of the rotor (4) and above the annular reaction volume (2), 3.2 widens further or remains constant beyond the annular reaction volume (2) in the flow direction, and 3.3 thereafter tapers to a product offtake (10), 4) a deadspace-free product offtake (10) which 4.1 at its greatest diameter opens toward the outlet region (9) and 4.2 tapers in the other direction, and 5) at an end (10.1) of the product offtake (10) opposite the outlet region (9), a pressure maintenance valve (11). 2. The Taylor reactor of claim 1, wherein the annular reaction volume (2) has a circular circumference. 3. The Taylor reactor of claim 1, wherein the annular reaction volume (2) widens continuously or discontinuously in accordance with a desired mathematical functions. 4. The Taylor reactor of claim 3, wherein the mathematical functions is selected from the group consisting of straight lines, at least two straight lines which intersect at an obtuse angle, hyperbolas, parabolas, e functions, or combinations of these functions which undergo continuous or discontinuous transition one to another. 5. The Taylor reactor of claim 4, wherein the reaction volume widens continuously. 6. The Taylor reactor of claim 4, wherein the mathematical functions is straight lines. 7. The Taylor reactor of claim 1, wherein the outer reactor wall (3) is cylindrical and the rotor (4) is conical, and the rotor (4) has its greatest diameter at its mounted end (4.1). 8. The Taylor reactor of claim 1, wherein the outer reactor wall (3) is conical and the rotor (4) is cylindrical. 9. The Taylor reactor of claim 1, wherein the unmounted end (4.1) of the rotor (4) is one of planar, rounded off, or conical. 10. The Taylor reactor of claim 1, wherein the seal (6) is a floating ring seal. 11. The Taylor reactor of claim 1, wherein there is a mixing means (12) for the reactants and/or the process media upstream of the feed (8.1). 12. A process comprising transforming matter in the Taylor reactor (1) of claim 1 under conditions of Taylor flow, where kinematic viscosity ν of the reaction medium increases in the direction of flow traversal. 13. The process of claim 11, wherein the transforming matter comprises a reaction to form one of polymers, copolymers, block copolymers, graft copolymers, polycondensation products, polyaddition products, core/shell latices, or polymer dispersions. 14. The process of claim 13, wherein the transforming matter comprises reacting at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer to form one of a (co)polymers, a block copolymer, or a graft copolymers, wherein the reacting is one of free-radical, anionic or cationic (co)polymerization, block copolymerization, or graft copolymerization. 15. A process for continuous preparation of (co)polymers, block copolymers and graft copolymers (polymers) by free-radical, anionic or cationic (co)polymerization, block copolymerization, or graft copolymerization (polymerization) of at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer in bulk in the Taylor reactor of claim 1 comprising (I) metering at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer via the at least one side feed (8.1) and/or the at least one feed (8.1) through the reactor floor (5) into the inlet region (8), the inlet region (8) being situated in the narrowest region of the annular reaction volume (2) above the reactor floor (5), and (II) polymerizing in the annular reaction volume (2) at least partly under the conditions of Taylor flow to form a polymer, (III) conveying the liquid polymer from the annular reaction volume (2) into the deadspace-free outlet region (9), (IV) conveying the polymer from the outlet region (9) into the deadspace-free product offtake (10), and (V) discharging the polymer by way of the pressure maintenance valve (11). 16. The process of claim 15, wherein the conditions for Taylor flow are met in a part of the annular reaction volume (2) or in the whole annular reaction volume (2). 17. The process of claim 15, wherein the polymerization is conducted at a temperature of from 100 to 200° C. 18. The process of claim 15, wherein the polymerization is conducted at a pressure of from 1 to 100 bar. 19. The process of claim 15, wherein transit time is from 15 minutes to 2 hours. 20. The process of claim 15, wherein conversion is >70 mol %. 21. The process of claim 15, wherein kinematic viscosity ν of the reaction medium increases by a factor of at least 10 in the direction of flow traversal. 22. The process of claim 21, wherein the kinematic viscosity ν of the reactoin medium increases by a factor of at least 100 in the direction of flow traversal. 23. The process of claims 15, wherein a number-average molecular weight of the polymers is from 800 to 50 000. 24. (canceled) 25. (canceled) 26. (canceled) |
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