text
stringlengths 0
1.67M
|
|---|
Manufacture of solid state electornic components |
The present invention concerns the field of the manufacture of solid state components, and in preferred embodiments, capacitors. The method relates particularly to massed production methods for manufacturing solid state components, such as capacitors. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing multiple solid state electronic components comprising: (i) providing a first substrate provided with a plurality of first solid state electronic component elements formed on a surface e thereof, (ii) providing a second substrate provided with a plurality of second sold state electronic component elements formed on a surface thereof, (iii) aligning the first and second substrates so that respective first and second component elements are each mutually aligned, (iv) fixing the first and second substrates together, so that the first and second elements are operatively connected one to another, thereby to form a substrate sandwich, (v) dividing the substrate sandwich to form a plurality of individual components, each comprising a first component element cooperatively connected to a second component element. Suitable types of component are capacitors, diodes and resistors, although this list is not exhaustive and other suitable components are available to be made using this method. |
1. A method of manufacturing multiple solid state electronic components comprising: (i) providing a first substrate provided with a plurality of first solid state electronic component elements formed on a surface thereof, (ii) providing a second substrate provided with a plurality of second solid state electronic component elements formed on a surface thereof, (iii) aligning the first and second substrates so that respective first and second component elements are each mutually aligned, (iv) fixing the first and second substrates together, so that the first and second elements are operatively connected one to another, thereby to form a substrate sandwich, (v) dividing the substrate sandwich to form a plurality of individual components, each comprising a first component element operatively connected to a second component element. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first component elements and the second component elements have the same electronic function. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the respective elements have differing performance characteristics as between first elements on the one hand and second on the other. 4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second component elements respectively have different electronic functions. 5. A method of manufacturing multiple solid state capacitive components comprising: a) providing a first substrate layer; b) forming on one surface of the first substrate layer a plurality of first upstanding bodies consisting of porous sintered valve-action material; c) providing a second substrate layer; d) forming on one surface of the second substrate layer a plurality of second upstanding bodies consisting of porous sintered valve-action material; e) forming an insulating layer on and extending through the porosity of the first and second bodies; f) forming a conducting cathode layer on the insulating layer; g) aligning the first and second substrates so that the bodies are mutually aligned; h) fixing the first and second substrates together to form a substrate sandwich in which first and second bodies are operatively connected, i) encapsulating the porous bodies in electrically insulating material and j) dividing the substrate sandwich into a plurality of individual capacitive components, each comprising two capacitors, the first corresponding to the first porous body and the second corresponding to the second porous body. 6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein at step g) the substrates are aligned face to face so that their respective first and second upstanding bodies face each other and step h) comprises electrically connecting aligned free ends of the upstanding bodies to form a sandwich configuration in which the first and second substrate layers are outer layers, whereby on division of the substrate sandwich, there is formed a plurality of component pairs, each having first and second anodic terminals corresponding to the outer first and second substrates, and a cathodic region corresponding to the electrical connection between the free ends of the bodies 7. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein at step g) the substrates are aligned back to back so that their respective first and second upstanding bodies face away from each other and step h) comprises electrically connecting back faces of the substrates to form a sandwich configuration in which the first and second substrate layers are inner layers, and the porous bodies are outer layers, whereby on division of the substrate sandwich, there is formed a plurality of component pairs, each having an anodic terminal region corresponding to the inner first and second connected substrates, and first and second cathodic terminal regions corresponding to respective first and second end regions of the component. 8. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein at step g) a plate of conducting material is interposed between the respective free-ends of the first and second bodies so that the electrical connection is made via the plate material. 9. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the dividing at step h) also divides the plate material, and an exposed surface portion of the plate material formed in each component by the dividing provides a cathode terminal for each component. 10. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the electrical connection at step g) is made by means of discrete conducting adhesive pads applied between the free ends of the first and second upstanding bodies. 11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the encapsulation process at step h) also encapsulates the electrical connection region, thereby obscuring the cathodic region in each component and permitting the formation of a component without a cathodic terminal. |
Plasticizer for polyester resin |
Provided are a plasticizer for amorphous polyester resin which can give softness without hindering the transparency of the amorphous polyester resin, and an amorphous polyester resin composition superior in softness, transparency and heat resistance. A plasticizer for amorphous polyester resin, which is made of an ester of an (Aa) component selected from hydroxy aromatic carboxylic acid (AI), hydroxy condensed polycyclic aromatic carboxylic acid, hydroxy alicyclic carboxylic acid and others, and an (Ab) component selected from aliphatic alcohol, alicyclic alcohol, aromatic alcohol, phenol, alkylphenol, or alkylene oxide added products thereof. |
1. A plasticizer for amorphous polyester resin which comprises any one of the following (A), (B), (C) and (D): (A) an ester of the following (Aa) component and (Ab) component: (Aa) at least one selected from a hydroxy aromatic carboxylic acid represented by the following formula (AI): (wherein Xa represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, n and m are each an integer of 1 or more, n+m is 5 and p is an integer of 0 to 3), a hydroxy condensed polycyclic aromatic carboxylic acid or a hydroxy alicyclic carboxylic acid having, in a single molecule thereof, one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more carboxylic groups, anhydrides of these carboxylic acids, or C1-3 lower-alkyl esters of these carboxylic acids, and (Ab) at least one selected from a hydroxy compound selected from an aliphatic alcohol, an alicyclic alcohol, an aromatic alcohol, phenol and an alkyl phenol, or alkylene oxide added products (the carbon atom number of the alkylene group being from 2 to 4, and the average number of added alkylene oxide molecules being more than 0 and 30 or less) of these hydroxy compounds; (B) an ester of the following (Ba) component and (Bb) component: (Ba) at least one selected from an aromatic carboxylic acid represented by the following formula (BI): (wherein Xb represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a halogen atom, n and m are each an integer of 1 or more and n+m is 6), a condensed polycyclic aromatic carboxylic acid or an alicyclic carboxylic acid having, in a single molecule thereof, one or more carboxylic groups, anhydrides of these carboxylic acids, or C1-3 lower-alkyl esters of these carboxylic acids, and (Bb) at least one selected from an alkylene oxide added product (the carbon atom number of the alkylene group being from 2 to 4, and the average number of added alkylene oxide molecules being from 1 to 30) of a monohydroxy compound selected from an aliphatic monoalcohol, an alicyclic monoalcohol, an aromatic monoalcohol, phenol and an alkyl phenol; (C) an N-alkylated product of an aromatic sulfonamide (the carbon atom number of the alkyl group being from 1 to 22); and (D) an ester of the following (Da) component and (Db) component: (Da) at least one selected from an aromatic monocarboxylic acid represented by the following formula (DI): (wherein Xd represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, m is an integer of 1 to 5 and Xd,s, the number of which is m, may be the same or different), an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having a linear or branched chain having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, a condensed polycyclic aromatic monocarboxylic acid, an alicyclic monocarboxylic acid, or lower-alkyl esters (the carbon atom number of the alkyl group being from 1 to 3) of these monocarboxylic acids, and (Db) at least one selected from alkylene oxide added products (the carbon atom number of the alkylene group being from 2 to 4, and the average number of added alkylene oxide molecules per hydroxyl group being more than 0 and 10 or less) of a hydroxy compound selected from an aliphatic bivalent alcohol represented by the following formula (DII): (wherein Y and Z represent an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same or different), a polyhydric alcohol having, in a single molecule thereof, three or more hydroxyl groups and having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, and an alicyclic diol having, in a single molecule thereof, two hydroxyl groups or methylol groups. 2. The plasticizer according to claim 1, which comprises the (A), the (Aa) component being p-hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, 4-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid, 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzoic acid, or a C1-3 lower-alkyl ester thereof. 3. The plasticizer according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises the (A), the (Ab) component being a compound represented by the following formula (AII): R1O(AO)yH (AII) (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, a benzyl group, or an alkylphenyl or alkylbenzyl group having an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, A represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, y is a numerical value of 0 to 30, which represents the average number of added alkylene oxide molecules, and A's, the number of which is y, may be the same or different). 4. The plasticizer according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises the (A), the (Ab) component being a compound represented by the following general formula (AIII): R2OH (AIII) (wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group or alkenyl group having 3 to 22 carbon atoms, a benzyl group, or an alkylbenzyl group having an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms). 5. The plasticizer according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises the (A), the (Ab) component being the (Db). 6. The plasticizer according to claim 1, which comprises the (B), the (Ba) component being benzoic acid, phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, or an anhydride or a C1-3 lower-alkyl ester thereof. 7. The plasticizer according to claim 1, which comprises the (B), the (Ba) component being a compound wherein n is 2 or more in the formula (BI). 8. The plasticizer according to any one of claims 1, 6 and 7, which comprises the (B), the (Bb) component being a compound represented by the general formula (BII): R1O(AO)yH (BII) (wherein R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, a benzyl group, or an alkylphenyl group having an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, A represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, y is a numerical value of 0 to 30, which represents the average number of added alkylene oxide molecules, and A's, the number of which is y, may be the same or different). 9. The plasticizer according to claim 1, which comprises the (C), the N-alkylated product of the aromatic sulfonamide being an N-alkylbenzenesulfonamide represented by the following general formula (CI): (wherein R represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms). 10. The plasticizer according to claim 1, which comprises the (D), the (Da) component being benzoic acid which may have an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a halogen atom as a substituent, or a lower-alkyl (the carbon atom number of the alkyl group being from 1 to 3) ester. 11. The plasticizer according to claim 1 or 10, which comprises the (D), the (Db) component being an alkylene oxide added product (the carbon atom number of the alkylene group being from 2 to 4 and the average number of added alkylene oxide molecules being more than 0 and 10 or less) of a hydroxy compound selected from neopentyl glycol, 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, glycerin or polyglycerin having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, sorbitol, sorbitan, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, cyclohexanediol, or cyclohexanedimethanol. 12. An amorphous polyester resin composition, which comprises an amorphous polyester resin and the plasticizer according to claim 1. 13. The amorphous polyester resin composition according to claim 12, wherein the plasticizer comprises the (A), the composition further comprising at least one selected from phosphoric acid and phosphorous acid. 14. The amorphous polyester resin composition according to claim 12, wherein the plasticizer comprises the (B), and the content thereof is from 1 to 70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the amorphous polyester resin. 15. The amorphous polyester resin composition according to claim 12, wherein the plasticizer comprises the (C), and the content thereof is from 3 to 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the amorphous polyester resin. 16. The amorphous polyester resin composition according to claim 12, which further comprises an anionic surfactant as a lubricant. 17. Use of the plasticizer according to claim 1 as a plasticizer for amorphous polyester resin. |
<SOH> TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION BELONGS <EOH>The present invention relates to a plasticizer for amorphous polyester resin, and an amorphous polyester resin composition superior in softness, transparency and heat resistance. |
Release regulating silicone system and use thereof for preparing curable release compositions |
The invention concerns a novel release regulating silicone composition, and its use for preparing curable release compositions (Si-II/Si-Vi), adapted to be applied on substrates so as to facilitate removal of adhesive materials reversibly glued on said substrates. The invention aims at providing adhesion modifiers highly efficient in terms of regulating power and without negative effect on the instantaneous tackiness of adhesive materials laminated on the release silicone coating. Therefor the invention provides a release regulating system based on: 96 to 85 parts by weight of at least a reactive polyorganosiloxane resin (A) of the type: MDViQ, MDViT, MMHexenylQ, or MMAllyloxypropylQ: 4 to 15 parts by weight of at least a non-reactive resin (B) of the type: MD′Q, MDD′Q, MDT′, MQ or MDQ. The invention also concerns the use of a regulating system for preparing release compositions containing a linear polyorganosiloxane, said regulating system, a hydrosilylation inhibitor, a linear crosslinking polyorganohalogenosiloxane and a hydrosilylation catalyst. |
1. An adhesion modulator system based on: (A) at least one polyorganosiloxane resin existing in solid form in the dry state, and comprising at least two different types of siloxy moiety R3SiO1/2 (moiety M) and SiO2 (moiety Q) and/or RSiO3/2 (moiety T), and possibly moieties R2SiO (moiety D), the radicals R being identical or different and representing organic radicals, with a number of moieties (M)/number of moieties (Q) and/or (T) ratio of 0.6-1, the number of moieties (D) that may be present being 0.5-10 per 100 mol of resin; (B) at least one polyorganosiloxane resin existing in solid form in the dry state, and comprising at least two different types of siloxy moiety R′3SiO1/2 (moiety M) and SiO2 (moiety Q) and/or R′SiO3/2 (moiety T), and possibly moieties R′12SiO (moiety D), the radicals R′ being similar or different and representing organic radicals, with a number of moieties (M)/number of moieties (Q) and/or (T) ratio of 0.6-1, the number of moieties (D) that may be present being 0.5-10 per 100 mol of resin; (C) at least one solvent or at least one diluent of the mixture of resins (A) and (B); wherein: the resin (A) is reactive and represents a quantity in parts by weight, of 99 to 75 the resin (B) is nonreactive and represents a quantity in parts by weight, of 1 to 25. 2. The adhesion modulator system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: in the resin (A), the radicals R independently and at least partially represent: alkyl—C1-C18—, or (cyclo)alkyl C3-C18— groups, (cyclo)alkyl—C3-C18— groups, C2-C20, preferably C2-C12, alkenyl groups, C3-C20, preferably C4-C12, (cyclo)alkenyl groups, or (C3-C9) alkenyloxy (C2-C4) alkylene groups, preferably at least 80 mol % of the radicals R representing a methyl group, at least 0.1 mol %, of the radicals R representing an alkenyl or alkenyloxyalkylene group bound to silicon (“Si-alkenyl”); in the resin (B), the radicals R′ independently and at least partially represent: hydrogen, alkyl—C1-C18—, or (cyclo)alkyl C3-C18— groups; or (cyclo)alkyl—C3-C18-groups, R′ representing a methyl group; the resin (A) containing less than 2.5 mol % of silanol functions; the resin (B) containing less than 10 mol % of silanol functions. 3. The adhesion modulator system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reactive resin (A) is a resin which contains Si-Vi moieties and which is selected from the group comprising: MDViQ where the vinyl groups are included in the moieties (D), MDViTQ where the vinyl groups are included in the moieties (D), MMViQ where the vinyl groups are included in part of the moieties (M), MMViTQ where the vinyl groups are included in part of the moieties (M), MDViT where the vinyl groups are included in the moieties (D), MMhexenylQ (possibly containing moieties T bearing or not bearing an alkenyl group) where the hexenyl groups are included in part of the moieties (M), MMallyloxypropylQ (possibly containing moieties T bearing or not bearing an alkenyl group) where the allyloxypropyl groups are included in part of the moieties (M), all combinations of each of the aforesaid resins with moieties MOH and/or DOH and/or TOH, and mixtures thereof. 4. The adhesion modulator system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that wherein the nonreactive resin (B) is selected from the group comprising: MD′Q where the hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon are included in the moieties (D), MD′TQ where the hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon are included in the moieties (D), MDD′Q where the hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon are included in the moieties (D), MDD′TQ where the hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon are included in the moieties (D), MDT′ where the hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon are included in the moieties (T), MDD′T′ where the hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon are included in the moieties (T) and (D), MDD′TT′ where the hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon are included in the moieties (T) and (D), MQ, MDQ, MDTQ, all combinations of each of the aforesaid resins with moieties MOH and/or DOH and/or TOH, and mixtures thereof. 5. The adhesion modulator system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solvent or diluent (C) is selected from: (1) standard hydrocarbon solvents for silicone resins, of the aromatic, or saturated aliphatic type, chlorinated solvents used in a quantity corresponding to 50-70 parts by weight per 30-50 parts by weight of solid resins (A)+(B); (2) solvents described as “reactive”: (a) liquid polyorganosiloxane resins, whereof the organic radicals are C1-C18 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, C2-C20, alkenyl groups, exhibiting a number of moieties (M)/number of moieties (Q) and/or (T) ratio of the order of 1 to 4 and moieties (D) per 100 mol of liquid resin, and containing from 0.5 to 5 mol % of alkenyl functions bonded to silicon (“Si alkenyl”) or atoms of hydrogen bonded to silicon (“SiH”), these resins exhibiting a viscosity at 25° C. of less than 100 mPa.sec, and/or (b) liquid polyorganosiloxane oils, whereof the organic radicals are C1-C18 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, C2-C20 alkenyl, (C3-C9) alkenyloxy (C2-C4) alkylene, oils containing from 0.2 to 5 mol % of alkenyl or alkenyloxyalkylene groups bonded to silicon, as chain end(s) or within the chain, said oils exhibiting a viscosity of less than 200 mPa.sec; and/or (b′) liquid polyorganosiloxane oils, bearing hydrogen substituents and whereof the organic radicals are C1-C18 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, C2-C20 alkenyl, (C3-C9) alkenyloxy (C2-C4)-alkylene, oils containing from 0.2 to 5 mol % of hydrogen substituents bonded to silicon, as chain end(s) or within the chain, said oils exhibiting a viscosity of less than 200 mPa.sec; and/or (c) hydrocarbons with one or more olefinically unsaturated groups(s) such as C14-C18 olefins, dibutyl maleate, decyl vinyl ether, dodecyl vinyl ether, camphene, meta-bis-isopropenylbenzene; said solvents described as “reactive” being generally used in a quantity corresponding to 20-50 parts by weight per 80-50 parts by weight of solid resins (A)+(B); (3) aqueous emulsions of nonionic surfactants containing of the order of 1-3% by weight of surfactant, used in a proportion of 40-70 parts by weight per 60-30 parts by weight of solid resins (A)+(B). 6. A curable anti-adhesive composition containing: at least one linear polydiorganosiloxane (D) blocked by terminal triorganosiloxane groups, said organic radicals being C1-C1-8 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, C2-C20, alkenyl, (C3-C9)alkenyloxy (C2-C4)alkylene, at least 80 mol % of said radicals being a methyl group, at least 0.1 mol %, of said organic radicals being identical or different alkenyl or alkenyloxyalkylene groups directly bonded to silicon (“Si alkenyl”); at least one modulator system based on the constituents (A), (B) and (C) as defined above; at least one hydrosilylation inhibiting agent; at least one linear polyorganohydrogenosiloxane crosslinking agent (E) containing from 1.6 to 0.5 mol % of hydrogen atoms directly bonded to silicon (“SiH”) as chain end(s) and/or within the chain, the identical or different organic radicals being C1-C18 alkyl groups, at least 80 mol % of said organic radicals being methyl groups, the quantity of crosslinking agent being such that the (number of moles of “SiH” deriving from the nonreactive resin (B), from the “reactive” solvent (C) and from the crosslinking agent (E))/(number of moles of “Si alkenyl” deriving from the reactive resin (A), from the “reactive” solvent (C) and from the linear blocked polydiorganosiloxane (D)) ratio is greater than 1; an effective quantity of a hydrosilylation catalyst. 7. The compositions as claimed in claim 6, wherein the concentration of [POS (B)], in % dry weight relative to the total mass of the composition is defined as follows: [POS (B)]≦20. 8. The compositions as claimed in claim 6, wherein the linear blocked polydiorganosiloxane with “Si-alkenyl” functions (D) exhibits a viscosity of the order of 100 to 1000 mPa. sec. 9. Compositions according to claim 6, wherein the crosslinking agent with “Si—H” functions (E) exhibits a viscosity of the order of 5 to 150 mPa.sec. |
Screen apparatus |
Screen apparatus comprising a screen (10) which allows fluid to pass through it whilst providing a barrier to non-fluid matter in the fluid. A jet outlet (22) is arranged to direct a jet of fluid across that side of the screen (10) on which such matter would otherwise tend to collect when the apparatus is in use. |
1. Screen apparatus comprising a screen (10) which allows fluid to pass through it whilst providing a barrier to non-fluid matter in the fluid characterised in that the apparatus further comprises a jet outlet (22) which is arranged to direct a jet of fluid across that side of the screen (10) on which such matter would otherwise tend to collect when the apparatus is in use. 2. Screen apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the jet outlet (22) is a water jet outlet. 3. Screen apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the water jet outlet (22) is connected to receive water from a source (32) thereof. 4. Screen apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that the source of water comprises a tank (32) of water. 5. Screen apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that the tank (32) of water is an open tank (32) placed below the screen (10) to catch the fluid flowing therethrough. 6. Screen apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the apparatus is further provided with a pump (26) to transfer fluid from the tank (32) to the jet outlet (22). 7. Screen apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that an air inlet (34) is connected so that the jet of fluid comprises a mix of water and air. 8. Screen apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the apparatus is installed alongside a channel (20) along which fluid flows, in such a manner that in overflow conditions the fluid will reach the screen (10). 9. Screen apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the screen (10) extends in the direction of flow as defined by the channel (20). 10. Screen apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the jet outlet (22) is arranged to direct the jet of fluid in that direction. 11. Screen apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the channel (20) is defined at one side thereof by a weir (16). 12. Screen apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the screen (10) is located along the top of the weir (16). 13. Screen apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the screen (10) is recessed from the inside surface of the weir (16) which faces the channel (20). 14. Screen apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that a deflector (36) is arranged in the screen (10) at a position downstream of the jet outlet (22) to deflect the fluid of the jet into the mainstream of the fluid flowing along the channel (20). 15. Screen apparatus according to claim 14, characterised in that the deflector (36) is impervious to fluid to reduce the likelihood that non-fluid matter will be pressed and held against it by the jet of fluid. 16. Screen apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, characterised in that the deflector (36) is constructed so that it acts as a venturi, to improve the flow of the jet. 17. Screen apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the screen (10) comprises a sheet (12). 18. Screen apparatus according to claim 17, characterised in that the sheet (12) is a metal sheet (12). 19. Screen apparatus according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized in that the sheet (12) is uniformly perforated. 20. Screen apparatus according to claim 19, characterised in that the sheet (12) is uniformly perforated with substantially 6 mm diameter holes. 21. Screen apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the apparatus comprises sewage storm overflow apparatus. |
Information image utilization system, information image management device, information image management method, content information image, program, and recording medium |
A content information image and an information image utilizing system with an access right and an authentication function. In the information image utilizing system (100), copy information image data including identifying information (serial ID, master ID, provider ID, version information, and the like) and attribute information (ownership condition, time limit information, and the like) of the content information image is placed in an information image managing server (1002), enabling an information image providing unit to grasp and manage an owner of the information image. Use of the content information image is limited to a client (1005) satisfying the identifying information and the attribute information retained by the content information image. |
1. An information image utilizing system comprising: one or a plurality of information image managing servers; one or a plurality of folder managing servers; a user managing server; one or a plurality of information image providing servers; and one or a plurality of clients; said one or plurality of information image managing servers, said one or plurality of folder managing servers, said user managing server, said one or plurality of information image providing servers, and said one or plurality of clients being connected to each other via a network; and information being provided from said information image providing server to said client via an information image formed by combining image information and related information for causing predetermined operation to be performed on the basis of said image information into one handling unit; wherein (a) said one or plurality of information image managing servers generate a first information image by including identifying information including an identifier of the information image providing server in said information image and retain the first information image, generate a second information image by including attribute information indicating an access right for each identifier of the client of an owner and for each said predetermined operation in the first information image and retain the second information image, and retain an information image managing table associating an identifier of said first information image, the identifier of the information image providing server, an identifier of said second information image, and the identifier of said client with each other; (b) said one or plurality of folder managing servers retain a folder managing table associating the identifier of said client with the identifier of said second information image owned by said client; (c) said user managing server authenticates said client and said information image providing server, and retains a user managing table associating the identifier of said client with said folder managing server and associating the identifier of said information image providing server with said information image managing server; and (d) said client communicates with said folder managing server, displays said second information image owned by said client, and performs said predetermined operation on the basis of said related information and said attribute information included in said second information image. 2. The information image utilizing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein; said predetermined operation includes at least one operation of reproduction of the related information included in said second information image, processing for owning said second information image, processing for updating said second information image, processing for recommending said second information image, and processing for assigning said second information image. 3. The information image utilizing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein; said information image is formed by XML data. 4. An information image managing apparatus connected to one or a plurality of information image providing servers and one or a plurality of clients via a network, said information image managing apparatus managing an information image formed by combining image information and related information for causing predetermined operation to be performed on the basis of said image information into one handling unit, and said information image serving as a medium for providing information from said information image providing server to said client, said information image managing apparatus comprising: one or a plurality of information image managing servers for generating a first information image by including identifying information including an identifier of the information image providing server in said information image and retaining the first information image, generating a second information image by including attribute information indicating an access right for each said predetermined operation in the first information image and retaining the second information image, and retaining an information image managing table associating an identifier of said first information image, the identifier of said information image providing server, an identifier of said second information image, and an identifier of said client with each other. 5. The information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising one or a plurality of folder managing servers for retaining a folder managing table associating the identifier of said client with the identifier of said second information image owned by said client. 6. The information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: one or a plurality of folder managing servers for retaining a folder managing table associating the identifier of said client with the identifier of said second information image owned by said client; and a user managing server for authenticating said client and said information image providing server, and retaining a user managing table associating the identifier of said client with said folder managing table and associating the identifier of said information image providing server with said information image managing server. 7. The information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein; said predetermined operation includes at least one operation of reproduction of the related information included in said second information image, processing for owning said second information image, processing for updating said second information image, processing for recommending said second information image, and processing for assigning said second information image. 8. The information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein; said one or plurality of information image managing servers include: owner managing means for, when an owner of said second information image is changed, reflecting the change in said information image managing table; and owner notifying means for extracting the identifier of said client owning said second information image indicating said information image providing server on the basis of said information image managing table and transmitting the identifier to said information image providing server in response to a request from said information image providing server. 9. The information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein; when receiving from said information image providing server an instruction to change the attribute information included in said second information image, change the related information included in said second information image, or delete said second information image, said one or plurality of information image managing servers update said information image managing table on the basis of said instruction. 10. The information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein; when receiving from said information image providing server an instruction to change the attribute information included in said second information image, change the related information included in said second information image, or delete said second information image, said one or plurality of information image managing servers update said information image managing table on the basis of said instruction; and said one or plurality of folder managing servers update said folder managing table on the basis of said update. 11. The information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein; said information image is formed by XML data. 12. An information image managing method of an information image managing apparatus, said information image managing apparatus being connected to one or a plurality of information image providing servers and one or a plurality of clients via a network and managing an information image formed by combining image information and related information for causing predetermined operation to be performed on the basis of said image information into one handling unit, said information image serving as a medium for providing information from said information image providing server to said client, said information image managing method comprising: an information image managing step for generating a first information image by including identifying information including an identifier of the information image providing server in said information image and retaining the first information image, generating a second information image by including attribute information indicating an access right for each said predetermined operation in the first information image and retaining the second information image, and retaining an information image managing table associating an identifier of said first information image, the identifier of said information image providing server, an identifier of said second information image, and an identifier of said client with each other. 13. The information image managing method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a folder managing step for retaining a folder managing table associating the identifier of said client with the identifier of said second information image owned by said client. 14. The information image managing method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a folder managing step for retaining a folder managing table associating the identifier of said client with the identifier of said second information image owned by said client; and a user managing step for authenticating said client and said information image providing server, and retaining a user managing table associating the identifier of said client with said folder managing table and associating the identifier of said information image providing server with said information image managing server. 15. The information image managing method as claimed in claim 12, wherein; said predetermined operation includes at least one operation of reproduction of the related information included in said second information image, processing for owning said second information image, processing for updating said second information image, processing for recommending said second information image, and processing for assigning said second information image. 16. The information image managing method as claimed in claim 12, wherein; said information image managing step includes: an owner managing step for, when an owner of said second information image is changed, reflecting the change in said information image managing table; and an owner notifying step for extracting the identifier of said client owning said second information image indicating said information image providing server on the basis of said information image managing table and transmitting the identifier to said information image providing server in response to a request from said information image providing server. 17. The information image managing method as claimed in claim 12, wherein; when receiving from said information image providing server an instruction to change the attribute information included in said second information image, change the related information included in said second information image, or delete said second information image, said information image managing step updates said information image managing table on the basis of said instruction. 18. The information image managing method as claimed in claim 13, wherein; when receiving from said information image providing server an instruction to change the attribute information included in said second information image, change the related information included in said second information image, or delete said second information image, said information image managing step updates said information image managing table on the basis of said instruction; and said folder managing step updates said folder managing table on the basis of said update. 19. The information image managing method as claimed in claim 12, wherein; said information image is formed by XML data. 20. A content information image comprising: image information; related information for causing predetermined operation to be performed on the basis of said image information; identifying information including an identifier of an information image providing server connected via a network; and attribute information including an access right for each said predetermined operation and each owner; said image information, said related information, said identifying information, and said attribute information being combined into one handling unit; and said information image serving as a medium for providing information from said information image providing server to a client. 21. The content information image as claimed in claim 20, wherein; said predetermined operation of reproduction of the related information included in said information, processing for owning said information image, processing for updating said information image, processing for recommending said information image, and processing for assigning said information image. 22. The content information image as claimed in claim 20, wherein; said information image is formed by XML data. 23. The program for making a computer function as the information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4. 24. The recording medium on which a program for making a computer function as the information image managing apparatus as claimed in claim 4 is recorded. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>It has recently been common for general users to connect a computer to a network and obtain various information via the network. A user can access an information disclosing server using an information terminal apparatus such as a computer or the like and obtain desired information. As an effective method for providing information on the Internet, a method has been proposed using an “information image” formed by image information and related information for causing predetermined operation to be performed on the basis of the image information. The image information and the related information are processed as one handling unit. The information image is easy to manage because an image file and a plurality of pieces of related information are managed as one handling unit. Supposing that the information image is related to a specific singer, for example, the image file is an image of the singer or an image related to the singer. The related information included in the information image is an address (URL) of a home page of the singer, song data (audio data), a profile (text data) of the signer, and the like. A user can display an owned information image using an information image browser of the information terminal owned by the user and use the content of the selected information image. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2001-92575 relates to a GUI of a PC connected to a plurality of apparatus. Icons corresponding to the connected apparatus are displayed on a monitor, and states of the apparatus are displayed by changing forms of display of the icons. However, the icons themselves do not include information on the states of the apparatus or the like. Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2001-142825, a state of connection of an information apparatus is visually recognized on a computer, and operation of the apparatus is performed by operation by a “gaze-link” metaphor. However, connection between an image and the operated apparatus does not involve connection restriction or a function related to authentication. Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2001-216713, on a computer connected to an operated apparatus, a state of connection of the operated apparatus is displayed by icon, and operation of the operated apparatus is displayed by icon (a video recording icon, a reproduction icon, a recording programming icon, and the like), so that an operator makes setting and the like by a simple operation. However, the icons indicate the operated apparatus itself or the operation, and the icons themselves do not include other information. In addition, there is no restriction of connection from the icons to the apparatus or the like, and there is no function related to authentication. Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 11-259393, an apparatus with which communication is to be made is displayed by icon on a personal computer, and the apparatus with which communication is to be made is identified through icon operation to make communication. However, there is no connection restriction for the icon, and there is no function related to authentication. Further, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 10-188390 realizes simple recording programming by dragging and dropping a program icon into a time period display part of a recording apparatus. However, there is no restriction on use of the program icon or no function related to authentication. However, after the user selects the information image displayed on the information image browser of the information terminal, the information image is accessed without any restriction, and thus the use of the information image once provided by the information image providing unit is not restricted. For example, in a case where the information image providing unit provides the information image for a limited time period, the information image cannot be accessed from the user after an end of the providing time period, but the information image without an access right remains at the user. In addition, when the information image providing unit desires to stop information distribution only to a specific user, there is no means of realizing this. Further, there is no means for the information providing unit side to restrict and manage for each user attachment of the information image owned by the user to an email, which is send to a friend or the like, and including the information image in a flexible disk for takeout, for example. Further, once the information image is provided to the user, it is impossible to change a period of use of the information image, change ownership restriction (change the restriction that prohibits assigning the information image to another person at the time of providing the information image and allow the information image to be assigned after passage of a certain period), for example, after providing the information image. The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a content information image and an information image utilizing system with an access right and an authentication function. |
<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an information image utilizing system 100 ; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating master information image data 200 ; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating copy information image data 300 ; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating master information image data 400 ; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating copy information image data 500 ; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data structure of an information image realized by XML data; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of structure of a user managing table 701 retained and managed by a user managing unit 111 of a user managing server 101 ; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an information image managing table 801 retained and managed by an information image managing unit 112 of an information image managing server 102 ; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a folder managing table 901 retained and managed by a folder managing unit 113 of a folder managing server 103 ; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of operation of the information image utilizing system 100 ; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating use of a content information image; FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a procedure in which an information image providing unit registers a new information image; FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a procedure in which the information image providing unit updates the information image; FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a procedure in which an information image is outputted to a browser unit 1016 ; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a process of owning an offline information image 1506 ; FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process of owning an offline information image 1506 ; and FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process of assigning an information image. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? |
Targeted particles and methods of using the same |
Drug delivery compositions and methods of delivering compounds to are disclosed. Vaccines and methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for drug delivery including gene therapy and methods of treating individuals using such compositions are disclosed. |
1. A method of introducing a compound into a cell that expresses Flt3 molecules, said method comprising contacting the cell with a non-cellular particle that comprises the compound and a Flt-3 ligand. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is a nucleic acid molecule or protein. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is DNA. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is DNA that comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory, elements functional in the cell. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is DNA that comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes an immunogenic protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is DNA that comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes an non-immunogenic protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is DNA that comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is DNA that comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus, said DNA further comprising a packaging signal to facilitate its incorporation into said particle. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is a viral protein. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is a fusion protein comprising a an HIV Vpr portion which facilitate incorporation of said fusion protein into said particle. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein fusion protein comprising a protease cleavage site between said Vpr portion and a biologically active portion. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the protease cleavage site is a cleavage site recognized by HIV-1 protease. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein fusion protein comprising a biologically active portion selected from the group consisting of transcription factors, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, transport proteins and processing proteins. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein fusion protein comprising a biologically active portion selected from the group consisting of transcription factor Tbet, transcription factor Tgata, cytokine IL-15, chemokine Rantes, transport protein p70 and processing protein TAP. 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the particle is a viral particle, a protein complex, a liposome or a cationic amphiphile/DNA complex. 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the particle comprises a fusion protein comprising Flt-3 ligand or a FLT-3 binding fragment thereof and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of HIV-1 gp41. 17. A non-cellular particle that comprises a fusion protein comprising Flt-3 ligand or a FLT-3 binding fragment thereof. 18. The particle of claim 17 further comprising a nucleic acid molecule and/or fusion protein. 19. The particle of claim 18 comprising DNA. 20. The particle of claim 19 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 21. The particle of claim 19 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes an immunogenic protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 22. The particle of claim 19 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes an non-immunogenic protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 23. The particle of claim 19 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus. 24. The particle of claim 19 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus, said DNA further comprising a packaging signal to facilitate its incorporation into said particle. 25. The particle of claim 18 comprising a fusion protein. 26. The particle of claim 18 wherein the fusion protein comprises an HIV Vpr portion which facilitate incorporation of said fusion protein into said particle. 27. The particle of claim 18 wherein the fusion protein comprises a protease cleavage site between said Vpr portion and a biologically active portion. 28. The particle of claim 27 wherein the protease cleavage site is a cleavage site recognized by HIV-1 protease. 29. The particle of claim 18 wherein fusion protein comprising a biologically active portion selected from the group consisting of transcription factors, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, transport proteins and processing proteins. 30. The particle of claim 29 wherein fusion protein comprising a biologically active portion selected from the group consisting of transcription factor Tbet, transcription factor Tgata, cytokine IL-15, chemokine Rantes, transport protein p70 and processing protein TAP. 31. The particle of claim 17 wherein the particle is a viral particle, a protein complex, a liposome or a cationic amphiphile/DNA complex. 32. The particle of claim 17 wherein the particle comprises a fusion protein comprising Flt-3 ligand or a FLT-3 binding fragment thereof and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of HIV-1 gp41. 33. The method of immunizing an individual comprising administering a particle of claim 30. 34. The method of treating an individual for autoimmune disease comprising administering a particle of claim 30. 35. A non-cellular particle that comprises a fusion protein comprising a Vpr portion and a biologically active non-Vpr portion. 36. The particle of claim 35 wherein the fusion protein comprises an HIV Vpr portion which facilitate incorporation of said fusion protein into said particle. 37. The particle of claim 35 wherein the fusion protein comprises a protease cleavage site between said Vpr portion and a biologically active portion. 38. The particle of claim 37 wherein the protease cleavage site is a cleavage site recognized by HIV-1 protease. 40. The particle of claim 35 wherein fusion protein comprising a biologically active portion selected from the group consisting of transcription factors, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, transport proteins and processing proteins. 41. The particle of claim 40 wherein fusion protein comprising a biologically active portion selected from the group consisting of transcription factor Tbet, transcription factor Tgata, cytokine IL-15, chemokine Rantes, transport protein p70 and processing protein TAP. 42. The particle of claim 35 further comprising a nucleic acid molecule and/or fission protein. 43. The particle of claim 42 comprising DNA. 44. The particle of claim 43 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 45. The particle of claim 43 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes an immunogenic protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 46. The particle of claim 43 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes an non-immunogenic protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in the cell. 47. The particle of claim 43 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus. 48. The particle of claim 43 wherein the DNA comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus, said DNA further comprising a packaging signal to facilitate its incorporation into said particle. 49. The particle of claim 35 comprising a costimulatory ligand or a fusion protein comprising costimulatory ligand portion. 50. The particle of claim 35 wherein the particle is an HIV viral particle. 51. The particle of claim 35 wherein the particle is an HIV viral particle with a modified or heterologous Env protein. 52. The method of delivering a fusion protein to an individual administering a particle of claim 35. 53. A non-cellular particle that comprises a nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus wherein when said particle is a virally derived particle, said regulatory elements are derived from a different virus than said particle. 54. The particle of claim 53 wherein said particle is derived particle from a lentivirus. 55. The particle of claim 53 wherein said nucleotide sequences further comprises a packaging signal which facilitates packaging of nucleic acid molecules by said particle. 56. A method of delivering and expressing DNA to cells of an individual that comprises administering to said individual a particle of claim 53. 57. A nucleotide sequences that encodes a protein operably linked to regulatory elements derived from AAV, adenovirus or alphavirus and a packaging signal which facilitates packaging of nucleic acid molecules by viral particles different from the viral particles from which the regulatory sequences have been derived. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,316, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes the design and production of viral particles which display heterologous protein sequences on the viral particle envelope. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,873,089, 5,227,470 and 5,258,499, which are incorporated herein by reference, describe methods of preparing liposomes that contain proteins displayed on their surfaces in order to target the liposomes to a cell with a cellular protein on its surface that specifically binds to the protein on the surface of the liposome. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,533, 5,459,127 and Behr, J. P., et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:6982-6986, which are each incorporated herein by reference, describe the design and production of receptor targeted cationic amphiphile/DNA complexes in which positively charged lipophilic compounds are provided with receptor ligands. The cationic amphiphilic compounds contain receptor ligand moieties which are displayed on the surface of complexes formed when the cationic amphiphile is mixed with DNA. Such teachings may also be applied to cationic lipid/DNA complexes such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,955,365, 5,948,767, 5,945,400, 5,939,401, 5,935,936, 5,932,241, 5,925,628, 5,916,803, 5,910,488, 5,908,635, 5,891,468, 5,885,613, 5,830,430, 5,827,703, 5,783,565 and 5,767,099, which are incorporated herein by reference. Improved particles for the delivery of compounds is described in Ser. No. 09/680,690 and PCT/US00/27618, which are incorporated herein by reference. The subject matter described therein includes the use of providing particles that comprise co-stimulatory molecule ligands in order to target cells that express the co-stimulatory molecules. The particles that comprise the co-stimulatory molecule ligands bind to and are taken up by cells that express the co-stimulatory molecules. Thus, compounds that are components of the particle are taken up by the cells. The use of fusion proteins that comprise a portion of the HIV Vpr protein linked to biologically active non-HIV proteins is described in Ser. No. 08/167,608 filed Dec. 15, 1993 and PCT/US94/02191 filed Jan. 22, 1994, which are incorporated herein by reference. The subject matter described therein sets forth the use of such fusion proteins to deliver biologically active proteins using HIV particles, preferably non-replicating HIV particles to deliver the fusion proteins. About 2400 copies of the Vpr protein are packaged within the HIV particle. By providing fusion proteins with Vpr sequences that interact with the HIV particle, 2400 copies of the fusion protein can be packaged within an HIV-derived particle. Packaging systems are described in each of the following U.S. patents which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,932,467, 5,952,225, 5,932,467, 5,928,913, 5,919,676, 5,912,338, 5,888,767, 5,872,005, 5,866,411, 5,843,723, 5,834,256, 5,753,500, 5,739,018, 5,736,387, 5,723,287, 5,716,832, 5,710,037, 5,693,531, 5,672,510, 5,665,577, 5,622,856, 5,587,308 and 5,585,254. The delivery of heterologous gene sequences for expression includes those delivered using particles as well as those which are free of such particles. For example, nucleic acid sequences may be included in viral-derived particles, liposomes or other complexes as well as in the form of free DNA delivered with or without co-agents. There are many well known applications, such as vaccine and gene therapy, for delivering nucleic acid molecules in expressible constructs to be taken up by cells and expressed. DNA vaccines are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,972, 5,739,118, 5,817,637, 5,830,876, 5,962,428, 5,981,505, 5,580,859, 5,703,055, 5,676,594, and the priority applications cited therein, which are each incorporated herein by reference. In addition to the delivery protocols described in those applications, alternative methods of delivering DNA are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,050 and 5,036,006,which are both incorporated herein by reference. Examples of attenuated live vaccines and those using recombinant vectors to deliver foreign antigens are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,722,848; 5,017,487; 5,077,044; 5,110,587; 5,112,749; 5,174,993; 5,223,424; 5,225,336; 5,240,703; 5,242,829; 5,294,441; 5,294,548; 5,310,668; 5,387,744; 5,389,368; 5,424,065; 5,451,499; 5,453,364; 5,462,734; 5,470,734; and 5,482,713, which are each incorporated herein by reference. There remains a need for improved particles for delivery of compounds to cells. There remains a need for improved expression systems for nucleic acid molecules delivered to cells. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides three improvements which can be employed independently or in combination in methods of delivering compounds to an individual. One such improvement relates to methods of and compositions for particle based delivery of compounds. One such improvement relates to methods of and compositions for particle based delivery of compounds employing viral particles, or particles derived therefrom. One improvement can be applied to any method and composition for delivery of DNA that is to be expressed in cells. According to some aspects of the present invention, compositions and methods are provided for the delivery of heterologous gene sequences for expression in cells of an individual using gene constructs that include expression sequences from AAV, adenovirus or alpha viruses such as SFV. The expression sequences include the sequences responsible for both integration and expression and the constructs are free of the AAV, adenovirus or alpha viruses particles from which the expression sequences are derived. In some embodiments, the constructs are included in viral-derived particles, liposomes or other complexes as well as in the form of free DNA delivered with or without co-agents. In some embodiments, the constructs include a packaging signal so that the nucleic acid molecule gets incorporated into a viral particle. According to aspects of the invention, fusion proteins are provided which comprise HIV Vpr sequences and biologically active portions selected from the group consisting of transcription factors, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, transport proteins and processing proteins. The Vpr derived portion includes sequences which are required for Vpr protein, and therefor the fusion protein, to be packaged within an HIV derived particle. Optionally, the portions are linked by a protease cleavage site. Some aspects of the present invention arises from the discovery that non-cellular particle that comprises the compound and a FLT-3 ligand are particularly useful to deliver a compound into a cell that expresses FLT-3 molecules. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention relates to methods of introducing a compound into cells that expresses FLT-3 molecules. The methods comprise contacting the cell with a non-cellular particle that comprises the compound and a FLT-3 ligand. In some embodiments, the compound is a nucleic acid molecule or protein. |
Hanging picture gallery or album |
A hanging picture gallery or album comprises a plurality of relatively large plastic sheets, each formed with a large number of pockets adapted to retain individual photographs. In the preferred embodiment, the pockets are formed on both sides of each sheet, and the plastic sheets are vertically retained on a special multiple hook support in turn adapted to hang from the top of a door. The number of plastic sheets is limited only by the size of the hooks on the special multiple hook support. Ten to fifty sheets may be accommodated on a special multiple hook support without unduly stressing a solid properly hung door. Each sheet may have twenty to fifty pockets for photographs on each side, all on one side viewable at the same time. In the preferred embodiment, the sheets are slightly less than 30″ wide to conveniently be hung from the hooks on the back side of a closet door or bedroom door. Several optional configurations of the special multiple hook support are disclosed for doors of different thickness and for manually carrying the gallery or album. |
1. A picture display album comprising a plurality of sheets each having a plurality of transparent pockets on at least one side of each sheet, a support for the plurality of sheets adapted to vertically retain each sheet adjacent the top of each sheet, means to vertically retain each sheet removably attaching each sheet to the support, and means on the support to suspend the album with the plurality of sheets in vertical orientation. 2. The picture display album of claim 1 wherein the means on the support to suspend the album comprise U-hooks adapted to fit over the top of a door. 3. The picture display album of claim 2 wherein the U-hooks rotate on the support to adjust for differing door thicknesses. 4. The picture display album of claim 1, including a grip for carrying the album. 5. The picture display album of claim 1 wherein the means on the support to suspend the album are adjustable in effective size by rotation on the support. 6. The picture display album of claim 1 wherein the means to vertically retain each sheet include a tube formed in the top of each sheet and a rod insertable there through. 7. The picture display album of claim 6 wherein a hook extends from one end of the rod. 8. The picture display album of claim 7 wherein the support includes a plurality of J-hooks and the rod hook fits over one J-hook to attach a sheet to the support. 9. The picture display album of claim 8 wherein at least one J-hook comprises an eye hook to support the end of the rod remote from the rod hook. 10. The picture display album of claim 1, including at least one pocket insert for inserting a plurality of smaller pictures into a larger pocket. 11. The picture display album of claim 1, including spaces and holes in at least one sheet between at least some of the plurality of pockets to facilitate folding of the sheet. 12. The picture display album of claim 1 wherein the means on the support to suspend the album comprise U-hooks, said U-hooks rotatable on the support to retain the sheets from jostling loose from the support. 13. The picture display album of claim 1 wherein the support comprises a single piece, including integral means on the support to suspend the album and integral means to vertically retain the plurality of sheets. 14. The picture display album of claim 13, including a tube formed along the top of each sheet and a rod inserted through the tube, each end of each rod formed to fit on the integral means to vertically retain the plurality of sheets. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/295,657, filed Jun. 4, 2001. cross-reference-to-related-applications description="Cross Reference To Related Applications" end="tail"? The field of the invention pertains to picture albums for protecting, organizing and displaying large numbers of small photographs. Such albums are typically in the form of large books with multiple pages, each sized to retain four to twelve pictures, depending upon picture size and page size. The pages may be of strong paper with the photographs glued thereto, or the pages may be of plastic with pockets to retain the photographs. While the albums may be adequate for protecting the photographs, albums suffer certain deficiencies in displaying and organizing the photographs. For example, photographs may only be organized and displayed page by page, with only those on a specific page viewable at one time. In some albums, the back side of pages are used to display photographs, doubling the viewable display, but often resulting in damaged photographs as the pages are opened and closed. With a view toward overcoming the deficiencies of albums and allowing a much larger organization and display space, the following hanging picture album has been developed. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The new hanging picture album comprises a plurality of plastic sheets, each formed with a large number of pockets adapted to retain individual photographs. The pockets may be on one or both sides of each sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the plastic sheets are vertically retained on a special multiple hook support in turn adapted to hang from the top of a door. The number of plastic sheets is limited only by the size of the hooks on the special multiple hook support. Ten to fifty sheets may be accommodated on a special multiple hook support without unduly stressing a solid properly hung door. Typically, fewer than ten sheets will be employed because each sheet may have twenty to fifty pockets for photographs, all viewable at the same time. In the preferred embodiment, the sheets are less than 30″ wide to conveniently be hung on the back side of a closet door or bedroom door. As an option, an opaque dust cover may be hung from the hooks to cover the vertical stack of plastic sheets and thereby protect against light damage to the photographs. Although the hanging picture album disclosed below is directed to displaying photographs, other thin items, such as text notes and identifying information, may be placed in some of the pockets as can diskettes and other computer related items, for example. |
Oxazol/thiazol-derivatives activators of the hppar-alpha receptor |
A compound of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and hydrolysable esters thereof Wherein X1 represents O or S; R1 and R2 are independently H or C1-3 alkyl or R1 and R2 which are bonded to the same carbon atom may together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded form a 3-5 membered cycloalkyl ring; R3 and R4 independently represent H, halogen, —CH3 and —OCH3; R5 represents H or C1-6 alkyl X2 represents NH, NCH3 or O; One of Y and Z is N, and the other is O or S; R6 represents phenyl or pyridyl (wherein the N is in position 2 or 3) and is optionally substituted by one or more halogen, CF3, C1-6 straight or branched alkyl (optionally substituted by halogen), with the provision that when R6 is pyridyl, the N is unsubstituted. |
1. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrolysable ester thereof Wherein X1 represents O or S; R1 and R2 are independently H or C1-3 alkyl or R1 and R2 which are bonded to the same carbon atom may together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded form a 3-5 membered cycloalkyl ring; R3 and R4 independently represent H, halogen, —CH3 and —OCH3; R5 represents H or C1-6 alkyl X2 represents NH, NCH3 or O; One of Y and Z is N, and the other is O or S; R6 represents phenyl or pyridyl (wherein the N is in position 2 or 3) and is optionally substituted by one or more halogen, CF3, C1-6 straight or branched alkyl (optionally substituted by halogen), with the provision that when R6 is pyridyl, the N is unsubstituted. 2. A compound according to claim 1 which is a selective hPPAR alpha agonist. 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X1 represents O. 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R1 and R2 are methyl. 5. A compound according to claim 4 wherein one of R3 and R4 is H. 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R3 and R4 are both H. 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X2 represents NH. 8. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Z represents N. 9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Y represents S. 10. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R5 is H. 11. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R6 is phenyl. 12. A compound according to claim 11 wherein R6 is monosubstituted. 13. A compound according to claim 12 wherein R6 is monosubstituted in the para position. 14. A compound according to claim 13 wherein the substituent is F, CF3, methyl or ethyl. 15. A compound according to claim 1 selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-2-[4-{[(4-methyl-5-[4-ethylphenyl]thiazol-2 ylcarbonyl)amino]methyl}phenoxy]propionic acid ethyl ester, 2-methyl-2-[4-([(4-methyl-5-[4-fluorophenyl]thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]methyl}phenoxy]propionic acid ethyl ester, 2-methyl-2-[4{[(4-methyl-5-[4-fluorophenyl]thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]methyl}phenoxy]propionic acid, 2-methyl-2-[4{[(4-methyl-5-[4-ethylphenyl]thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]methyl}phenoxy]propionic acid and. 16. 2-methyl-2-[4{[(4-methyl-5-[4-ethylphenyl]thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]methyl}phenoxy]propionic Acid. 17. (Canceled) 18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1. 19. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. 20-21. (Canceled). 22. A method of treating a hPPAR alpha mediated disease or condition in a patient comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the hPPAR alpha mediated disease or condition is selected from dyslipidemia, syndrome X, heart failure, hypercholesteremia, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus, type I diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, obesity, anorexia bulimia and anorexia nervosa. |
Cryogenic system |
A cryosurgical system and method for supplying cryogen to a probe. The system including a container filled with cryogen and having bellows of a pump submerged within said cryogen. Conduits fluidly interconnect the bellows and a probe that is outside the container to permit the cryogen to be forced from the bellows to the probe upon activation of pump. A pressure relief valve is fluidly coupled to the conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe. After initially forcing cryogen to the probe at a pressure that establishes a colligative-based sub-cooling of the liquid cryogen, the pressure relief valve is activated to lower the pressure of the cryogen to a running pressure. |
1. A cryosurgical system, comprising: a container having cryogen within said container; a pump having a piston, said piston being submerged within said cryogen within said container; a probe outside the container for use in cryosurgical procedures; and, a system of conduits fluidly interconnecting said piston and said probe permitting said cryogen to be forced from said piston to said probe upon activation of said piston. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said cryogen is liquid nitrogen. 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said piston is a bellows. 4. A pump assembly for a cryosurgical system, comprising: a driving mechanism coupled to an elongated drive shaft; a bellows coupled to said drive shaft and adapted to be submersed in cryogen, said bellows formed from metal; a one-way inlet valve fluidly coupled to said bellows; and a one-way outlet valve fluidly coupled to said bellows. 5. A pump assembly according to claim 4, further comprising: a supply manifold fluidly coupled with said outlet valve, said supply and manifold having a plurality of ports. 6. A method of delivering cryogen to a surgical device, comprising: providing a container having cryogen within the container; providing a pump having a piston within a cylinder, said piston being submerged within the cryogen within said container; providing a surgical instrument outside the container for use in cryosurgical procedures; providing a system of conduits fluidly interconnecting the piston and the surgical device permitting the cryogen to be forced from the piston to the probe upon activation of the piston; activating the piston to pull cryogen within the cylinder; and, activating the piston to pull the cryogen from the cylinder to the surgical device at an initial predetermined pressure. 7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the activating the piston to push the cryogen from the cylinder to the surgical device at an initial predetermined pressure includes pushing the cryogen to the surgical instrument at a pressure of between approximately 250 pounds per square inch and approximately 400 pounds per square inch. 8. A method according to claim 6 wherein after pushing the cryogen to the surgical device at the initial predetermined pressure, activating the pressure release device to decrease the pressure of the cryogen to a lower pressure that is below the predetermined pressure. 9. A system according to claim 1, further including a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to said systems of conduits and positioned between said pump and said probe. 10. A method according to claim 6, further including the step of: providing a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to the systems of conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The distribution of boiling (liquid) cryogens, such as liquid nitrogen, is problematic due to the parasitic heat load provided by a cryosurgical device's plumbing or transport circuit, which is maintained at ambient temperature. Pre-cooling the plumbing circuit, even if adequately insulated, causes two-phase flow (liquid-gas mixtures), cryogen boil-off, and choking flow due to gas expansion in the transport circuit. As a result, target temperatures at the distal end of the flow path (i.e., cryoprobe tip) are not reached for many minutes. Some prior cryogenic systems and devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,598 to Zobac et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,946 to Zwick; U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,545 to Zwick et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,460 to Merry et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,116 to Baust et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,977 to Eshel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,181 to Rubinsky et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,602 to Chang et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,532 to Chang et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,212 to Baust et al., the entire contents of each being hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto, respectively. |
<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention can be embodied in a cryosurgical system, comprising a container having cryogen within the container; a pump having a piston submerged within the cryogen; a probe outside the container for use in cryosurgical procedures; a system of conduits fluidly interconnecting the piston and the probe permitting the cryogen to be forced from the piston to the probe upon activation of the piston; and a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to the systems of conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe. The present invention may also be embodied in a pump assembly for a cryosurgical system, comprising a driving mechanism coupled to an elongated drive shaft; a bellows coupled to the drive shaft and adapted to be submersed in cryogen, the bellows formed from metal; a one-way inlet valve fluidly coupled to the bellows; and a one-way outlet valve fluidly coupled to the bellows. The present invention may also be embodied in a method of delivering cryogen to a surgical device, comprising providing a container having cryogen within the container; providing a pump having a piston within a cylinder and submerged within the cryogen; providing a surgical instrument outside the container for use in cryosurgical procedures; providing a system of conduits fluidly interconnecting the piston and the surgical instrument permitting the cryogen to be forced from the piston to the probe upon activation of the piston; providing a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to the systems of conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe; activating the piston to pull cryogen within the cylinder; activating the piston to push the cryogen from the cylinder to the surgical instrument at an initial predetermined pressure. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. |
Method of lift-off microstructuring deposition material on a substrate, substrates obtainable by the method, and use thereof |
Methods and apparatus for lift-off microstructuring deposition material, here alternate hydrophilic (601) and hydrophobic (602) letters, on a substrate; a method comprising deposition of polymeric material by plasma polymerisation deposition of monomers of substituted benzenes, (halo)aliphatic compounds, or a combination thereof; another method comprising deposition of polymeric material by plasma polymerisation deposition of monomers of vinyls, substituted vinyls, acrylics, silanes, and phosphites, or a combination thereof; still another method comprising deposition of polymeric material by plasma polymerisation deposition of monomers wherein said plasma is generated by a multiple phase AC supply, or DC supply; and substrates and devices prepared by lift-off microstructuring using plasma polymerisation deposition of monomers according to such methods. Scale A indicates about 100μ. |
1-41. (canceled) 42. A process of lift-off microstructuring of a polymer on a substrate, said process comprising the steps of: (a) providing the substrate having a sacrificial layer in a predetermined micro-pattern; (b) depositing a polymer layer on the sacrificial layer/substrate; and (c) dissolving/etching the underlying sacrificial layer (lift-off), characterized in that the polymer layer is constituted by a cross-linked polymeric material prepared by plasma polymerization of a monomer gas in a plasma, said monomer gas comprising one or more types of substituted benzenes. 43. The process according to claim 42 wherein the polymer layer is functionalised prior to dissolution of the underlying layer. 44. The process according to claim 42 said process comprising the steps of: (a) spinning a UV-sensitive photoresist on the substrate; (b) masking the resist with a predetermined pattern and exposing the resist to UV light through the mask; (c) developing the resist; (d) depositing a polymer layer on the resist/substrate; and (e) dissolving the underlying UV-sensitive photoresist (lift-off). 45. A process according to claim 42 wherein the one or more types of monomers are selected from substituted benzenes. 46. The process according to claim 45 wherein the substituted benzene has the general formula: Ar(Rn)n wherein Ar is a benzene ring, n is 1-6, and Rn is n substituents (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6) covalently bound to the benzene ring, the substituents (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6) being independently selected from C1-6-alkyl, C1-6-alkenyl, C1-6-alkynyl, C1-6-alkoxy, C1-6-alkylcarbonyl, C1-6-alkylcarbonyl, C1-6-alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, mono- and di(C1-6-alkyl)aminocarbonyl, formyl, hydroxy, carboxy, carbamido, thiolo, nitro, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- and di(C1-6-alkyl)amino, and halogen (fluoro, chloro, iodo, bromo), wherein the C1-6-alkyl, C1-6-alkenyl, C1-6-alkynyl and C1-6-alkoxy groups in the above may be substituted with substituents selected from hydroxy, C1-6-alkoxy, carboxy, amino, mono- and di(C1-6-alkyl)amino and halogen. 47. The process according to claim 45 wherein less than 10% of the double bonds originating from the substituted benzene are left in the material. 48. A process according to claim 42 wherein the substituted benzene monomer or monomers constitute(s) at least 5% of the monomer gas. 49. A process according to claim 42 wherein said a sacrificial layer (302) on the substrate (301) comprises a mask with a complementary pattern of holes, said pattern corresponding to that of the microstructure to be deposited on the substrate, said holes being adapted to expose corresponding parts of the substrate and adapted to receive deposition material. 50. A process according to claim 42 wherein the process steps are repeated two or more times. 51. A substrate prepared according to the process defined in claim 42. 52. A device comprising a micro-patterned structure said device comprising a substrate and a plurality of patches and/or areas comprising a cross-linked material prepared according to the process defined in claim 42. 53. The device according to claim 52 wherein the plurality of patches comprising the cross-linked material represent any of the following combinations of surface properties: (i) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (ii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (iii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface; or (iv) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface. 54. A process of lift-off microstructuring of a polymer on a substrate, said process comprising the steps of: (a) providing the substrate having a sacrificial layer in a predetermined micro-pattern; (b) depositing a polymer layer on the sacrificial layer/substrate; and (c) dissolving/etching the underlying sacrificial layer (lift-off), characterised in that the polymer layer is constituted by a cross-linked polymeric material prepared by plasma polymerisation of a monomer gas in a plasma, said monomer gas comprising one or more types of (halo)aliphatic compounds of the general formula CzHyXx wherein X is fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo, z is 1-16 and x+y is 2z+2, 2z, 2z-2 or 2z-4; with the proviso that said (halo)aliphatic compounds are not CF4, C2F6, or C3F8 when said monomer gas is a gas mixture with H2; and not CHF3. 55. The process according to claim 54 wherein the polymer layer is functionalised prior to dissolution of the underlying layer. 56. The process according to claim 54 said process comprising the steps of: (a) spinning a UV-sensitive photoresist on the substrate; (b) masking the resist with a predetermined pattern and exposing the resist to UV light through the mask; (c) developing the resist; (d) depositing a polymer layer on the resist/substrate; and (e) dissolving the underlying UV-sensitive photoresist (lift-off). 57. A process according to claim 54 wherein said a sacrificial layer (302) on the substrate (301) comprises a mask with a complementary pattern of holes, said pattern corresponding to that of the microstructure to be deposited on the substrate, said holes being adapted to expose corresponding parts of the substrate and adapted to receive deposition material. 58. A process according to claim 54 wherein the process steps are repeated two or more times. 59. A substrate prepared according to the process defined in claim 54. 60. A device comprising a micro-patterned structure said device comprising a substrate and a plurality of patches and/or areas comprising a cross-linked material prepared according to the process defined in claim 54. 61. The device according to claim 60 wherein the plurality of patches comprising the cross-linked material represent any of the following combinations of surface properties: (i) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (ii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (iii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface; or (iv) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface. 62. A method of lift-off microstructuring of a polymer on a substrate, said process comprising the steps of: (a) providing the substrate having a sacrificial layer in a predetermined micro-pattern; (b) depositing a polymer layer on the sacrificial layer/substrate; and (c) dissolving/etching the underlying sacrificial layer (lift-off), characterised in that the polymer layer is constituted by a cross-linked polymeric material prepared by plasma polymerisation of a monomer gas in a plasma, said monomer gas comprising one or more types of monomers selected from: vinyls, substituted vinyls, acrylics, silanes, and phosphites, or a combination thereof. 63. The method according to claim 62 wherein said acrylic monomer is selected from: acrylic acid, methylmethacrylate, acrolein, acryloylchloride, acrylonitrile. 64. The method according to claim 62 wherein said vinylic monomer is selected from: ethylene, propylene, styrene, N-vinylpyrrolidone. 65. The method according to claim 62 wherein said substituted vinylic monomer is selected from: vinyl-di-fluoride, hexafluoropropane, vinylchloride. 66. The method according to claim 62 wherein said silane monomer is selected from: tetramethylsilane, hexamethyl-di-silane, tri-methylchlorosilane. 67. The method according to claim 62 wherein said silane tri-phosphite is selected from: tri-methyl-phosphite, tri-ethyl-phosphite. 68. A method according to claim 62 wherein the polymer layer is functionalised prior to dissolution of the underlying layer. 69. A method according to claim 62 wherein said process comprising the steps of: (a) spinning a UV-sensitive photoresist on the substrate; (b) masking the resist with a predetermined pattern and exposing the resist to UV light through the mask (c) developing the resist; (d) depositing a polymer layer on the resist/substrate; and (e) dissolving the underlying UV-sensitive photoresist (lift-off). 70. A method according to claim 62 wherein said a sacrificial layer (302) on the substrate (301) comprises a mask with a complementary pattern of holes, said pattern corresponding to that of the microstructure to be deposited on the substrate, said holes being adapted to expose corresponding parts of the substrate and adapted to receive deposition material. 71. A method according to claim 62 wherein the process steps are repeated two or more times. 72. A substrate prepared according to the method defined in claim 62. 73. A device comprising a micro-patterned structure said device comprising a substrate and a plurality of patches and/or areas comprising a cross-linked material prepared according to the method defined in claim 62. 74. The device according to claim 73 wherein the plurality of patches comprising the cross-linked material represent any of the following combinations of surface properties: (i) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (ii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (iii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface; or (iv) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface. 75. A method of lift-off micro-structuring a deposition of material on a substrate, the method comprising: (a) providing the substrate (401), the substrate comprising a sacrificial layer (402) thereon, said sacrificial layer having a predetermined micro-pattern; (b) depositing the deposition material (405) on the substrate and said sacrificial layer; and (c) dissolving/etching said sacrificial layer, wherein said deposition material is a polymer, said polymer comprising a cross-linked polymeric material prepared by plasma polymerisation of a monomer gas in a plasma, said plasma being generated by a multiple phase AC supply (708,709,710), or a DC supply. 76. The method according to claim 75 wherein said multiple phase AC supply is two-phase or three-phase AC supply. 77. The method according to claim 75 wherein said multiple two or three phase AC supply generates plasma having plasma power density up to 15 W/l. 78. The method according to claim 75 wherein said multiple two or three phase AC supply generates plasma having plasma power density in the range 0.010 to 10 W/l. 79. The method according to claim 75 wherein said multiple two or three phase AC supply generates plasma having plasma power density in the range 0.010 to 5 W/l. 80. A method according to claim 75 wherein said plasma is provided in a reaction chamber having a pressure in the range 10-1000 μbar. 81. A method according to claim 75 wherein said plasma is provided in a reaction chamber having a pressure in the range 25-500 μbar. 82. A method according to claim 75 wherein said monomer gas comprises one or more types of monomers, and a supply of inert gas. 83. A method according to claim 75 wherein said monomer gas comprises one or more types of monomers selected from: (i) substituted benzenes, and (ii) (halo)aliphatic compounds of the general formula CzHyXx wherein X is fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo, z is 1-16 and x+y is 2z+2, 2z, 2z-2 or 2z-4; or (iii) a combination there of. 84. A method according to claim 75 wherein said monomer gas comprises one or more types of monomers selected from: vinyls, substituted vinyls, acrylics, silanes, and phosphites, or a combination thereof. 85. The method according to claim 84 wherein said acrylic monomer is selected from: acrylic acid, methylmethacrylate, acrolein, acryloylchloride, acrylonitrile. 86. The method according to claim 84 wherein said vinylic monomer is selected from: ethylene, propylene, styrene, N-vinylpyrrolidone. 87. The method according to claim 84 wherein said substituted vinylic monomer is selected from: vinyl-di-fluoride, hexafluoropropane, vinylchloride. 88. The method according to claim 84 wherein said silane monomer is selected from: tetramethylsilane, hexamethyl-di-silane, tri-methylchlorosilane. 89. The method according to claim 84 wherein said silane tri-phosphite is selected from: tri-methyl-phosphite, tri-ethyl-phosphite. 90. A method according to claim 75 wherein the method steps are repeated two or more times. 91. A substrate prepared according to the method defined in claim 75. 92. A device comprising a micro-patterned structure said device comprising a substrate and a plurality of patches and/or areas comprising a cross-linked material prepared according to the method defined in claim 75. 93. The device according to claim 92 wherein the plurality of patches comprising the cross-linked material represent any of the following combinations of surface properties: (i) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (ii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophobic surface; (iii) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface; or (iv) a subset of the patches and/or areas having a cell-non-adhesive surface and a subset of the patches and/or areas having a hydrophilic surface. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to methods of lift-off microstructuring deposition material on a substrate; a method comprises deposition of polymeric material by plasma polymerisation deposition of monomers of substituted benzenes and (halo)aliphatic compounds; another method comprises deposition of polymeric material by plasma polymerisation deposition of monomers wherein said plasma is generated by a multiple phase AC supply, or DC supply; and substrates and devices prepared by plasma polymerisation deposition of monomers according to such methods. 1. The Technical Field In cell-based drug screening, the methods used today are usually tedious and labour consuming. Electrical measurements are typically conducted on single cells under microscope. Here, microelectrodes are positioned on the individual cells manually using micro-manipulators. The cells are then exposed to different drugs, one at a time, and the potential or conductivity etc. is measured. In the case of optical measurements, for instance fluorescence, a cluster of cells producing fluorescent proteins are placed in a flow cell. The drug is introduced to the cluster through a flow system, and the fluorescence they produce is detected using a fluorescence microscope. In today's High Throughput Screening (HTS), optical screening is usually conducted by steps comprising dispensing cells, using a dispenser robot, into an array of wells on a transparent microtiter plate. Next, a set or sets of drugs, e.g. drugs mixed on-site, is dispensed into the wells, and optical measurements are performed. Detectors are typically placed over the microtiter plate and light sources underneath. One advantages of this technique is the fact that it is highly automated and a number of drugs can be screened simultaneously. Disadvantages include the fact that larger number of cells and large volumes of drugs (typically from a couple of microliters) are needed in order to do the measurements. Also, the dimensions of the wells limit the number of measuring sites in the array. Lift-off microstructuring is a technique for providing micro-structured devices, including substrates having microstructured deposition material thereon, said deposition material e.g. being polymeric material or metal. It includes the step of providing a substrate with a sacrificial layer, said sacrificial layer having a predetermined micro-pattern complementary to that of the desirable micro-pattern of the deposition material. After deposition of the deposition material, the sacrificial layer with deposit thereon is removed, either mechanically or chemically, e.g. by dissolution/etching. In the specific shadow mask lift-off technique, the sacrificial layer constitutes a mask containing said complementary desired pattern. The deposition material is normally deposited in such a manner that it covers the parts of the substrate, which are not covered by the sacrificial layer as well as the parts of the substrate already covered by the sacrificial layer. When the sacrificial layer is removed, e.g. dissolved/etched, a micro-pattern of the deposit material that is complementary to the pattern of the sacrificial layer is revealed. The term sacrificial layer is intended to cover conventional materials used in micro-patterning deposition of semiconductor devices by lift-off micro-structuring e.g. photo-resists, metals, oxides, ceramics, polymers etc. There is a need for an improved and more flexible lift-off micro-structuring method and apparatus in which strongly binding deposition materials, including polymers, in particular polymers with different surface properties, can be provided on the same substrate. 2. Prior Art Disclosures Y. Pan et al., “A Precision Technology For Controlling Protein Adsorption And Cell Adhesion In Biomems”, MEMS'01, “The 14th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems”, pages 435-438, 21-25 Jan. 2001, Interlaken, Switzerland, describe a lift-off process for microstructuring plasma polymerised tetraglyme (pp4G) deposit on a silicon wafer using RF plasma having plasma power densities which to a large extent decomposes ether bonds. The polymerised tetraglyme provides cell non-adhesive surfaces on the surface. U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,407 discloses a plasma polymerisation method using RF plasma of plasma power densities above 20 W/l for deposition of CF 4 , C 2 F 6 , C 3 F 8 in mixture with H 2 , i.e. saturated fluorocarbon which requires high plasma power densities for plasma polarisation. EP 0 741 404 B1 discloses a method and an electrode system for excitation of a plasma. WO 00/20656 discloses a method of metallizing a surface of a solid substrate. WO 00/44207 discloses a method of excitation of a plasma by means of a plurality of electrode systems. C. H. Thomas et al., Transactions of the ASME, Vol. 121, 1999, discloses a process for the preparation of a substrate on which single cells can be isolated on isolated patches of amino-terminated silane surrounded by a non-adhesive hydrogel of acrylamide and polyethyleneglycol. U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,739 discloses a process for providing a patterned design useful as a cell culture support. Patches of the surface are coated with collagen which influences cell-adhesion. |
<SOH> 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>In the following, by way of examples only, the invention is further disclosed with detailed description of preferred embodiments. Reference is made to the drawings in which FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of lift-off microstructured plasma polymerised polymers on a substrate according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of lift-off microstructured plasma polymerised polymers on a substrate according to the invention; FIGS. 3A-3D show a preferred embodiment of a method of microstructuring a deposition material on a substrate by a shadow lift-off microstructuring; FIGS. 4A-4F show a preferred embodiment of a method of lift-off microstructuring a deposition material on a substrate by the lift-off method; FIGS. 5A-5H show a preferred embodiment of a method of lift-off microstructuring a deposition material a substrate using a metal sacrificial layer, plasma polymerisation deposition, and lift-off according to the present invention; FIG. 6 shows a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of a microstructured silicon-oxide surface having a microstructure pattern in form of capital letters provided by plasma polymerisation deposition according to the present invention; FIG. 7 a shows a cross-sectional top-view illustration of an electrode arrangement in a plasma deposition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 b shows a cross-sectional top-view illustration of another electrode arrangement in a plasma deposition apparatus as shown in FIG. 7 a ; and FIGS. 8-11 show CCD-camera images (10× magnification) of bacterial sedimentation test slides having cell adhesive, cell non-adhesive, hydrophilic, or hydrophobic surfaces. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? |
Kit for a series of planetary gears, planet carrier and drive |
In a series of planetary transmissions, the series including a least one size, each size including at least two variants, the planetary transmission including at least one planetary-transmission stage, which contains at least one planetary-gear carrier having a web face, and planets, a sun, and a ring gear, the planetary-gear carrier including bores of a first type and bores of a second type on its web face, the bores of the first type being arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier, and the bores of the second type being arranged on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier. |
1-31. (canceled) 32. A kit for a series of planetary transmissions, the series including at least one size, each size including at least two variants, the planetary transmission including at least one planetary transmission stage, comprising: at least one planetary-gear carrier including a web face, on the web face, the planetary-gear carrier including bores of a first type and bores of a second type, the bores of the first type arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to an imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier, the bores of the second type arranged on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier; planets; a sun; and a ring gear. 33. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the at least one size is defined by an axis height of a drive shaft. 34. The kit according to claim 32, further comprising planet bolts arrangeable in the bores of the first type in a first variant within one size and arrangeable in the bores of the second type in a second variant within the one size. 35. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the planetary-transmission stage is arranged in a two-face arrangement, the kit further comprising, in a first variant within one size, planet bolts arrangeable in the bores of the first type and flange bolts arrangeable in the bores of the second type, the flange bolts configured to join a web face of the planetary-gear carrier and a further web face. 36. The kit according to claim 35, wherein in a second variant within the one size, the planet bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the second type and the flange bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the first type. 37. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the first radius and the second radius are equal. 38. The kit according to claim 37, wherein the bores of the first type and the bores of the second type have different bore diameters. 39. The kit according to claim 37, wherein the flange bolts and the planet bolts have one of the same diameter and different diameters corresponding to bore diameters, the kit further comprising sleeves configured to produce greater diameters and configured to be slipped onto one of the flange bolts and the planet bolts. 40. The kit according to claim 37, further comprising: planet bolts; and flange bolts; wherein in at least one first variant of a first size, the planet bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the second type and the flange bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the first type, and in at least one variant of a second smaller size, the planet bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the first type and the flange bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the second type, to provide a greater torsional stiffness at a same gear ratio and a greater transmittable torque. 41. The kit according to claim 37, further comprising: planet bolts; and flange bolts; wherein in at least one first variant of a first size, the planet bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the second type and the flange bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the first type, and in at least one variant of the first size, the planet bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the first type and the flange bolts are arrangeable in the bores of the second type, to provide a greater torsional stiffness at a same gear ratio and a greater maximum transmittable torque. 42. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the series includes a first size and a second size, the first size including a first variant having planet bolts arrangeable in the bores of the first type and a second variant having the planet bolts arrangeable in the bores of the second type, the second size including at least one third variant, a maximum transmittable torque of the second type equal to a maximum transmittable torque of the third variant. 43. The kit according to claim 32, wherein in a gradation of maximum transmittable torque of several variants in sizes, a maximum transmittable torque of one variant corresponds to a maximum transmittable torque of a variant of another size. 44. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the first radius is greater than or less than the second radius. 45. The kit according to claim 32, further comprising: flange bolts; and spacer sleeves arranged on the flange bolts and configured to keep the web faces at a distance. 46. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the bores of at least one of the first type and the second type are eccentric. 47. The kit according to claim 32, further comprising: cylindrical planet bolts; bearings; and sleeves having an eccentric bore; wherein the planets and corresponding bearings are seated on the sleeves, the sleeves slipped onto the cylindrical planet bolts. 48. The kit according to claim 32, further comprising sleeves configured to be slipped onto thinner bolts, the sleeves one of usable and removable to adjust a diameter in accordance with a variant to provide other variants. 49. The kit according to claim 32, further comprising sleeves configured to be slipped onto thinner bolts, the sleeves one of usable and removable to adjust a diameter in accordance with a variant to provide other variants using same components. 50. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the web face of the planetary gear carrier includes at least one further type of bore. 51. The kit according to claim 50, wherein the at least one further type of bore includes at least one of different diameters and different radii. 52. The kit according to claim 32, further comprising planet bolts connectable to the planetary-gear carrier by press-fit into bores of one of the first type and the second type. 53. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the bores of the first type and the bores of the second type include at least one common bore. 54. A kit for a series of planetary transmissions, the series including at least one size, each size including at least two variants, the planetary transmission including at least one planetary transmission stage, comprising: at least one planetary-gear carrier having a web face, on the web face, the at least one planetary-gear carrier including at least one of bores of a first type arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to an imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier and bores of a second type arranged on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier; planets; a sun; and a ring gear. 55. The kit according to claim 54, wherein at least one size is defined by an axis height. 56. The kit according to claim 54, wherein within one size, the kit includes one of: (a) at least one planetary-gear carrier including only bores of the first type on the web face; (b) at least one planetary-gear carrier including only bores of the second type on the web face; and (c) at least one planetary-gear carrier including bores of the first type and bores of the second type on the web face. 57. A system, comprising: a plurality of series of planetary transmissions, each series including at least one size, each size including at least two variants, the planetary transmission including at least one planetary transmission stage, each series including a corresponding kit including: planets; a sun; a ring gear; and one of: at least one planetary-gear carrier including a web face, on the web face, the planetary-gear carrier including bores of a first type and bores of a second type, the bores of the first type arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to an imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier, the bores of the second type arranged on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier; and at least one planetary-gear carrier having a web face, on the web face, the at least one planetary-gear carrier including at least one of bores of a first type arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to an imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier and bores of a second type arranged on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier. 58. A planetary-gear carrier for a series of planetary transmissions, comprising: a web face including bores of a first type and bores of a second type, the bores of the first type arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to an imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier, the bores of the second type arranged on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier. 59. The planetary-gear carrier according to claim 58, wherein the planetary gear carrier is configured for use in at least one of a one-face planetary-transmission stage and a two-face planetary-transmission stage. 60. The planetary-gear carrier according to claim 58, further comprising planet bolts arranged in one of the bores of the first type and the bores of the second type in a one-face planetary-transmission stage. 61. The planetary-gear carrier according to claim 59, further comprising, in a two-face planetary-transmission stage: planet bolts arranged in a first one of the bores of the first type and the bores of the second type; and flange bolts arranged in a second one of the bores of the first type and the bores of the second type configured to join the two web faces. 62. The planetary-gear carrier according to claim 58, wherein the web face includes openings configured to receive planet bolts and arranged as slots oriented in a radial direction toward an axis of a sun. 63. The planetary-gear carrier according to claim 58, further comprising planet bolts connected to the planetary-gear carrier by press-fit into one of the bores of the first type and the bores of the second type. 64. A drive unit, comprising: a motor; and a transmission including a planetary-transmission stage having a two-face configuration including two web faces, the two web faces joined by flange bolts. 65. The drive unit according to claim 64, wherein the motor includes an electric motor. 66. The drive unit according to claim 64, wherein the planetary-transmission stage includes a planetary-gear carrier including a web face, the web face including bores of a first type arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to an imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier and bores of a second type arranged on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier. 67. The drive unit according to claim 66, wherein the drive unit is arranged as one of a servo drive unit and a low-tolerance and torsionally stiff servo drive unit. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND INFORMATION <EOH>One-face or two-face designs of single-stage or multistage planetary transmissions are conventional. They include at least one planetary-gear carrier having a web face, one or more planets, at least one sun, and at least one ring gear. Series of planetary transmissions include several sizes, which each contain several variants. For example, gearing data of the toothed parts vary within a size. The size in itself is defined by one parameter or a number of parameters. The parameters of the axis height of a shaft, such as an input or output shaft, may be conventional in this case. As an alternative, or in combination, the size may also be defined by nominal torque values or nominal power outputs. In this context, it is disadvantageous that a large variety of parts is necessary for the many variants, and that the manufacturing and storage costs are therefore high. In particular, when a large range of implementable gear ratios is necessary, not only must the gearing data be varied, but also the structural designs may have to be varied, which increases the variety of parts even further. In the case of drive units or transmissions, the maximum transmittable torques of the specific variants may be calculated or determined. One skilled in the art may design the series in such a manner, that the gradation of the gear ratios allows the customers as many uses as possible, and that the gradation of the torques satisfies the usual market requirements. Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a series of planetary transmissions, which may have low manufacturing and storage costs, while having a large range of implementable gear ratios. |
<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>In an example embodiment of a series of planetary transmissions, the planetary-gear carrier may include bores of a first type and bores-of a second type on its web face, the bores of the first type may be arranged on a first circle having a first radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier, and the bores of the second type may be positioned on a second circle having a second radius with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier. In particular, in a first variant within one size, planet bolts may be provided in bores of the first type, and, in a second variant within the size, planet bolts may be provided in bores of the second type. In this context, the planet bolts may be positionable on different radii. Therefore, different center-to-center distances between the sun and planets may be realized in different variants. Thus, the implementable range of gear ratios may be much larger than in the case of only one center-to-center distance. Since the planetary-gear carrier is usable in different variants and the bores may be designed in a manner allowing the same bolts to be used in different variants, the variety of parts in the series may be reduced considerably, and therefore the costs as well. In an example embodiment, the planetary-transmission stage has two faces. In the first variant within one size, planet bolts may be provided in bores of the first type and flange bolts may be provided in bores of the second type, and the flange bolts may be used to join the web face of the planetary-gear carrier and a further web face. In particular, the planetary-transmission stage may have a two-face design. In a second variant within the size, planet bolts may be provided in bores of the second type and flange bolts may be provided in bores of the first type. In this context, two-face designs may transmit a particularly high torque, and it may be possible to support the planets on both sides. The structurally quite complex construction of the two-face design may be realized in such a manner, that a considerable reduction in the variety of parts may be attainable without having to do without the two faces and their features. In an example embodiment, the gradation of the maximum transmittable torques of several variants in sizes may be such, that, in each instance, the maximum transmittable torque of a specific variant may correspond to the maximum transmittable torque of a variant of another size. In this context, with regard to an existing variant, special customer demands, such as higher torsional stiffness at an equal, maximum transmittable torque and, in particular, the same gear ratio, may be satisfied within the series, almost without additional parts, but rather by repositioning the planets, along with bearings, onto the bolts of the other type. If occasion arises, a sleeve, which is slipped onto the thinner bolt and is to be used or removed as a function of the variant, may be provided and may be cost-effective for adapting the diameter. Therefore, with the exception of the sleeves, all of the parts, including the bearings for planets, planets, sun, ring gear, planetary-gear carriers, faces, and bolts, may be reusable. In an example embodiment, the first radius may be greater than the second radius. In this context, when the gearing data of the planets are varied, the greatest possible outer gear-teeth diameters may also be used. In an example embodiment, spacing sleeves may be provided, which are slipped onto the flange bolts and keep the two web faces at a distance from each other. In this context, the spacing may be realized in a particularly cost-effective manner. In an example embodiment, bores of the first and/or second type may be eccentric. In another example embodiment, the planets, along with their associated bearings, may be seated on sleeves, which have an eccentric bore and are slipped onto the cylindrical planet bolts. In this context, the center-to-center distance from the planets to the sun, which is determined by the gearing data of the sun, the ring gear, and the planets, may automatically set in during the manufacturing, and even manufacturing tolerances are compensated for. The first and second radii may be equal. In at least one first variant of a first size, one refinement provides for planet bolts to be in bores of the second type and flange bolts to be in bores of the first type, and, in at least one variant of a second, smaller size, this refinement may provide for planet bolts to be in bores of the first type and flange bolts to be in bores of the second type. In this context, in the first series, a greater torsional stiffness of parts, such as the output shaft, etc., may be realizable at the same gear ratio, than in the second series. Then, the maximum transmittable torque may be less, but the variety of parts and, therefore, the costs as well, may be, on one hand, markedly reduced, and, on the other hand, the high torsional stiffness may be rapidly and easily attainable by merely interchanging flange bolts and planet bolts in a variant present within the series. In this case, flange bolts and planet bolts have different diameters. In an example embodiment of the present invention, a series may include several series and/or may be expanded to include additional variants. The above-mentioned aspects of the series according to an example embodiment of the present invention remain, because they also pass over into a series expanded in this manner. In the case of the planetary-gear carrier, the planetary-gear carrier may include bores of a first type and bores of a second type on its web face, the bores of the first type being positioned on a first circle having a first radius a 1 with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier, and the bores of the second type being positioned on a second circle having a second radius a 2 with respect to the imaginary axis of the planetary-gear carrier. In particular, the planetary-gear carrier may also be used for one-face and/or two-face planetary-transmission stages, planet bolts and flange bolts being able to be provided as a function of need and type of design. In this context, the planetary-gear carrier manufactured with the aid of primary shaping or reshaping may always be used in the same manner for different variants within a series, and consequently, the manufacturing costs and storage costs may be reduced. In addition, the planetary-gear carrier may especially be manufactured in an exceedingly simple manner, because it may not include any flange braces having complicated geometries. In the case of the drive unit, the planetary-transmission stage may include a two-face design having two web faces, and the two web faces may be joined by flange bolts. In this context, the flange bolts may be manufactured in a rapid, simple, and cost-effective manner, and much less material may be necessary than in the case of using a planetary-gear carrier having flange braces, which may contribute to cost savings. Since only bores must be provided for the flange bolts, this may eliminate the need for the costly machining of the complicated flange-brace geometry, which may include several machining operations for surfaces and cylindrical parts. Since the flange bolts may also be used as planet bolts, and vice versa, the costs may be further reduced. In an example embodiment, the drive unit is a servo drive unit, e.g., a low-backlash and torsionally stiff, servo drive unit. In this context, the one construction kit may be implemented by servo drive units, with a large variety, using less parts. Even special demands of customers may be fulfillable without additional parts, but by merely changing the manufacturing sequence. Special designs that may be extremely expensive and may result in long lead times may be conventionally necessary for this. In the servo drive unit of an example embodiment of the present invention, even a series, which supplements variants to include further variants having a greater torsional stiffness, the same, maximum transmittable torque, and the same gear ratio, may be implementable. This may even be practicable without additional parts, but with just the aid of skillful dimensioning of the series on the whole, in particular the gradation of the maximum transmittable torques of the variants. In each instance, these step changes in the maximum transmittable torque are therefore determined by the smaller sizes. In particular, the flange-bolt number and flange-bolt diameter of the variants of the next largest size may be designed to be correspondingly stable, similar to the planet-bolt number and planet-bolt diameter of the variants of the smaller size. List of Reference Numerals 1, 21, 31, 41 planetary-gear carrier 2 flange brace 3, 23, 43 planet 4, 24, 44 bearing 5, 25, 35, 45 planet bolt 6, 26, 36, 46 bearing for power take-off 8, 27, 28, 38, 48 web face 32 bores of the first type 33 bores of the second type 22, 42, 51, 52, 53, 54 flange bolt 61 slot a1, a2 radius = distance between sun and planet axes Example embodiments of the present invention shall now be explained in detail with reference to the Figures. |
Plasma display panel and manufacturing method |
A plasma display panel includes a first panel member in which a plurality of pairs of display electrodes are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a column direction and a second panel member in which a plurality of address electrodes are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a row direction, and the first panel member and the second panel member are opposed to each other so that a plurality of cells are formed in a matrix in areas where the plurality of pairs of display electrodes intersect with the plurality of address electrodes. The plasma display panel is characterized in that at least one of an average cell area, an average cell opening ratio and an average visible light transmittance efficiency is greater in a panel central region than in a panel peripheral region. |
1. A plasma display panel including a first panel member in which a plurality of pairs of display electrodes are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a column direction and a second panel member in which a plurality of address electrodes are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a row direction, the first panel member and the second panel member being opposed to each other so that a plurality of cells are formed in a matrix in areas where the plurality of pairs of display electrodes intersect with the plurality of address electrodes, characterized in that at least one of an average cell area, an average cell opening ratio and an average visible light transmittance efficiency is greater in a panel central region than in a panel peripheral region. 2. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein a distance between adjacent pairs of display electrodes is larger in a central region than in both edge regions of the panel in the column direction. 3. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein a distance between adjacent address electrodes is larger in a central region than in both edge regions of the panel in the row direction. 4. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein a distance between adjacent pairs of display electrodes is larger in a central region than in both edge regions of the panel in the column direction, and a distance between adjacent address electrodes is larger in a central region than in both edge regions of the panel in the row direction. 5. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein a gap between electrodes in a pair of display electrodes in a central region of the panel in the column direction is larger than a gap between electrodes in a pair of display electrodes in each edge region of the panel in the column direction. 6. The plasma display panel of claim 5, wherein in a pair of display electrodes, a gap between electrodes decreases from a center towards both ends of the pair of display electrodes in a lengthwise direction. 7. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein each display electrode is formed by laminating a bus line on a transparent electrode, and a bus line in a central region of the panel in the column direction is wider than a bus line in each edge region of the panel in the column direction. 8. The plasma display panel of claim 7, wherein a bus line of a display electrode decreases in width from a center towards both ends of the display electrode in a lengthwise direction. 9. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein each display electrode is composed of a set of metal line members that are electrically connected together, and a width of a set of metal line members in a central region of the panel in the column direction is smaller than a width of a set of metal line members in each edge region of the panel in the column direction. 10. The plasma display panel of claim 9, wherein a set of metal line members of a display electrode increases in width from a center towards both ends of the display electrode in a lengthwise direction. 11. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein black films are formed on the first panel member between adjacent pairs of display electrodes, and black films in a central region of the panel in the column direction are narrower than black films in each edge region of the panel in the column direction. 12. The plasma display panel of claim 11, wherein a black film increases in width from a center towards both ends of the black film in a lengthwise direction. 13. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein barrier ribs are disposed between the first panel member and the second panel member so as to alternate with the plurality of address electrodes, and barrier ribs in a central region of the panel in the row direction are narrower than barrier ribs in each edge regions of the panel in the row direction. 14. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein auxiliary barrier ribs are formed between the first panel member and the second panel member so as to alternate with the plurality of pairs of display electrodes, and auxiliary barrier ribs in a central region of the panel in the column direction are narrower than auxiliary barrier ribs in each edge regions of the panel in the column direction. 15. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein a dielectric layer is formed on the first panel member so as to cover the plurality of pairs of display electrodes, and a thickness of the dielectric layer is greater in the panel central region than in the panel peripheral region. 16. An exposure mask for forming at least one of a display electrode, a barrier rib, and a black film on a surface of a panel member using a photoetching method in a manufacturing process of a plasma display panel, characterized in that an average opening ratio is higher in a portion of the exposure mask corresponding to a panel central region than in a portion of the exposure mask corresponding to a panel peripheral region. 17. A dielectric sheet for forming a dielectric layer on a surface of a panel member on which a display electrode has been arranged in a manufacturing process of a plasma display panel, characterized in that a portion of the dielectric sheet corresponding to a panel central region has a larger thickness than a portion of the dielectric sheet corresponding to a panel peripheral region. 18. A plasma display panel manufacturing method including a display electrode forming step of forming a plurality of display electrodes on a surface of a first panel member and a barrier rib forming step of forming a plurality of barrier ribs on a surface of a second panel member, characterized in that in at least one of the display electrode forming step and the barrier rib forming step, a photosensitive material is applied onto a surface of a corresponding one of the first and second panel members so as to perform a patterning operation by exposing the photosensitive material to light through an exposure mask, and during the patterning operation, light exposure to the photosensitive material is locally varied so as to set widths of the plurality of display electrodes or the plurality of barrier ribs. 19. The plasma display panel manufacturing method of claim 18, wherein the photosensitive material is a resist material used for etching. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>A plasma display panel (hereinafter referred to as PDP) is one type of gas discharge panel. PDPs are a self-luminous display panel in which image display is achieved in such a manner that phosphors are excited by ultraviolet rays that are generated by a gas discharge so as to emit light. PDPs are classified into alternating current (AC) types and direct current (DC) types, according to their discharge methods. AC types are better than DC types in terms of luminance, luminous efficiency, and lifetime. Among AC types, a reflective surface discharge type excels particularly in luminance and luminous efficiency, and therefore, is the most common type. There is an increasing social demand for AC-type PDPs to be used as a display screen on computers, large televisions, and the like. Nowadays, electronic products that provide as low power consumption as possible are desired. Accordingly, it is desired to reduce power consumed when driving PDPs. Because of the recent tendency for a PDP with a larger screen and higher definition, power consumption of PDPs that have lately been developed is on the rise. Therefore, there is a high demand for techniques of saving power consumed in PDPs. Also, it is generally desired that PDPs deliver stable image-display performance. In conclusion, there is a demand for a PDP that achieves superior display performance as well as low power consumption at present. |
<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing part of a PDP. FIG. 2 is a schematic view presenting a cell arrangement of the PDP. FIG. 3 is a schematic view presenting a cell arrangement of a PDP relating to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view presenting a cell arrangement of a PDP relating to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view presenting a cell arrangement of a PDP relating to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view presenting an arrangement of display electrodes in a display region of a PDP. FIG. 7 is a schematic view presenting an arrangement of display electrodes relating to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view presenting configurations of display electrodes relating to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view presenting configurations of display electrodes relating to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view presenting configurations of display electrodes relating to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view presenting configurations of display electrodes relating to a modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic view presenting configurations of display electrodes relating to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic view presenting configurations of black films applied between adjacent display electrodes in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic view presenting configurations of black films applied between adjacent display electrodes in a modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic view presenting configurations of black films applied between adjacent display electrodes in a modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic view presenting configurations of barrier ribs relating to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic view presenting configurations of auxiliary barrier ribs relating to a modification of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are cross-sectional views presenting a configuration of a dielectric layer relating to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 presents a configuration of a mask used for patterning display electrodes. FIG. 20 presents a configuration of a mask used for patterning display electrodes. FIG. 21 shows steps of an exposure process. FIG. 22 is a conceptual view presenting the exposure process performed using a concave lens. FIG. 23 presents a procedure for manufacturing a dielectric layer. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? |
Plasma torch |
Plasma torch (8; 10) of improved performances, comprising: an electrode (13) provided with a respective electrode head (18; 37); a nozzle (14); and an outside jacket (26), there being formed a first cooling circuit (20, 21, 22) of a coolant for said electrode head (18; 37) having an end passage (22), said head being characterised in that it comprises means (25) for disposing of the electrode heat, located inside of the first cooling circuit. |
1-16. (canceled) 17. A plasma torch, comprising concentric members, namely: an outside jacket ending with a nozzle head; a nozzle formed inside said outside jacket; and an electrode provided with a respective electrode head, and comprising respective cooling circuits for a coolant formed inside said outside jacket and inside said electrode, each cooling circuits being formed by a respective reversing pipes having, at said nozzle head and said electrode head respectively, an end passage dividing the reversing pipe in a descending section and in an ascending section, wherein, at the electrode head, the corresponding end passage defines a toroidal slot wherein a toroidal flap is inserted so as to impart a counter U-shaped toroidal course to such end passage, said toroidal flap working as means for disposing heat from the electrode. 18. The plasma torch according to claim 17, wherein said nozzle, at a mouth thereof, comprises a refractory material ring. 19. The plasma torch according to claim 18, wherein said refractory material is silicon carbide. 20. The plasma torch according to claim 17, wherein the outside jacket is coated with a ceramic coating. 21. The plasma torch according to claim 20, wherein said ceramic coating is made of zircon oxide. 22. The plasma torch according to claim 20, wherein the ceramic coating has a thickness ranging from 30 μm to 70 μm. 23. The plasma torch according to claim 20, wherein the ceramic coating is a plasma spray coating. 24. The plasma torch according to claim 17, comprising a nozzle head made of steel. 25. The plasma torch according to claim 24, wherein said steel is stainless steel. 26. The plasma torch according to claim 24, wherein the nozzle head has a rounded outer edge, so as to decrease at least by 30% the view factor of the surface of the nozzle head subjected to plasma thermal radiance. 27. The plasma torch according to claim 17, comprising a central port in the head of the electrode that enables flow of plasmogen gas and/or of materials to be thermally destroyed. 28. The plasma torch according to claim 17, comprising a cathodic electrode having a heaad with an end portion, wherein the end portion of the head of the cathodic electrode comprises a metallic material coating having a >1600° C. melting temperature. 29. The plasma torch according to claim 28, wherein said metallic material coating is made of tungsten. 30. The plasma torch according to claim 28, wherein said metallic material coating is a plasma spray coating. 31. The plasma torch according to claim 17, wherein said head of said electrode (37) is coated with a metal coating having >0.8 reflectivity, said electrode being an anodic electrode. 32. The plasma torch according to claim 31, wherein said metal coating having >0.8 reflectivity is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum and nickel. |
Organic/inorganic nanocomposites obtained by extrusion |
Organic/inorganic nanocomposites and methods for their preparation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing an organic/inorganic concentrate and processing the concentrate with a polymer resin. In a preferred embodiment the organic/inorganic concentrate and polymer resin are processed by extrusion using a single-screw extruder. In another embodiment, the method further comprises surface modifying an inorganic additive, mixing the modified additive with a polymer solution to produce an organic/inorganic solution, and removing solvent from the organic/inorganic solution to produce the organic/inorganic concentrate. Processing of the organic/inorganic concentrate with a polymer resin produces a homogeneous nanocomposite with superior mechanical and thermal properties. |
1: An organic-inorganic nanocomposite comprising: at least one organic polymer; and at least one surface-modified inorganic additive, wherein said organic-inorganic nanocomposite is produced by processing an organic-inorganic concentrate with a polymer resin. 2: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic-inorganic concentrate is processed with said polymer resin by extrusion. 3: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic-inorganic concentrate is processed with said polymer resin by extrusion using a single-screw extruder. 4. (Cancelled) 5: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyether, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethane, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, vinyl chloride propylene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, poly(vinyl chloride), and polytetrafludroethylene. 6-7. (Cancelled) 8: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said polymer resin is selected from the group consisting of polyether, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethane, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, vinyl chloride propylene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, poly(vinyl chloride), and polytetrafluoroethylene. 9: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic polymer and said polymer resin are the same polymer or polymers. 10: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said surface-modified inorganic additive is selected from the group consisting of silica, clay, metal, and metal oxide. 11: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said surface-modified inorganic additive is selected from the group consisting of montimorillonite, silver, gold, cobalt, iron, platinum, palladium, osmium, lead, lead sulfide, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, alumina trihydrate, talc, antimony oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and bariums sulfate. 12: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said surface-modified inorganic additive has one or more adsorbed organic molecules. 13: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said surface-modified inorganic additive has one or more absorbed organic molecules and is selected from the group consisting of silicone dioxide, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. 14: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic-inorganic concentrate is formed by a process selected from the consisting of solution blending, solution polymerization, intercalation, and melt intercalation. 15: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic polymer is poly(methyl methacrylate) and said surface-modified inorganic additive is silica. 16: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic polymer is polystyrene and said surface-modified inorganic additive is silica. 17: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said organic-inorganic nanocomposite comprises about 50% or less inorganic additive by weight. 18-21. (Cancelled) 22: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 1, wherein said inorganic additive is less than about 100 nanometers in size. 23-28. (Cancelled) 29: A method for producing an organic-inorganic nanocomposite comprising: providing an organic-inorganic concentrate, wherein the organic-inorganic concentrate comprises at least one surface-modified inorganic additive and at least one organic polymer; and processing the organic-inorganic concentrate with a polymer resin to form the organic-inorganic nanocomposite. 30: The method according to claim 29, wherein the organic-inorganic concentrate is processed with the polymer resin by extrusion. 31: The method according to claim 30, wherein the extruded organic-inorganic nanocomposite is re-extruded one or more times. 32: The method according to claim 29, wherein the organic-inorganic concentrate is processed with the polymer resin by extrusion using a single-screw extruder. 33: The method according to claim 29, wherein said method further comprises preparing the organic-inorganic concentrate by a process selected from the group consisting of solution, solution polymerization, intercalation, and melt intercalation. 34: The method according to claim 29, wherein said method further comprises preparing the organic-inorganic concentrate by surface-modifying an inorganic additive to produce the surface-modified additive and mixing the surface-modified additive with an organic polymer solution to produce an organic-inorganic polymer solution, and removing solvent from the organic-inorganic polymer solution to produce the organic-inorganic concentrate. 35: The method according to claim 34, wherein said surface-modification comprises reacting a surface modifier with the inorganic additive. 36: The method according to claim 34, wherein the surface-modifier is (3-acryloxypropyl)methyldimethoxysilane or (3-acryloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane. 37: The method according to claim 34, wherein said solvent removal is achieved by using a process selected from the group consisting of solution extrusion, film-casting, and block-casting. 38: The method according to claim 29, wherein the organic-inorganic concentrate comprises about 50% or less inorganic additive by weight. 39-42. (Cancelled) 43: The method according to claim 29, wherein the organic-inorganic nanocomposite comprises about 50% or less inorganic additive by weight. 44-48. (Cancelled) 49: The method according to claim 29, wherein the organic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyether, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethane, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, vinyl chloride propylene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, poly(vinyl chloride), and polytetrafluoroethylene. 50-51. (Cancelled) 52: The method according to claim 29, wherein the polymer resin is selected from the group consisting of polyether, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethane, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, vinyl chloride propylene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, poly(vinyl chloride), and polytetrafluoroethylene. 53. (Cancelled) 54: The method according to claim 29, wherein the surface-modified inorganic additive is selected from the group consisting of silica, clay, metal, and metal oxide. 55: The method according to claim 29, wherein the surface-modified inorganic additive is selected from the group consisting of montmorillonite, silver, gold, cobalt, iron, platinum, palladium, osmium, lead, lead sulfide, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, alumina trihydrate, talc, antimony oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and bariums sulfate. 56: The method according to claim 29, wherein the surface-modified inorganic additive has one or more adsorbed organic molecules. 57: The method according to claim 29, wherein the surface-modified inorganic additive has one or more absorbed organic molecules and is selected from the group consisting of silicone dioxide, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. 58: The method according to claim 29, wherein the organic polymer is poly(methyl methacrylate) and the surface-modified inorganic additive is silica. 59. The method according to claim 29, wherein the organic polymer is polystyrene and the surface-modified inorganic additive is silica. 60: An organic-inorganic nanocomposite manufactured by the method of claim 29. 61. The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 60, wherein said organic-inorganic nanocomposite is a formulation selected from the group consisting of a coating, film, foam, membrane, sheet, and block. 62: An organic-inorganic nanocomposite comprising: poly(methyl methacrylate) or polystyrene; and surface-modified silica, wherein said organic-inorganic nanocomposite is produced by extruding an organic-inorganic concentrate with a polymer resin, and wherein said organic-inorganic concentrate is a concentrate of said poly(methyl methacrylate), or of said polystyrene, and said surface-modified silica. 63: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 62, wherein said organic-inorganic concentrate is extruded using a single-screw extruder. 64: The organic-inorganic nanocomposite of claim 62, wherein said organic-inorganic nanocomposite comprises about 50% or less surface-modified silica, by weight. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Nanocomposites have received extensive attention in recent years, with applications ranging from mechanical to optical, magnetic and electronic (White J. R. [1994] J Mater Sci 29:584). In general, a nanocomposite can be defined as a combination of two or more phases containing different compositions or structures, one of which is in the nanometer-size range in at least one dimension (Carotenuto, G. [2000] “Nanocomposites,” Polymer News 25(8):265-7). These materials exhibit behavior different from conventional composite materials with micro-scale additives, due to the small size of the structural unit and the high surface-to-volume ratio (Ishida, H. et al. [2000] “General Approach to Nanocomposite Preparation,” Chem. Mater. 12:1260-67). The incorporation of a nano-scale additive within a polymer matrix can offer significant improvement of mechanical properties and thermal stability for the resulting nanocomposite. As with other composite materials, the properties of nanocomposites are greatly influenced by the degree of mixing between the phases. In conventionally filled polymers, the constituents are immiscible, resulting in a coarsely blended macrocomposite with chemically distinct phases. This results in poor physical attraction between the organic and inorganic components, leading to agglomeration of the inorganic components, and therefore, weaker materials. In nanocomposites, chemically dissimilar components are combined at the nanometer scale and there are stronger attractions between the polymer and the additive (e.g., silicate clay). The structure and properties of the composite depend on the extent to which the organic and inorganic components are made compatible. Organic/inorganic nanocomposites can be made from various additives and polymers. Additives can include clay, silica, and/or other metals. Polymers can include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, or polyethylene, for example. Organic/inorganic nanocomposites have been synthesized by several methods. Examples of these methods include the sol-gel process, solution blending, in-situ polymerization, intercalation, and melt intercalation or melt blending (Gilman, J. W. et al. [2000] Chem. Mater. 12:1866-73). Using the sol-gel process, hydrolysis and condensation of a metal alkoxide species such as tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) takes place and a network is formed. During build-up of the inorganic network, appropriately functionalized organic (or potentially organic-inorganic) moieties are incorporated that can also undergo the same condensation reaction as the hydrolyzed metal alkoxides. This method can lead to either an alloy-like material, if molecular dispersion is obtained, or a system with a microphase morphology. However, a major disadvantage of the sol-gel process is that the particle size of the final material depends on the concentration of water, pH value, and reaction temperature. In order to obtain a nano-scale inorganic phase, the reaction conditions of the sol-gel process must be well controlled, sometimes involving a vacuum and a sealed system. The in-situ polymerization (or solution polymerization) method involves three continuous steps: modification of additives, dispersion of additives into a monomer solution, and polymerization of the mixture. In-situ polymerization can solve the agglomeration problem associated with traditional extrusion. While the productivity of nanocomposites from this method is significantly improved compared with the sol-gel approach, the bulk manufacture of nanocomposites by this method is still unlikely because the productivity by this method cannot meet the demands of industrial production. The intercalation method is similar to in-situ polymerization, but was designed particularly for the preparation of layered clay nanocomposites. Using the intercalation method, a clay additive is modified to create enough space between the clay layers for the diffusion of other molecules (e.g., monomers). However, the distance between clay layers, which is typically about 1-2 nanometers, is not enough for the insertion of other molecules. After modification of the layered clay, a monomer will intercalate between the layers by diffusion, followed by polymerization of the monomer, resulting in a layered nanocomposite with about 3 mn-4 nm space between layers. However, the intercalation method can only be used for the preparation of clay-type nanocomposites, and has all the disadvantages associated with in-situ polymerization. The method of melt intercalation, or melt blending, to prepare organic nanocomposites is generally carried out with clay additives. Only limited nanocomposites can be obtained by this method. The method includes two steps: the treatment of clay material, and the dispersion of clay into a polymer melt. In the second step, a polymer is intercalated between clay layers by diffusion. However, the major problem associated with this method is the intercalation conditions. In most cases, this method requires mixing at relatively high temperature, and/or high shear rates, if a twin-screw mixer or twin extruder are used. High temperature and shear rates can lead to serious thermal and mechanical degradation of the polymer material and the breakage of the clay layers. Currently, solution blending is the simplest method available for the preparation of organic/inorganic nanocomposites. The solution blending process includes three steps: modification of additives, dispersion of additives in a polymer solution, and film casting. However, solution blending is limited in that materials obtained from this method can only be used as coating materials. Interfacial interaction between the fillers and the polymer matrix is not strong enough for the reinforcement of the mechanical properties in the final materials. The extrusion of polymer and additives is currently the most productive way to mix these components. Polymer extrusion is the conversion of base polymer material, usually in the form of a powder or pellet, into a finished product or part by forcing it through an opening. The process consists of pumping a molten state polymer (a melt) under pressure, through a die, producing a continuous cross-section or profile. Specifically, the polymer is placed in a hopper connected to the body of the extruder. The polymer is then moved down the barrel of the extruder and mixed by one or more screws turning inside the barrel. An opening in the die is the guide after which the extrudate takes its form. Twin-screw extruders provide improved mixing compared to single screw extruders, because of the higher shear force twin-screw extruders generate. Various operations performed by twin-screw extruders include the polymerizing of new polymers, modifying polymers by graft reactions, devolatilizing, blending different polymers, and compounding particulates into plastics. However, twin-screw extruders are more costly to run and maintain. In addition, the higher shear generated by twin-screw extruders tends to damage the polymer. Likewise, the shear generated by twin-screw extruders will damage the additive, which contributes to degradation of the polymer. By contrast, single-screw extruders are designed to minimize energy input and to maximize pumping uniformity, but are generally inadequate to perform highly dispersive and energy-intensive compounding functions. If nanocomposites could be produced using an extrusion approach, it would make the bulk production of nanocomposites possible. However, using the traditional extrusion approach to produce nanocomposites is difficult because of agglomeration that occurs between the inorganic phase and the organic phase. This problem is exacerbated by the small size of the nano-scale additives. As the particle size of the additive decreases, the surface area and surface energy will increase dramatically, which means that the particles will tend to agglomerate more easily. Therefore, agglomeration of nano-scale additives will occur if additives and polymer are subjected to extrusion, even when the additives are pretreated with a surface modifier. This is unfortunate because additives of small particle size can play a very important role in providing various properties, such as tensile strength, to the base polymer. For example, in the case of silica additives, as the size of the silica particle decreases, the tensile strength increases. As particle size decreases, this means more particles in the same weight of silica and more surface area. The more surface area of silica present, the more reinforcement sites are available in the nanocomposite. Therefore, there remains a need for a method of producing organic/inorganic nanocomposites that will increase the productivity and applicability of nanocomposites without the disadvantages associated with the current methods of nanocomposite preparation, such as the lack of bulk production capability and the agglomeration of the inorganic phase. |
<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The subject invention includes organic/inorganic nanocomposites and methods of producing such nanocomposites. The methods of the subject invention utilize organic/inorganic concentrates and polymer resin to prepare organic/inorganic nanocomposites. Specifically, the methods of the subject invention include providing an organic/inorganic concentrate and processing the organic/inorganic concentrate with a polymer resin to form a nanocomposite. The organic/inorganic concentrate and resulting nanocomposite are composed of at least one surface-modified inorganic additive and at least one organic polymer. In one embodiment, the organic/inorganic concentrate is formed by a process selected from the group consisting of solution blending, solution polymerization, intercalation, and melt intercalation. In a further embodiment, the processing of the organic/inorganic concentrate with the polymer resin is conducted by extrusion. In a preferred embodiment, the extrusion is carried out using a single-screw extruder. In a preferred embodiment, the organic/inorganic concentrate is formed by solution blending. Using solution blending, the organic/inorganic concentrate is formed by surface-modifying an inorganic additive to produce a modified additive, mixing the modified additive with an organic polymer solution to produce an organic/inorganic polymer solution, and removing solvent from the organic/inorganic solution to produce the organic/inorganic concentrate. A variety of methods can be utilized to remove the solvent from the organic/inorganic solution, such as solution extrusion, film-casting, and block-casting. In a further embodiment, the inorganic additive is silica. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic additive is silica and the organic polymer is PMMA. In another specific embodiment, the inorganic additive is silica and the organic polymer is polystyrene. The methods of the subject invention solve the compatibility problem associated with the inorganic phase and the organic phase, minimizing the agglomeration that would otherwise occur during the extrusion process. Processing of organic/inorganic concentrates with polymer resin will significantly increase the productivity and applicability of the nanocomposites produced. The methods of the subject invention have several advantages over solution blending alone. For example, when extrusion is utilized to process the organic/inorganic concentrate and polymer resin, the polymer chains orient along the extruding line; any extra solvent is eliminated; and silica particles and polymer matrix are packed closer by the external force during extrusion, causing stronger interfacial interactions between them. Advantageously, the methods of the subject invention can be used to produce homogeneous nanocomposites with high concentrations of additives. The energy needed to disperse the inorganic additives into the polymer matrix is much less than that necessary for direct dispersion of the additives because, using the methods of the subject invention, the additive is wetted with the polymer in concentrates before processing. Because the nano-scale additives are first wetted with polymer in concentrated nanocomposites, the nanocomposites can then easily dissipate into a polymer matrix if more polymer pellets are added during processing. Therefore, using concentrates as a starting material for processing, instead of simply using modified additives, provides a significant advantage over conventional methods. The methods of the subject invention provide productivity that is ideal for the demands of bulk production. The subject invention also includes nanocomposites prepared by the methods of the subject invention, as well as articles coated with, or formulated from, such nanocomposites. |
Use of hepcidin as a regulator of iron homeostasis |
The invention concerns the use of hepeidin for the diagnosis and therapy of disorders of iron homeostasis. Hepeidin can be used in the treatment of disorders resulting from iron overload, while inhibitors of hepeidin can he used in the treatment of anaemia. |
1-13. (canceled) 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide which comprises a sequence of at least 20 amino acids wherein cysteine residues are present at amino acid residues 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 17 and 18, and the polypeptide has at least 50% identity to or 60% similarity to SEQ ID NO: 1. 15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 14 wherein the polypeptide has at least 60% identity to or 70% similarity to SEQ ID NO: 1. 16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 14 wherein the polypeptide is a mature form of hepcidin as it is expressed in a vertebrate animal. 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 14 wherein the vertebrate animal is a mammal. 18. A method of reducing iron load in a patient in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide of claim 14 to a patient in need thereof. 19. A method of preventing or treating hemochromatosis, or a disease resulting therefrom, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 14 to a patient in need thereof. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the disease is selected from the group consisting of hepatocarcinoma, cardiomyopathy, or diabetes. 21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound capable of inhibiting the expression of hepcidin. 22. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound capable of inhibiting the activity of hepcidin. 23. A method of increasing iron absorption in a patient in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 21 to a patient in need thereof. 24. A method of increasing iron absorption in a patient in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 22 to a patient in need thereof. 25. A method of treating anemia, or a disease resulting therefrom, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 21 to a patient in need thereof. 26. A method of treating anemia, or a disease resulting therefrom, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 22 to a patient in need thereof. 27. A knockout, non-human, animal wherein any gene expressing hepcidin has been inactivated, with the proviso that the gene encoding the transcription factor USF2 has not been inactivated. 28. A transgenic, non-human animal comprising a transgene capable of expressing hepcidin. 29. A method of identifying compounds capable of reducing iron absorption when administered to a patient in need thereof comprising administering candidate compounds to the knockout mouse of claim 27 and assessing the effect of the compounds on iron absorption thereby identifying those candidate compounds capable of reducing iron absorption in a manner similar to hepcidin. 30. A method of identifying compounds capable of inhibiting the effect of hepcidin on iron absorption when administered to a patient in need thereof comprising administering candidate compounds to the transgenic mouse of claim 28 and assessing the effect of the compounds on iron absorption thereby identifying those candidate compounds capable of inhibiting the activity and/or expression of hepcidin. 31. A method of detecting whether an anomaly of iron absorption observed in a subject is associated with abnormal hepcidin production comprising obtaining a biological sample from the subject suffering from said anomaly; determining the quantity of hepcidin in said biological sample and comparing the quantity to an established normal range for hepcidin in such biological samples. 32. A method of detecting whether an anomaly of iron absorption observed in a subject is associated with a genetic mutation that is capable of impairing the production of functional hepcidin comprising obtaining a nucleic acid sample from the subject suffering from said anomaly; determining the nucleic acid sequence of all genes that have essentially the same sequence hepcidin and identifying any genetic mutations in the genes encoding hepcidin or a mutant of hepcidin |
Polyketones |
An apparatus for purifying polyketones includes a pressure vessel 2 which communicates with a water supply line 6 for delivering pressurised water into the vessel 2. Downstream of the vessel 2 is a water drain 12 for removing water to waste. In use, a sample of polyketone is placed in the vessel 2 and liquid water at high pressure (e.g. 60 bar) and high temperature (e.g. 260° C.) is caused to flow through the vessel whereby relatively pure polyketone for example having relatively low sodium, phosphorus and sulphur impurities may be prepared. |
1. A method of purifying a polymeric material of a type which includes: (A) phenyl moieties; (B) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and (C) ether and/or thioether moieties the method including contacting the polymeric material with a solvent formulation which is at a temperature of greater than 100° C. and a pressure above ambient pressure thereby to charge the solvent formulation with impurities derived from said polymeric material, and separating the charged solvent from the polymeric material. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said solvent formulation includes a first solvent component which is not an organic solvent and has a boiling point of at least 95° C. and less than 200° C. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said first solvent component is water. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said solvent formulation consists essentially of water. 5. A method according to claim 3, wherein said solvent formulation is at a temperature of greater than 150° C. and a pressure of at least 10 bar when contacted with said polymeric material 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said solvent formulation is at a temperature of greater than 250° C. and a pressure of at least 50 bar when contacted with said polymeric material. 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein in the method, the solvent formulation is arranged to flow from a first region to a third region via a second region in which said polymeric material is arranged wherein the flow rate of said solvent formulation through said second region is at least 0.05 ml/min per gram of polymeric material present in said second region and said solvent formulation is contacted with said polymeric material over a period of at least 5 minutes. 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the level of a selected inorganic salt in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation compared to the level after purification in said method is at least 5ppm salt and the ratio of the amount of said selected inorganic salt in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation to the level after purification in said method is at least 1.5. 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the total level of alkali metal cationic impurities in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation compared to the level after purification in said method is at least 5ppm M+ wherein M+ represents alkali metal cations and the ratio of the amount of alkali metal cationic impurities in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation to the level after purification in said method is at least 1.5. 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the level of Na+ in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation compared to the level after purification in said method is at least 5ppm Na+ and the ratio of the amount of Na+ impurities in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation to the level after purification in said method is at least 1.5. 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the molecular weight of the polymeric material is unchanged by purification thereof in the method. 12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the level of a selected residual solvent which is a solvent used in the polymerisation to form said polymeric material, before purification in the method to the level after purification in the method is at least 5. 13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the level of phosphorus containing impurities in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation compared to the level after purification is at least 5ppm phosphorus and the ratio of the amount of phosphorus before contact with said solvent formulation to the level after purification in said method is at least 1.5. 14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the level of sulphur containing impurities in said polymeric material before contact with said solvent formulation compared to the level after purification is at least 1ppm and the ratio of the amount of sulphur before contact with said solvent formulation to the level after purification in said method is at least 1.2. 15. A method according to claim 1, which is carried out on powder, pellets or granules of said polymeric material. 16. A method according to claim 1, wherein said polymeric material is selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone and polyetheretherketoneketone. 17. A method according to claim 1, wherein said polymeric material is polyetherketone. 18. A polymeric material which includes: (A) phenyl moieties; (B) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and (C) ether and/or thioether moieties wherein said polymeric material has been purified in a method according to any of claims 1 to 17. 19. A polymeric material which includes: (A) phenyl moieties; (B) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and (C) ether and/or thioether moieties wherein said polymeric material includes less than 25ppm of alkali metal cations. 20. A polymeric material according to claim 19, wherein said polymeric material includes less than 25ppm Na+ ions. 21. A polymeric material according to claim 19 wherein said polymeric material includes a trace of Na+ ions. 22. A polymeric material according to claim 19, which includes less than 90ppm phosphorus. 23. A polymeric material according to claim 19, which includes at least a trace of phosphorus. 24. A polymeric material according to claim 19, which includes less than 20ppm of sulphur. 25. A polymeric material according to claim 19, which includes at least a trace of sulphur. 26. A polymeric material according to claim 19 which comprises polyetheretherketone and less than 20 ppm of sodium and less than 10 ppm of phosphorus. 27. A polymeric material according to claim 19 which includes less than 5 ppm sodium and less than 10 ppm phosphorus. 28. A polymeric material which includes: (A) phenyl moieties; (B) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and (C) ether and/or thioether moieties wherein a surface region of the polymeric material includes a lower concentration of alkali metal cations compared to the concentration of alkali metal cations in a region of said polymeric material inwards of said surface region. 29. A device for use in the electronics industry or a medical device, the device including a purified polymeric material according to claim 19. 30. A method of purifying a polymeric material selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone and polyetheretherketoneketone, the method including contacting solid polymeric material with water which is at a temperature of at least 150° C. and less than 350° C. and pressure above ambient pressure which is selected to maintain the water in the liquid state when in contact with said polymeric material thereby to charge the water with impurities derived from said polymeric material, and separating the water from the polymeric material. 31. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein said polymeric material is in the form of powder, pellets or granules. 32. A method of reducing the level of an inorganic salt in a polymeric material selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone and polyetheretherketoneketone, the method including contacting solid polymeric material with water which is at a temperature of at least 150° C. and less than 350° C. and pressure above ambient pressure which is selected to maintain the water in the liquid state when in contact with said polymeric material thereby to charge the water with inorganic salt derived from said polymeric material, and separating the charged water from the polymeric material. 33. A method of reducing the level of phosporus containing impurities in a polymeric material selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone and polyetheretherketoneketone, the method including contacting solid polymeric material with water which is at a temperature of at least 150° C. and less than 350° C. and pressure above ambient pressure which is selected to maintain the water in the liquid state when in contact with said polymeric material thereby to charge the water with phosphorus containing impurities derived from said polymeric material, and separating the charged water from the polymeric material. 34. A method of reducing the level of Na+ in a polymeric material selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone and polyetheretherketoneketone, the method including contacting solid polymeric material with water which is at a temperature of at least 150° C. and less than 350° C. and pressure above ambient pressure which is selected to maintain the water in the liquid state when in contact with said polymeric material thereby to charge the water with Na+ derived from said polymeric material, and separating the charged water from the polymeric material. 35. A method according to claim 30, wherein the difference between the level of Na+ impurities in said polymeric material before contact with said water compared to the level after purification in said method is at least 5 ppm Na+. 36. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the difference between the level of phosphorus containing impurities in said polymeric material before contact with said water compared to the level after purification is at least 5ppm phosphorous. 37. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the total level of Na+ impurities in said polymeric material after purification in the method is less than 25ppm Na+; and the total level of phosphorous containing impurities in said polymeric material after purification is less than 80ppm phosphorous. 38. A method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the ratio of the level of a selected residual solvent associated with the polymeric material before purification in the method to the level after purification is at least 5. 39. A polymeric material selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone and polyetheretherketoneketone which includes a trace of Na+ and less than 25ppm Na+; and a trace of phosphorous containing impurities and less than 80ppm phosphorous containing impurities. 40. A polymeric material as claimed in claim 39, wherein said polymeric material is polyetheretherketone. 41. A method according to claim 1, wherein said polymeric material is polyetheretherketone. |
Security in data communication networks |
A method and a system for transmitting data over a communication network (3). At least three computer systems (2, 5, 16) are connected to the communication network (3). A first message (7) is sent from the first computer system (2) to the second computer system (5). A second message is sent from the second computer system (5) to the third computer system (16). A third message is sent from the first computer system (2) to the third computer system (16). The third computer systems compares the contents of the second and third messages received from the first and second computer systems and verify the identities of the subjects who operates the first and second computer systems thus guarantying the identity of the subjects, the confidentiality of the data transmitted and the reliability of the transmission. |
1) A method of transmitting data over a communication network (3) to which comprising at least three computer systems (2, 5, 16) are connected, said method comprising: sending a first message (7) from a first one (2) of said at least three computer systems to a second one (5) of said at least three computer systems (5), with said first message (7) containing at least a first code (8) and data (9, 10); sending a second message (24) from the second computer system (5) to at least a third one (16) of the at least three computer systems, with said second message (24) containing a second code (14) as well as the first code (8) and the data (9, 10); sending a third message (17) from the first computer system (2) to the third computer system (16), with said third message (17) containing a third code (18) as well as encoded data (19) containing the second code (14) and the data (9, 10); wherein the third computer system (16) performs the steps of: decoding the encoded data (19) to extract the second code (14) and the data (9, 10) from the encoded data (19); generating a fourth code on the basis of the code (18); comparing the extracted data (9, 10) with the data (9, 10) contained in the second message (24); comparing the extracted code (14) with the second code (14) contained in the second message (24); comparing the fourth code with the first code (8) contained in the second message (24). 2) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein further messages (32, 33) are sent by the third computer system (16) to the first and second computer systems (2, 5) depending on the result of the at least one comparison steps. 3) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first computer system (2) is used by a user (1), the second computer system (5) is used by a merchant (4) and the third computer system (16) is used by an account manager (15) for executing commercial transactions. 4) A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein an amount is charged on the user (1) by the third computer system (16) of the account manager (15) depending on the result of at least one comparison steps. 5) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second computer system (5), after receipt of the first message (7), sends a fourth message (13) to the first computer system (2) containing a confirmation of receipt of the first message (7) as well as the second code (14). 6) A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first code (8) and the third code (18) identify the user (1), and the second code (14) identifies the merchant (4). 7) A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transaction is stopped if the fourth code does not correspond to the first code (8) contained in the second message (24). 8) A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transaction is stopped if the extracted data (9, 10) do not correspond to the data (9, 10) contained in the second message (24). 9) A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transaction is stopped if the extracted code (14) does not correspond to the code (14) contained in the second message (24). 10) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the encoded data (19) contained in the third message (17) are encoded by means of a program executed by the computer system (2) according to an encoding key (21). 11) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the encoded data (19) contained in the third message (17) are decoded by means of a computer program executed by the computer system (16) according to a decoding key (27). 12) A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the decoding key (27) is assigned to the third code (18) and contained, together with said third code (18), in a data base (26) connected to the third computer system (16). 13) A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the decoding key (27) is disabled or cancelled after use. 14) A system for transmitting data over a computer network (3), said system comprising at least a first computer system (2), a second computer system (5) and a third computer system (16) adapted to be connected to the communication network (3), wherein said at least first computer system (2) is adapted to send at least a first message (7) to at least the second computer system (5), with said first message (7) containing at least a first code (8) and data (9, 10); said at least second computer system (5) is adapted to send at least a second message (24) to the third computer system (16), with said second message (24) containing a second code (14) as well as the first code (8) and the data (9, 10); said at least first computer system (2) is adapted to send at least a third message (17) to the at least third computer system (16), with said third message (17) containing a third code (18) as well as encoded data (19) containing the second code (14) and the data (9, 10); with said at least third computer system (16) comprising means for performing the following steps: decoding the encoded data (19) to extract the second code (14) and the data (9, 10) from the encoded data (19); generating a fourth code on the basis of the third code (18); comparing the extracted data (9, 10) with the data (9, 10) contained in the second message (24); comparing the extracted code (14) with the second code (14) contained in the second message (24); comparing the fourth code with the first code (8) contained in the second message (24). 15) A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the third computer system (16 ) is adapted to send further messages (32, 33) to the first and second computer systems (2, 5) depending on the result of at least one of the comparison steps. 16) A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first, second and third computer system (2), (5) (16) are adapted to be used by a user (1), a merchant (4) and an account manager (15), respectively, for executing commercial transactions. 17) A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third computer system (16) is adapted to charge an amount on the user (1) depending on the result of at least one of the comparison steps. 18) A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second computer system (5) is a adapted to send a fourth message (13) to the first computer system (2) after receipt of the first message (7), with said fourth message (13) containing a confirmation of receipt of the first message (7) as well as the second code (14). 19) A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third computer system (16) further comprises means for stopping the transaction if the fourth code generated does not correspond to the first code (8) contained in the second message (24). 20) A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third computer system (16) further comprises means for stopping the transaction if the extracted data (9, 10) do not correspond to the data (9, 10) contained in the second message (24). 21) A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third computer system (16) further comprises means for stopping the transaction if the extracted code (14) does not correspond to the second code (14) contained in the second message (24). 22) A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first computer system (2) is adapted to execute a program for encoding the data (19) contained in the third message (17) according to an encoding key (21). 23) A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the third computer system (16) is adapted to execute a program fro decoding the encoded data (19) contained in the third message (17) according to a decoding key (27). 24) A system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the third computer system (16) is connected to a data base (26) containing the decoding key (27) and the code (18). 25) A system for transmitting data over a computer network (3), said system comprising at least a first computer system (2) and a second computer system (16) adapted to be connected to the communication network (3), wherein said at least first computer system (2) is adapted to send at least a first message (17) to the at least second computer system (16), with said first message (17) containing a first code (18) as well as encoded data (19) containing a second code (14) and data (9, 10); with said at least second computer system (16) comprising means for performing the following steps: decoding the encoded data (19) contained in the first message (17) to extract the second code (14) and the data (9, 10) from the encoded data (19); generating a third code (8) on the basis of the first code (18); comparing the extracted data (9, 10) with corresponding data (9, 10) contained in a second message (24); comparing the extracted code (14) with a corresponding code (14) contained in the second message (24); comparing the third code (8) with a corresponding code (8) contained in the third message (24). 26) A system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the second computer system (16 ) is adapted to send further messages (32, 33) to the first computer system (2) depending on the result of at least one of the comparison steps. 27) A system as claimed in claim 25, wherein said first and second computer system (2), (16) are adapted to be used by a user (1) and an account manager (15), respectively, for executing commercial transactions. 28) A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the second computer system (16) is adapted to charge an amount on the user (1) depending on the result of at least one of the comparison steps. 29) A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the second computer system (16) further comprises means for stopping the transaction if the third code generated does not correspond to the code (8) contained in the second message (24). 30) A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the second computer system (16) further comprises means for stopping the transaction if the data (9, 10) extracted from the first message (17) do not correspond to the data (9, 10) contained in the second message (24). 31) A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the computer system (16) further comprises means for stopping the transaction if the code extracted from the first message (17) does not correspond to the code (14) contained in the second message (24). 32) A system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the first computer system (2) is adapted to execute a program for encoding the data (19) according to an encoding key (21). 33) A system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the second computer system (16) is adapted to execute a program for decoding the encoded data (19) according to a decoding key (27). 34) A system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the second computer system (16) is connected to a data base (26) containing the decoding key (27) and the third code (18). |
<SOH> FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to the field of data communication technology; in particular, the present invention relates to a method and a system for communicating and transmitting data over a communication network such as the public switchboard telephone network, cellular phone systems, the internet, or an intranet, etc, allowing to improve the security and the reliability of the transmission. The method and the system according to the present invention finds useful application in the field of commercial transactions; in particular, the method of the present invention can be used for buying and/or ordering goods and/or services in a reliable manner over the internet. The present application also relates to a system for carrying out such a method. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.